Material Chemistry and Sustainable Building (Coursera)

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

This course is part of the Healthier Materials and Sustainable Building Specialization.

What you'll learn

- Develop a scientific understanding of toxic chemicals in building materials and their impact on human health

- Explore chemical innovations in healthier and more sustainable building materials

- Apply strategies for reducing exposure to toxic chemicals in the built environment

Syllabus

Chemistry of Building Materials and Human Health

Module 1

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!

Toxicology of the Built Environment

Module 2

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

Module 3

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!