Unit 6: Respiratory & Systemic Disease
Examine the mechanisms by which air pollutants cause respiratory diseases and systemic health effects, from molecular pathology to population-level health impacts.
Unit Overview
This unit applies principles of cell biology, genetics, and epidemiology to understand how air pollution causes disease. Students explore the pathophysiology of asthma, COPD, and cardiovascular disease, and learn to conduct quantitative health risk assessments. The unit integrates molecular mechanisms with population health statistics.
Lessons
Asthma Mechanisms
Analyze the immunological and physiological mechanisms of asthma triggered by air pollutants
EngageCOPD and Chronic Exposure
Investigate how chronic pollutant exposure leads to progressive lung disease
ExploreCardiovascular Impacts
Examine how inhaled particles affect the cardiovascular system through multiple pathways
ExplainCancer Risk Assessment
Apply quantitative methods to estimate cancer risk from air pollutant exposure
ElaborateHealth Impact Analysis
Conduct comprehensive health impact assessments for air quality scenarios
Evaluate