Housing, Acoustics and Health

The aim of this module is to provide an understanding of how the built environment has an impact upon public health.  There is a particular emphasis within the module on noise pollution (acoustics).  The module begins with a historical consideration of the built environment within the UK as it relates to public health.  Building construction processes and techniques are introduced along with the derivation of building standards, associated legislation and, the methods used in the identification of housing defects.  

Noise pollution will include the techniques and legislation associated with the measurement of sound, the analysis of noise and the aural environment.  A practical exercise within the module will introduce the methods used to measure the impacts of sound insulation.

The module will equip students with the knowledge required to enable detailed property inspections, to enable the identification of hazards to health within the built environment especially in the context of noise pollution, and to enable the production of reports and recommendations associated with professional interventions.

On successful completion of this module the student will be able to:

• Demonstrate a clear understanding of the relationships that exist between housing and health
• Demonstrate knowledge of housing types within the UK, the techniques used in building construction and, an understanding of common building defects
• Show an understanding of the principles associated with environmental noise and its control
• Describe the primary legislation within the UK as it relates to the built environment
• Understand how to inspect, assess, and audit premises to ensure that legislation as it relates to the built environment is complied with 

This is an SCQF Level 10 module and upon successful completion, participants will be awarded 20 credits.

Delivery 

This module will run one day per week over 6 weeks, from 9am to 4pm online.

Coursework

Comprises three written reports (60%) and in-class tests (40%).

Course presenter

This module will be delivered by Jan Miller.

NOTE: This is a university module and upon approval of your application, you will be invited to register and then supported to complete enrolment. To enrol on the university system, the first step involves security set-up using the Microsoft Authenticator app; you will need to ensure that you have a compatible smartphone.

Further information is available at the Student Information Portal.

To access this module via the CPD route, individuals should be ordinarily resident in Scotland.  If you do not meet this criteria, please enquire here.