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MPH in Occupational And Environmental Health at Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research
Chennai, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is Occupational and Environmental Health at Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research Chennai?
This Occupational and Environmental Health program at Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research focuses on equipping public health professionals to identify, assess, and manage health risks arising from work environments and broader ecological factors. It addresses the critical need for experts in India''''s rapidly industrializing landscape, distinguishing itself through an integrated approach to workplace safety and environmental protection. There''''s a high industry demand for professionals who can navigate complex health regulations and implement preventative strategies.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for medical graduates, allied health professionals, and science graduates seeking to specialize in public health with a focus on workplace and environmental safety. It also caters to working professionals in EHS roles looking to upskill, or career changers transitioning into public health. Candidates from backgrounds in medicine, nursing, engineering, or environmental sciences with a strong interest in preventive health and policy are particularly suited.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse India-specific career paths in governmental bodies like pollution control boards, industrial safety directorates, and public health departments. They can also find roles as EHS managers, occupational health specialists, or consultants in large corporations, manufacturing units, and research organizations. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 4-7 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more as they contribute to safer workplaces and healthier communities in India.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Public Health Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to thoroughly understand foundational subjects like Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Environmental Health. These form the bedrock for specialized learning. Actively participate in classroom discussions, clarify doubts, and build strong conceptual clarity.
Tools & Resources
Textbooks, Online public health courses (Coursera, edX), Peer study groups
Career Connection
A strong foundation ensures you can critically analyze public health data and articulate issues, crucial for all future roles and research opportunities.
Develop Data Analysis Skills Early- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond theoretical knowledge, focus on practical application of biostatistics and research methodology. Learn to use statistical software and interpret data effectively. Practice with real public health datasets to build confidence.
Tools & Resources
R/Python for statistical analysis, SPSS/Stata tutorials, Publicly available health datasets (NHM, WHO India)
Career Connection
Proficiency in data analysis is highly valued across all public health sectors, leading to roles in research, policy, and program evaluation.
Engage in Interdisciplinary Learning- (Semester 1-2)
Public health is inherently multidisciplinary. Seek opportunities to understand perspectives from social sciences, health economics, and communication. Collaborate with peers from diverse academic backgrounds to broaden your outlook.
Tools & Resources
Interdepartmental seminars, Guest lectures by experts from different fields, Public health journals
Career Connection
An interdisciplinary approach prepares you for complex public health challenges and enhances your ability to work in diverse teams, a key requirement in policy and implementation roles.
Intermediate Stage
Intensify Specialization-Specific Knowledge- (Semester 3)
Deep dive into Occupational Health and Environmental Risk Assessment. Read advanced literature, attend specialized workshops, and follow industry best practices in India. Focus on understanding current legislation and guidelines.
Tools & Resources
NIOSH/OSHA guidelines (adapted to Indian context), Ministry of Labour & Employment documents, Environmental Protection Agency (India) reports
Career Connection
Building deep expertise in OEH makes you a specialist, highly sought after by industries and regulatory bodies for specific roles.
Seek Applied Field Experience- (Semester 3-4)
Actively participate in your Field Practicum opportunities. Look for internships with industrial units, NGOs focused on environmental health, or government bodies like pollution control boards. Gain hands-on experience in hazard identification, risk assessment, and program implementation.
Tools & Resources
Institute''''s placement cell, Networking with faculty and alumni, Industry associations (CII, FICCI EHS councils)
Career Connection
Practical field experience is crucial for bridging theory and practice, making you job-ready and providing invaluable networking opportunities for future placements.
Develop Project Management and Communication Skills- (Semester 3-4)
Work diligently on your Project Work, viewing it as a real-world problem-solving exercise. Focus on clear project planning, effective team collaboration, and compelling presentation of findings. Practice communicating complex OEH concepts to diverse audiences.
Tools & Resources
Project management software (Trello, Asana), Presentation tools (PowerPoint, Canva), Public speaking workshops
Career Connection
Strong project management and communication skills are essential for leading initiatives, influencing policy, and securing managerial roles in public health.
Advanced Stage
Focus on Thesis/Project for Career Advancement- (Semester 4)
Utilize your Project Work Part II as a capstone experience. Choose a topic directly relevant to your career aspirations within OEH, conduct rigorous research, and aim for publishable quality. This demonstrates advanced analytical and research capabilities.
Tools & Resources
Academic research databases (PubMed, Scopus), Statistical review from faculty mentors, Scientific writing guides
Career Connection
A strong, well-executed project enhances your resume, showcases your expertise, and can directly lead to research positions or influence potential employers.
Network and Engage Professionally- (Semester 4)
Attend national and international conferences, workshops, and seminars related to occupational and environmental health. Join professional bodies. Network with practitioners, researchers, and policymakers to stay updated and explore career opportunities.
Tools & Resources
Indian Public Health Association (IPHA), Indian Association of Occupational Health (IAOH), LinkedIn for professional networking
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to mentorship, job opportunities, and collaborations, significantly boosting your career trajectory and visibility in the field.
Prepare for Placements and Interviews- (Semester 4)
Actively prepare for placement interviews, focusing on case studies, technical questions related to OEH, and behavioral aspects. Tailor your resume and cover letter to specific job descriptions. Seek mock interviews and feedback from career services.
Tools & Resources
SRIHER Career Guidance Cell, Mock interview sessions, Industry-specific interview prep guides
Career Connection
Thorough preparation ensures you confidently articulate your skills and knowledge, increasing your chances of securing desirable placements in top organizations.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Medical graduates (MBBS), BDS, BAMS, BHMS, BSMS, BPT, BOT, B.Pharm, Pharm.D, B.Sc. Nursing, B.V.Sc., or graduates in Allied Health Sciences, Life Sciences, Statistics and other equivalent degree as approved by Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (SRIHER) from time to time.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 74 Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPH1C01 | Introduction to Public Health | Core | 4 | Evolution and Scope of Public Health, Determinants of Health, Health Care Systems, Disease Prevention and Control, Health Promotion |
| MPH1C02 | Biostatistics | Core | 4 | Data Collection and Presentation, Measures of Central Tendency and Dispersion, Probability and Distributions, Hypothesis Testing and Confidence Intervals, Correlation and Regression Analysis |
| MPH1C03 | Epidemiology | Core | 4 | Measures of Disease Occurrence, Epidemiological Study Designs, Bias, Confounding, and Effect Modification, Screening for Diseases, Communicable and Non-Communicable Disease Epidemiology |
| MPH1C04 | Environmental Health | Core | 4 | Water and Sanitation, Air Pollution and Health, Solid and Hazardous Waste Management, Food Safety and Hygiene, Climate Change and Health Impacts |
| MPH1C05 | Health Communication and Health Education | Core | 4 | Communication Theories and Models, Health Belief Model and Stages of Change, IEC Strategies and Materials, Social Marketing for Health Promotion, Participatory Approaches in Health Education |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPH2C01 | Social and Behavioral Sciences | Core | 4 | Theories of Health Behavior, Socio-cultural Determinants of Health, Health Inequality and Equity, Community Participation in Health, Qualitative Research Methods |
| MPH2C02 | Health Systems, Policy and Management | Core | 4 | Components of Health Systems, Health Policy Formulation and Analysis, Health Financing Models, Human Resources for Health, Public Private Partnerships in Health |
| MPH2C03 | Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Research Design and Study Protocols, Sampling Techniques, Data Collection Tools and Methods, Ethical Considerations in Research, Grant Writing and Research Proposals |
| MPH2C04 | Demography and Population Sciences | Core | 4 | Demographic Transition Theory, Measures of Fertility and Mortality, Migration Patterns and Impacts, Population Structure and Dynamics, Population Policies and Programs |
| MPH2C05 | Health Economics and Health Care Financing | Core | 4 | Principles of Health Economics, Demand and Supply in Healthcare, Health Expenditure Analysis, Cost-Benefit and Cost-Effectiveness Analysis, Health Insurance and Universal Health Coverage |
| MPH2C06 | Academic Writing and Computer Applications | Core | 2 | Literature Search and Review, Scientific Writing and Referencing, Presentation Skills, Data Management using MS Excel, Introduction to Statistical Software |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPH3C07 | Occupational Health and Safety | Specialization Core | 4 | Work Environment and Hazards, Occupational Diseases and Injuries, Principles of Hazard Control, Occupational Health Legislation, Role of Occupational Health Services |
| MPH3C08 | Occupational Epidemiology and Biostatistics | Specialization Core | 4 | Study Designs in Occupational Health, Exposure Assessment Methods, Risk Assessment in Workplace, Occupational Disease Surveillance, Statistical Analysis in Occupational Health |
| MPH3C09 | Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology | Specialization Core | 4 | Chemical, Physical, and Biological Hazards, Exposure Monitoring and Assessment, Principles of Toxicology, Biomonitoring for Occupational Exposures, Risk Management and Control Measures |
| MPH3E01 | Occupational Health in Specific Industries | Specialization Elective | 4 | Occupational Health in Agriculture Sector, Hazards in Mining and Construction, Health Issues in Healthcare Workers, Occupational Health in IT Sector, Intervention Strategies for Specific Industries |
| MPH3P01 | Project Work - Part I | Project | 4 | Identification of Research Problem, Literature Review and Gap Analysis, Formulation of Research Objectives, Methodology Development, Data Collection Planning and Ethics |
| MPH3FP1 | Field Practicum - Part I | Practicum | 5 | Community Health Assessment, Program Planning and Implementation, Data Collection in Field Settings, Report Writing on Field Experiences, Presentation of Field Findings |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPH4C03 | Environmental Risk Assessment and Management | Specialization Core | 4 | Environmental Health Risk Assessment Models, Pollution Control Technologies, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Disaster Preparedness and Response, Waste Management Strategies |
| MPH4C04 | Health Promotion in Occupational and Environmental Settings | Specialization Core | 4 | Behavioral Change Theories for Workplace, Health Communication Strategies, Workplace Health Promotion Programs, Environmental Health Education Campaigns, Advocacy and Community Engagement |
| MPH4E02 | Ergonomics and Occupational Psychology | Specialization Elective | 4 | Principles of Ergonomics, Musculoskeletal Disorders and Prevention, Work-related Stress and Mental Health, Human Factors in Safety, Promoting a Positive Safety Culture |
| MPH4P02 | Project Work - Part II | Project | 8 | Data Analysis and Interpretation, Scientific Report Writing, Presentation of Research Findings, Dissemination Strategies, Formulating Policy Recommendations |
| MPH4FP2 | Field Practicum - Part II | Practicum | 5 | Advanced Field Exposure, Program Monitoring and Evaluation, Data Analysis of Field Data, Developing Policy Briefs, Stakeholder Engagement and Advocacy |
