Course Overview
Provides an overview of occupational diseases and their causes, prevalence, and prevention. Occupational health is defined as a multi-disciplinary approach to the recognition, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and control of work-related diseases and injuries. One module introduces how to set up and lead an occupational health program. Discusses respiratory, skin, liver, and kidney disorders. Explores occupational diseases of the nervous system and reproductive system, as well as those related to biological and physical agent exposures. A module on occupational cancer addresses this timely and controversial workplace concern. The course also highlights psychological health and safety, emphasizing how workplaces can address psychosocial hazards and foster supportive, mentally healthy environments
Prerequisite(s)
- 60% in OCHS 4320
Credits
3.0
Domestic fees
$222.16 - $685.26 See individual course offerings below for actual costs.
International fees are typically 3.4 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Define occupational disease, occupational health, and occupational toxicology.
- Describe how Canadian jurisdictions recognize occupational diseases.
- Identify primary, secondary, and tertiary approaches used in occupational health programs for prevention of occupation disease.
- Explain how the body interacts with foreign substances.
- Describe several respiratory disorders and their effects.
- Describe the physiology of how workplace neurotoxins affect the central and peripheral nervous systems.
- Explain how workplace agents can affect reproduction.
- Explain why and how the liver and kidneys are sensitive to toxic effects from foreign chemicals entering the body.
- Describe how several physical and biological agents are responsible for occupational disease.
- Describe the process for identifying occupational carcinogens.
- Explain the role of psychological health and safety in the workplace, including key terms, hazards, standards, and challenges.
Effective as of Fall 2025
Related Programs
Occupational Diseases (OCHS 4360) is offered as a part of the following programs:
- Indicates programs accepting international students.
School of Health Sciences
- Advanced Safety Management
Certificate Part-time
- Occupational Health and Safety Practitioners
Associate Certificate Part-time
Course Offerings
Fall 2026
Below are two offerings of OCHS 4360 for the Fall 2026 term.
CRN 32913
Dates
Sep 08 - Nov 27 Loading
- CRN 32913
- $685.26 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 08 - Nov 27 | N/A | N/A | Distance |
Duration
12 weeks
Instructor
TBD
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- Guided learning format.
- Important course information will be sent to you prior to your course start date. Check your myBCIT email account to access this information.
- This is an *** ONLINE *** Distance Education course. Internet access is required. Ensure you have an active e-mail address on file with BCIT, as you will receive a confirmation e-mail upon registration. COURSE MATERIALS / BOOKSTORE: The above price is for tuition only. If applicable, the required course materials can be purchased from the BCIT Distance and Online Bookstore at: www.bcitbookstore.ca/bcit/ ACCESS: Available on the first day of the term. Login via The Learning Hub at: learn.bcit.ca SPONSORED STUDENTS: www.bcit.ca/admission/tuition-fees/sponsorship/ This course will be offered again in the Winter Term (January-March)
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
Status
CRN 32914
Dates
Sep 08 - Nov 27 Loading
- CRN 32914
- $222.16 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 08 - Nov 27 | N/A | N/A | Distance |
Duration
12 weeks
Instructor
TBD
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- Available for re-registration (course extension) only.
- Important course information will be sent to you prior to your course start date. Check your myBCIT email account to access this information.
- This Re-Registration is ONLY for students, who have received permission to extend their course for another 12-week term at a reduced cost to complete all the course requirements pending from the previous term. ACCESS: Available on the first day of the term. Login via The Learning Hub at: learn.bcit.ca
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
Status
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.