What is Building Biology?
Originating from Germany, Building Biology is a science that investigates
the health hazards in and around the built environment. These hazards
include everything from the products we use to air, water and biological
contaminants as well as electromagnetic fields and geopathic stress.
Health statistics over the past few years tell the story.
Breast cancer
has more than doubled since the 1960s, the age of puberty is dramatically declining, 1 in 4 children have asthma,
and IVF is where you go to have children.
Could these conditions
be linked to the homes in which we live?
Building biologists certainly
think so!
According to the World Health Organisation, every year indoor
air pollution is responsible for the death of 1.6 million people -
that's one death every 20 seconds! (WHO, 2007). Despite the legislation and financial resources put into addressing
ambient (outdoor) air pollution, very little is done to address indoor
air quality even though it is five times more polluted (WHO,
2007). Since World War 11, with the development of the chemical
and plastics industries, we have unleashed a plethora of chemicals
into our air and water supplies. Almost 80% of the ingredients in our household products have never been tested
to determine their impact on human health. Despite the growing scientific evidence associating
these hazards with specific disease states, there are few professionals
who truly understand the synergistic impact they may have on the mental
and physical state of human beings let alone the ecology of the planet.
Building biology provides a holistic examination of the built environment
and provides realistic solutions to create buildings that support
the mind, body and soul. For more information, advice, products and
services on Building Biology, visit www.buildingbiology.com.au.
About the Course
The Certificate IV in Building Biology (22141VIC) is the only nationally accredited course of its kind in Australia. Government funding is available to eligible students (refer to Funding below). It is designed for those seeking a rewarding career change who are passionate about wanting to make a difference in the health of peoples lives. In contrast, the Building Biology Fundamentals course is a home study course designed for those who want to learn about the health hazards in their home. This is ideal for natural therapists and parents of children with allergies who wish to create a healthy home. For more information about the course,
click HERE.
Investment & Funding
Each subject costs $695. The cost of completing eight subjects in the Certificate IV in Building Biology (22141VIC) is $5,560. As a private college, we do not receive any government funding, as such there are no discounts available however you may be eligible for government funding via Austudy (apply through Centrelink) or Parents Returning to Earning Grant. A subject must be paid for in its entirety prior to attendance on campus or, in the case of correspondence, before the manual and DVDs are sent to you. We do not accept upfront payment for the entire course; students are to pay as they go for each subject. We accept cheque, credit card, money order and direct deposit.
Flexible
Study Options
With our flexible delivery options you can study the building biology course primarily via correspondence anytime and
anywhere in the world. Once enrolled in a correspondence
subject, you will receive a course information pack containing
a comprehensive manual, DVDs of the lectures (to enable you to watch
the lectures on your TV or PC), the contact details of your tutor,
student learning guide (outlining the aims and assessments for that
subject), student handbook (outlining college policies and procedures)
and free access to the Yahoo group (this will enable you to communicate
with other students doing the course). You have up to 14 weeks complete a subject. You may enrol in a correspondence subject any time of the year!
In order to complete the practical component
of the course, students will need to
attend a seven day intensive in Melbourne which will cover the Electrobiology and Air Sampling subjects both of which are only available on campus. Students who wish to do the Geobiology subject as their elective, will stay an additional 3 days. The intensive is only held once yearly in late January in Melbourne. Students have a maximum of two years to complete
the Certificate from the time they enrol in their first subject.
Role of a Building Biologist
A Building Biologist identifies the health hazards in the built environment
from air, water and biological contaminants to electromagnetic field
pollution and geopathic stress. They educate people and offer solutions
to the health hazards that exist in their homes and workplaces and
that ignoring these hazards not only has an adverse effect on their
health, but in a wider sense, on the ecology of the planet.
A
Building Biologist also examines the use of building materials, their
impact on indoor air quality as well as their embodied energy 'from
the cradle to the grave' in order to assist in the selection of alternative
and sustainable materials. A building biologist will identify and
make recommendations to mitigate the multitude of health hazards that
exist in our home and work places with the intention of creating an
environment that supports our mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing.
These hazards include:
* Air contaminants, air exchange rates, humidity and particulate levels.
* Water contaminants
* Mould and moisture problems
* Geopathic stress
* Electromagnetic radiation
Career
Opportunities
Most building biologists are self employed consultants who work in private practice.
The type of work they carry out generally involves the following:
* Electromagnetic field audits - mobile phone towers, substations, wireless technologies...
* Mould and indoor air quality audits
* Work with architects and draftpersons to design healthier buildings
* Work with natural therapists
to determine if the home or building is contributing to a patient's
illness
* Work with people who suspect their home is making them sick
* Training and conducting workshops to educate an unsuspecting public
about the hazards in their homes
* Identify the causes of poor work productivity and staff sick
leave in a business
Much more...
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