Winter Quarter 2005
Study Guide -- Final Examination

Introduction:

The final examination will consist of two kinds of questions -- short answer questions and two longer essay questions.

Short Answer Questions: The examination will consist of six short answer questions of which you will be required answer four (4). Below are some samples of the kinds of question that may be asked. These questions will explore various aspects of the materials covered in the lectures, your sections and your readings (McMichaels, Meadows, Center for Health Environment and Justice, Greenough, etc.). By short answer, we mean questions that can be answered in a paragraph or two.

Essay Questions: The examination will present you with the choice of answering one of two possible questions. These questions will explore broad themes or concepts that are woven throughout the course.  In addition, there will be  another essay question that everyone will be required to answer.

These questions will require that you synthesize the information presented and be able to apply the principles and concepts to the broad topic of human population and health. These questions ask you to make an argument and support it with evidence. Your answers will be judged both on content and organization. It would be wise to outline and write drafts of your answers beforehand.

Sample Short Answer Questions

1. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, what kinds of campaigns were undertaken in the United States and Europe to deal with environmental and public health problems? What were some of the successes of these efforts, and what were some of their shortcomings?
   
2. What kinds of human and environmental health effects can we imagine resulting from scenarios described in the Pentagon-sponsored report on climate change (Reading #6)?  How does this contrast with the Greenouhg, et al. paper (Reading #4)?  How should we respond to such "worst care scenarios" in our present-day policies and actions?
   
3. Identify three potential drivers of the emergence and/or re-emergence of pathogens in water. List examples of each. Choose one driver and give more details of the examples; e.g., if demographic changes, what is driving those demographic changes and what effects these changes contribute to potential human exposures to pathogens.
   
4. There are two parts to this question. First, use an example to explain the difference between risk and hazard? Second, using the same example, explain the role of dose-response relationship in a risk assessment.
   
5. McMichael discussed the concept of "ecological footprints". Is it possible for two cities with the same size population, covering the same land area to have different ecological footprints? Why or why not?
   
6. Describe three factors that help explain why malaria is still a major public health threat in many areas of the world.
   
7. Describe three (3) natural disasterss and their impact on population health.  Briefly suggest several reasons why populations live within proximity to such natural hazards.
   
8. What is the "sustainable housing movement"?  Describe at least three (3) ways in which organizations or individuals are helping to improve environmental and/or human health with sustainable housing.
   
9. Breifly describe Community Supported Agriculture and P=Patches.  Discuss some ways in which they can promote envrionmental and human health in local communities.

Possible Essay Questions:

1. Explain what is meant by the "Limits to Growth". Are the predictions made by the proponents of the Limits to Growth Model likely to come true? Why or why not? Support your answer with data or examples of current trends. What is the likely consequence of these for the health of human populations?
   
2. The course reviewed the impacts of human activities on the environment.  Impacts that often have negative consequences on human health and wel being.   On the other hand, we have also looked at several "livable city" initiatives throughout the world.  Discuss the concept of the "livable city" and describe three of these initiatives?
   
3. Critique McMichaels' approach to population and health. Referring to lectures, other readings, or internal contradictions in the book, what does he leave out?
   
4. The following is a recent press release from the United Nations:
   

   "A press release from the U.N. Population Fund (UNFPA) says global population is increasing by 77 million people a year, a rate of 1.3 percent. Half of the annual growth is occurring in six countries: India, China, Pakistan, Nigeria, Bangladesh and Indonesia. Most of the overall global population growth is expected to occur in developing nations. Fertility rates in lesser developed regions are expected to decline, but the new report has developed a range of projections, each based on different assumptions."

   What assumptions about fertility rate, mortality rate, demographic transition may underlie their estimates? Discuss regional differences hidden in this global projections. Could under-population be a problem in some regions of the world?