Biohazards and Biosafety

This course provides an introduction to risk and hazardous Environment, factors affecting environment, Risk management and Concepts of biosafe environment

Course Aim

This course aims to provide an overview of the field of biological safety and its application to the control biohazards in a wide variety of settings for MS students  who are interested in the epidemiology of microbial diseases.

Course learning objectives:

  •  To list the routes of exposure for a pathogen to a human being
  •  To demonstrate and assess the proper use of biological containment, 
  • To explain different biosafety levels, list the minimum controls required, and describe the type of agents appropriate for each level.
  •  To identify the role of the Biosafety Professional in Biomedical Research Laboratories
  • To identify the possible biohazards caused by anthropogenic activities 

Weekly Lecture Plan

Weeks

Course Contents

1-2

Detailed concept of risk and hazardous: Environment

3-4

Detailed concept of risk and hazardous: Environment

5-6

Factors, chemicals, biological radiations

7-8

Risk management: preventions, Surveillance, Monitoring committee. Judicial Right/ penalties.

9-10

Risk management: preventions, Surveillance, Monitoring committee. Judicial Right/ penalties.

11-12

Concepts of biosafe environment: terrestrial, marine, atmosphere.

13-14

Designating labs based on biosafety and containment parameters

15-16

Details of biological containment: plants, animals, microbes.

Readings/Bibliography

Biological safety: principles and practices, 4th edition, 2006, by D.O. Fleming and D.L. Hunt
(ed). ASM Press. Washington D.C.
2. Biological weapon defence: infectious diseases and counter bioterrorism. 2004. L.E. lindle ,
F.J. Lebeda. G. W. Korchhumana press.
3. Biodefence M.S. Bronze and R.A. Greenland. 2005. Horizon biosciences.
4. Laboratory biosafety Manual, 3rd edition, 2004, WHO. Geneva.
5. Biosafety in microbiological and biomedical laboratories. Centers for disease control and
prevention. National Institutes of health,., 5th edition, 2007.
6. Laboratory biosafety guidelines. Kennedy, M.E. et al., 2004. Eds. 3rd edition Ottawa office of
laboratory security, public health agency of Canada
Evaluation Methods

Sessional+Presentations:         15

Practicals:                                 25

Mid Term Exam:                       15

Final exam:                              45

Course Learning outcomes

  • Identify potential hazardous biological materials and the risks associated with them.
  • Select appropriate means to minimize risk and to protect against or prevent exposure.
  • Understand how to run a biorisk management program.

Other Courses by Dr Asma Ashfaq