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Course procedure: At the beginning of the course, we will introduce our topic “Occupational exposure to pesticides and effective communication of its risks.” The aim of the course is to develop frameworks for an interdisciplinary research project. Building on M1 IFG 1, we recap the basics of planning interdisciplinary research projects, and provide preliminary research questions. In tandems, students will then do literature research on pesticide exposure on the one hand and factors that hinder and facilitate effective risk communication. In each session, students present their latest progress, refine research questions, integrate (disciplinary) findings, and thereby develop an exemplary interdisciplinary research project over the course of the semester. We will guide you through this process, provide regular feedback, support with selection of literature, theories or methods and advice on interdisciplinary integration.
Interdisciplinary topic: The growth of the world's population requires the production of more food, which in turn drives the production and use of pesticides. Pesticides are used to increase crop productivity, but they also pose potential environmental and health risks. Pesticides can be toxic not only to unwanted insects, plants and other organisms, but also to non-target organisms and humans. In this sense, the exposure of horticultural workers to pesticides is of great concern. Many workers lack adequate knowledge about pesticides, their nature, safety practices and health risks. Therefore, effective risk communication efforts are needed to educate workers. The aim of this interdisciplinary study is to address occupational exposure to pesticides, assess the worker´s knowledge and health risk perceptions associated with them, and evaluate communication interventions and strategies to improve workers health and safety.
Main Literature: Menken, Steph & Keestra, Machiel (2016). An introduction to interdisciplinary research: Theory and practice. Amsterdam University Press. pp. 50–100. |
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