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Alison Mears AIA, LEED AP
and
Catherine Murphy
This course covers a wide range of concepts related to toxicology and the chemistry of healthier materials. You learn about toxic substances in the built environment, the impact of specific chemicals on human health, unsatisfactory substitutions, and barriers to change. Finally, you examine ways to remove chemicals of concern in common building products. This course is designed to give you a basic understanding of chemistry in the built environment. This course is intended for anyone, but experience in design, architecture, or a similar field will be beneficial.
Read more
This course covers a wide range of concepts related to toxicology and the chemistry of healthier materials. You learn about toxic substances in the built environment, the impact of specific chemicals on human health, unsatisfactory substitutions, and barriers to change. Finally, you examine ways to remove chemicals of concern in common building products. This course is designed to give you a basic understanding of chemistry in the built environment. This course is intended for anyone, but experience in design, architecture, or a similar field will be beneficial.
Read more
This course covers a wide range of concepts related to toxicology and the chemistry of healthier materials. You learn about toxic substances in the built environment, the impact of specific chemicals on human health, unsatisfactory substitutions, and barriers to change. Finally, you examine ways to remove chemicals of concern in common building products. This course is designed to give you a basic understanding of chemistry in the built environment. This course is intended for anyone, but experience in design, architecture, or a similar field will be beneficial.
By the end of this course, you’ll have gained:
• A scientific understanding of toxic chemicals in building materials and their impact on human health
• Knowledge of healthier and more sustainable building materials
• The ability to apply strategies for reducing exposure to toxic chemicals in the built environment
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/cchosz/material
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What's inside
Syllabus
Chemistry of Building Materials and Human Health
Welcome to Chemistry of Building Materials and Human Health. This week, we'll learn about the essentials of chemistry, materials, and human health. We will analyze the implications of toxic chemicals in the built environment. By the end of this week, you will know how Green Chemistry can be used to create healthier materials. Let's get started!
Read more
Syllabus
Chemistry of Building Materials and Human Health
Welcome to Chemistry of Building Materials and Human Health. This week, we'll learn about the essentials of chemistry, materials, and human health. We will analyze the implications of toxic chemicals in the built environment. By the end of this week, you will know how Green Chemistry can be used to create healthier materials. Let's get started!
Read more
Toxicology of the Built Environment
Welcome to Toxicology of the Built Environment. This week, we'll learn about the principles of toxicology and how to evaluate the toxicology of chemicals. You will gain an understanding of how hormone disrupting chemicals pose a specific risk in the built environment. We will see why this is especially important to consider in the context of vulnerable populations. Let's get started!
Understanding Chemicals of Concern and Driving Change
Welcome to Understanding Chemicals of Concern and Driving Change. This week, we'll learn about chemical classification for safety, the specific classes of chemicals of concern, and how to take action through tools for evaluating materials and chemicals. We will then explore how to reduce exposure to the chemical classes of concern. You will discover how to screen and evaluate chemicals in building materials. Let's get started!
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Covers the fundamental principles of chemistry relevant to the built environment, making it suitable for beginners
Provides a strong foundation in toxicology, focusing on the impact of chemicals on human health
Emphasizes practical strategies for reducing exposure to toxic chemicals in building materials
Instructed by professionals with expertise in architecture, sustainable design, and environmental health
Aligned with current industry standards and best practices for healthier building design
Save this course
Save Material Chemistry and Sustainable Building to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Material Chemistry and Sustainable Building with these
activities:
Organize and review course materials
Show steps
Take the time to organize and review your lecture notes, readings, and other course materials to enhance retention.
Show steps
-
Go through your notes and highlight important concepts
-
Create a study guide that summarizes the key points of each module
-
Review your materials regularly to reinforce your understanding
Form a study group
Show steps
Join or form a study group with classmates to discuss course topics, quiz each other, and provide support.
Show steps
-
Find other students in your course who are interested in forming a study group
-
Set regular meeting times and locations
-
Create a study schedule and decide how you will divide up the course material
Attend a workshop on healthy building materials
Show steps
Find and participate in workshops that offer practical training and insights into the use of healthier building materials.
Browse courses on
Sustainable Design
Show steps
-
Research upcoming workshops in your area
-
Register for a workshop that aligns with your interests
-
Attend the workshop and take notes on key concepts
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Learn about common toxic chemicals
Show steps
Explore resources that detail the common toxic chemicals found in building materials and their potential health effects.
Show steps
-
Find a reputable online course or tutorial that provides an overview of toxic chemicals
-
Take notes on the different types of toxic chemicals, their sources, and their health effects
-
Complete any quizzes or assignments associated with the tutorial
Practice identifying hazardous building materials
Show steps
Develop your skills in recognizing and identifying building materials that may contain toxic chemicals.
Browse courses on
Hazardous Materials
Show steps
-
Find a reference guide or online tool that provides images and descriptions of hazardous building materials
-
Practice identifying hazardous materials in your own home or in public buildings
-
Take a practice quiz to test your knowledge
Write a report on the impact of a specific chemical
Show steps
Research and analyze the health effects and environmental impact of a specific chemical commonly found in building materials.
Browse courses on
Toxicology
Show steps
-
Choose a specific chemical to research
-
Gather information on the chemical's properties, uses, and health effects
-
Write a report summarizing your findings and discussing the implications for human health and the environment
Design a healthier building
Show steps
Apply the principles of toxicology and healthy building materials to design a hypothetical building that prioritizes occupant health.
Browse courses on
Sustainable Design
Show steps
-
Choose a building type and location
-
Research and select building materials that meet health and sustainability criteria
-
Create a design plan that incorporates your material choices and demonstrates how the building will promote occupant health
Create a presentation on a topic of interest
Show steps
Develop a presentation that explores a specific topic related to toxicology or healthy building materials.
Browse courses on
Toxicology
Show steps
-
Choose a topic that you are interested in and that is relevant to the course
-
Research your topic and gather information
-
Create a presentation that is visually appealing and engaging
Organize and review course materials
Show steps
Take the time to organize and review your lecture notes, readings, and other course materials to enhance retention.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Go through your notes and highlight important concepts
- Create a study guide that summarizes the key points of each module
- Review your materials regularly to reinforce your understanding
Form a study group
Show steps
Join or form a study group with classmates to discuss course topics, quiz each other, and provide support.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find other students in your course who are interested in forming a study group
- Set regular meeting times and locations
- Create a study schedule and decide how you will divide up the course material
Attend a workshop on healthy building materials
Show steps
Find and participate in workshops that offer practical training and insights into the use of healthier building materials.
Browse courses on
Sustainable Design
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research upcoming workshops in your area
- Register for a workshop that aligns with your interests
- Attend the workshop and take notes on key concepts
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Learn about common toxic chemicals
Show steps
Explore resources that detail the common toxic chemicals found in building materials and their potential health effects.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a reputable online course or tutorial that provides an overview of toxic chemicals
- Take notes on the different types of toxic chemicals, their sources, and their health effects
- Complete any quizzes or assignments associated with the tutorial
Practice identifying hazardous building materials
Show steps
Develop your skills in recognizing and identifying building materials that may contain toxic chemicals.
Browse courses on
Hazardous Materials
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a reference guide or online tool that provides images and descriptions of hazardous building materials
- Practice identifying hazardous materials in your own home or in public buildings
- Take a practice quiz to test your knowledge
Write a report on the impact of a specific chemical
Show steps
Research and analyze the health effects and environmental impact of a specific chemical commonly found in building materials.
Browse courses on
Toxicology
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a specific chemical to research
- Gather information on the chemical's properties, uses, and health effects
- Write a report summarizing your findings and discussing the implications for human health and the environment
Design a healthier building
Show steps
Apply the principles of toxicology and healthy building materials to design a hypothetical building that prioritizes occupant health.
Browse courses on
Sustainable Design
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a building type and location
- Research and select building materials that meet health and sustainability criteria
- Create a design plan that incorporates your material choices and demonstrates how the building will promote occupant health
Create a presentation on a topic of interest
Show steps
Develop a presentation that explores a specific topic related to toxicology or healthy building materials.
Browse courses on
Toxicology
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a topic that you are interested in and that is relevant to the course
- Research your topic and gather information
- Create a presentation that is visually appealing and engaging
Career center
Learners who complete Material Chemistry and Sustainable Building will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Materials Scientist
Materials Scientist
A Materials Scientist designs and develops new materials for a variety of industries, from healthcare to manufacturing. One of the key responsibilities of a Materials Scientist is to ensure that the materials they develop are safe for human use. This course in Material Chemistry and Sustainable Building will provide you with a strong foundation in the chemistry of building materials and their impact on human health. You will also learn how to evaluate the toxicity of chemicals and how to reduce exposure to toxic chemicals in the built environment. This knowledge will be invaluable in your career as a Materials Scientist, as it will help you to design and develop materials that are both safe and sustainable.
Industrial Hygienist
Industrial Hygienist
An Industrial Hygienist is responsible for assessing and controlling workplace hazards. This can include identifying and evaluating chemical hazards, as well as developing and implementing programs to reduce exposure to these hazards. This course will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the toxicology of the built environment. You will also learn how to evaluate the toxicity of chemicals and how to develop strategies for reducing exposure to toxic chemicals. This course will help you to build a strong foundation for a career in Industrial Hygiene.
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Engineer
An Environmental Engineer designs and implements solutions to environmental problems, such as air and water pollution. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the chemistry of building materials and their impact on the environment. You will also learn how to evaluate the environmental impact of chemicals and how to develop strategies for reducing environmental pollution. This course will help you to build a strong foundation for a career in Environmental Engineering.
Toxicologist
Toxicologist
A Toxicologist studies the effects of toxic chemicals on human health. This course will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the toxicology of the built environment. You will also learn how to evaluate the toxicity of chemicals and how to develop strategies for reducing exposure to toxic chemicals. This course will help you to build a strong foundation for a career in Toxicology.
Building Inspector
Building Inspector
A Building Inspector ensures that buildings meet building codes and safety regulations. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the chemistry of building materials and their impact on human health. You will also learn how to evaluate the safety of building materials and how to identify and correct building hazards. This course will help you to build a strong foundation for a career as a Building Inspector.
Architect
Architect
The completion of this course will help people who want to become an Architect learn about the major chemistry of building materials and human health, the toxicology of the built environment, understanding chemicals of concern, and driving change within the industry.
Construction Manager
Construction Manager
The completion of this course will benefit those who want to become a Construction Manager and help them learn about the major chemistry of building materials and human health, the toxicology of the built environment, understanding chemicals of concern, and driving change within the industry.
Sustainability Consultant
Sustainability Consultant
The major topics of this course may help people who want to become a Sustainability Consultant, including the chemistry of building materials and human health, the toxicology of the built environment, understanding chemicals of concern, and driving change within the industry.
Product Designer
Product Designer
The major chemistry of building materials and human health, the toxicology of the built environment, understanding chemicals of concern, and driving change within the industry are all topics taught in this course that will help those who want to become a Product Designer.
Materials Engineer
Materials Engineer
This course may benefit people who want to become a Materials Engineer and help them learn about the major chemistry of building materials and human health, the toxicology of the built environment, understanding chemicals of concern, and driving change within the industry.
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Scientist
The major chemistry of building materials and human health, the toxicology of the built environment, understanding chemicals of concern, and driving change within the industry are all topics taught in this course that will help those who want to become a Environmental Scientist.
Interior designer
Interior designer
This course may benefit people who want to become a Interior Designer and help them learn about the major chemistry of building materials and human health, the toxicology of the built environment, understanding chemicals of concern, and driving change within the industry.
Chemical Engineer
Chemical Engineer
The major topics of this course may help people who want to become a Chemical Engineer, including the chemistry of building materials and human health, the toxicology of the built environment, understanding chemicals of concern, and driving change within the industry.
Civil Engineer
Civil Engineer
This course may benefit people who want to become a Civil Engineer and help them learn about the major chemistry of building materials and human health, the toxicology of the built environment, understanding chemicals of concern, and driving change within the industry.
Environmental Health Scientist
Environmental Health Scientist
The major chemistry of building materials and human health, the toxicology of the built environment, understanding chemicals of concern, and driving change within the industry are all topics taught in this course that will help those who want to become a Environmental Health Scientist.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/cchosz/material
Reading list
We've selected six books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Material Chemistry and Sustainable Building.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of Green Chemistry, including its principles, applications, and challenges. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about this important field. This book is considered a foundational text on green chemistry and is commonly used as a textbook.
Provides a comprehensive review of the health risks of phthalates, a class of chemicals commonly used in building materials. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about this important topic.
Provides practical tips on how to make your home more sustainable and healthy. It valuable resource for anyone interested in green building and remodeling.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the relationship between the built environment and public health. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about this important topic.
Provides a comprehensive overview of indoor air quality engineering, from basic principles to advanced applications. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about this important topic.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of green building, from planning to construction to operation. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about this important topic.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/cchosz/material
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Level
Intermediate
Via
Coursera
Institution
Parsons School of Design, The New School
Instructors
Alison Mears AIA, LEED AP
Catherine Murphy
Language
English
This course belongs to a
collection
called
Healthier Materials and Sustainable Building. It's comprised of four courses:
- Sustainable Building: Design and Specification
- Material Chemistry and Sustainable Building (viewing)
- Sustainable Construction in a Circular Economy
- Building Materials and Human Health
Good to know
Covers the fundamental principles of chemistry relevant to the built environment, making it suitable for beginners
Provides a strong foundation in toxicology, focusing on the impact of chemicals on human health
Emphasizes practical strategies for reducing exposure to toxic chemicals in building materials
Instructed by professionals with expertise in architecture, sustainable design, and environmental health
Aligned with current industry standards and best practices for healthier building design
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