- International Fees
International fees are typically 3.25 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
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
$217.52 - $671.54 See individual course offerings below for actual costs.
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
Winter 2026
Below are two offerings of OCHS 4360 for the Winter 2026 term.
CRN 46416
Dates
Jan 05 - Mar 27 Loading
- CRN 46416
- $671.54 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 05 - Mar 27 | N/A | N/A | Distance |
Duration
12 weeks
Instructor
Gurleen Bhatia
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.
- International fees are typically 3.25 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
- REGISTER ONLY IF YOU HAVE COMPLETED THE PREREQUISITE: OCHS 4320. ***** This Distance Education course is delivered through a combination of: PRINT (Course Materials) + ONLINE - including online exams. Internet access is required. To be successful, plan to spend 8-12 hours per week on your studies, starting Week 1. Tutor support is available by e-mail (or by phone, if pre-arranged). Upon registration, expect to receive a confirmation e-mail entitled “OCHS 4360 - Winter Term - Course Information from BCIT”. Ensure you have an active e-mail address on file with BCIT so you don't miss this important e-mail. PRINT COURSE MATERIALS / BOOKSTORE: The above price is for tuition only. The course materials (Course Manual + Textbook) are additional. Place your order with the BCIT Bookstore online at www.bcit.ca/bookstore/ or by phone at 604-432-8379 / 1-877-333-8379 (option 3) - on or after November 21. ONLINE COMPONENT: Accessible the morning of January term start- and includes the: Course Outline, Course Study Guide, Assignment Package, module Self-Tests, and MidTerm/Final Exams. Login via The Learning Hub at: learn.bcit.ca. SPONSORED STUDENTS: Information is available on the BCIT website. For course registration: www.bcit.ca/admission/fees/sponsorship.shtml. For course materials: www.bcit.ca/bookstore/sponsored.shtml. It is recommended that a “Proposed Program” (outlining the entire OH&S 45-credit Certificate) be requested by contacting the Program Head, Dave Wood at 604-432-8220 / 1-800-663-6542, ext. 8220 or David_Wood@bcit.ca. This “Proposed Program” will assist both sponsor and sponsored student with overall course planning and costs. Contact with the Program Head should be made at least 4 weeks prior to term start. IMPORTANT: Late registration will NOT be accepted (registration closes the day before the term starts - subject to availability). This course will be offered again in the Spring Term (April-June). Registration will open end February -- online or by phone (604-434-1610 / 1-866-434-1610, option 2).
Status
CRN 47170
Dates
Jan 05 - Mar 27 Loading
- CRN 47170
- $217.52 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 05 - Mar 27 | N/A | N/A | Distance |
Duration
12 weeks
Instructor
Gurleen Bhatia
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.
- International fees are typically 3.25 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
- RE-REGISTER in this section ONLY if you were registered in the previous Fall Term, and did not complete all course requirements. This is a one-time option to extend for another 12-week term at a reduced tuition fee. Course work submitted in the Fall Term will be retained; you are ONLY required to submit outstanding course work. Tutor support available by e-mail (or by phone, if pre-arranged). Upon Re-Registration, expect to receive a confirmation e-mail entitled “OCHS 4360 - Winter Term - Course Information from BCIT”. NO additional print course materials are required from the BCIT Bookstore. The Student Handbook + Request To Write Exam forms will be available prior to the Winter Term at: www.bcit.ca/distance/learnersupport/resources.shtml. Your initial course from the Fall Term will remain open for VIEWING for several years. HOWEVER, access to your Re-Registration course in the Winter Term will be available January term start. You will need to access the Winter Term of the course in order to submit any outstanding assignments and/or write any outstanding online exams. Login via The Learning Hub at: learn.bcit.ca. NOTE: If you previously completed all course requirements, and failed the course - DO NOT RE-REGISTER. You must register in the Distance Learning course again at full tuition.
Status
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice.