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The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Introduction to Indoor Air Quality

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology via Coursera

Overview

Course Overview: https://youtu.be/LLVb4FOn4uU This course provides a basic knowledge of an emerging area – Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in buildings. Learners will realize the importance of maintaining proper IAQ. Characteristics associated with indoor air contaminants (IAC) are demonstrated, such as • Particulate matters (PM2.5, PM10) • Radon • Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) • Asbestos • Bio-aerosols, and more Safe exposure levels, resulting health effects, measurement techniques, mitigate and control measures of these IAC are discussed. Other important areas related to IAQ such as building ventilation systems, indoor flow characteristics, sick building syndrome, and thermal comfort are also covered in this course.

Syllabus

  • Introduction to Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
    • Why do we care about Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)? In the first module, basic concepts of IAQ are illustrated. Besides, Ventilation is effective in improving IAQ in general. We shall look into the ventilation concept, methodologies, and measurement techniques.
  • Radon and Indoor Aerosol
    • In this module, two major Indoor Air Contaminants - Radon and Indoor Aerosol are discussed. Their properties, sources, health impacts, mitigation and control measures are explained. Besides, we will look into another effective method to improve IAQ - Use of Air Cleaners. Some industries, such as pharmaceutical and semiconductor manufacturing, require very high cleanliness indoor environments. We will look into how professionals build cleanrooms for these industries.
  • VOCs, Ozone and Combustion Related Pollutants
    • In this module, three other major Indoor Air Contaminants that can easily be found at home and office. - (1) Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), (2) Ozone and (3) Combustion related Air Contaminants (i.e., Carbon Monoxide and Nitrogen Dioxide) are introduced.
  • Bioaerosols and Asbestos
    • In the last module of course, we look into the two other major indoor air contaminants - Bioaerosols and Asbestos. Staying in a clean environment does not mean the environment is comfortable. "Thermal Comfort" is also an issue that we need to consider. We also look into "Thermal Comfort" in this module.

Taught by

Christopher Chao and Edwin Tso

Reviews

4.8 rating, based on 112 Class Central reviews

4.7 rating at Coursera based on 659 ratings

Start your review of Introduction to Indoor Air Quality

  • Anonymous
    The "Introduction to Indoor Air Quality" course provides a comprehensive overview of the critical aspects affecting indoor environments. It effectively covers topics such as air pollutants, ventilation strategies, and health implications, making it…
  • Anonymous
    The "Introduction to Indoor Air Quality" course by The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology via Coursera is an excellent learning experience. It provides well-structured content with clear explanations about key topics, such as air quality management, health impacts, and mitigation strategies. The video lectures are engaging and well-prepared, while the quizzes effectively test your understanding of the material. I found the practical examples and case studies particularly useful in applying theoretical concepts. This course is highly recommended for anyone interested in environmental health or seeking a foundational understanding of indoor air quality.
  • Anonymous
    I would rate this course highly as it provides a comprehensive introduction to indoor air quality, covering essential topics like pollutants, ventilation, and health impacts. The course is well-structured, with clear explanations and practical examples that help learners understand the importance of maintaining good indoor air quality. The instructors are knowledgeable, and the resources provided are valuable for anyone interested in environmental health or indoor air quality management. Overall, it's a great course for both beginners and those looking to expand their knowledge in this field.
  • Anonymous
    This course consolidated information on methods of air quality measurement and correction. That was what I was seeking. I was able to attend at my own pace and review all of the content until I understood. It is an older course so many of the addition readings were unavailable on the internet but enough links were provided that still led to further education.
  • Anonymous
    Useful for my career and also my future .i could learn more about the topic and alsoo general knowledge abot indoor air quality. Its was very useful and also helpful. Please increase the deadline for assignment and it will be more useful for us
  • Anonymous
    So informative and engaging. The learnings I gained are intended for real life application as intended by the course. The presentations are well-crafted to be suitable to first timers to this body of knowledge. Everything that is essential to indoor air quality has been tackled. The professors clearly delivered the course content. They were able to channel their knowledge to us recipients in the best way possible. The presentation slides and the suggested reading-learning tasks are well programmed and complements to the overall learning mechanism. Thank you professors for sharing your knowledge to us. I am also grateful to the university and coursera for approving the financial aid I applied for this course. I am truly grateful for that.
  • Anonymous
    It was a very interesting course, the topics very appropriate with clear examples. For me it was very helpful, since the importance of the spaces in which we stay must maintain certain requirements.
  • Anonymous
    Globalement, le cours a offert un contenu enrichissant avec une structure claire ,
    Les vidéos étaient bien préparées et complétaient les lectures
  • Anonymous
    The Air Indoor Quality (AIQ) course on Coursera is very comprehensive and well conducted modules that provides an excellent overview and guidance regarding air and other related properties of air. Giving a fundamental understanding of air filtrations via different types of methods to improve air quality and ensure safe environments for human health. I now know that indoor air should be more taken care of because we spend more time indoors than outdoors with the help of AIQ, and also different ways of handling air pollution was explained with examples illustrated, thank you very much.
  • Profile image for Binyam Hailegiorgies
    Binyam Hailegiorgies
    The "Introduction to Indoor Air Quality" course on Coursera offers a well-structured and informative introduction to the topic. It covers key concepts like pollutants, ventilation, and health impacts, making complex information accessible. The course includes real-world applications, practical filtration methods, and clear explanations by the instructors. While occasional updates with the latest research would be beneficial, this course is a valuable resource for anyone seeking a foundation in indoor air quality.
  • Saif Ullah
    It is a very informative course. I highly recommend this course for all and especially for the HVAC and building facilities management related people.
  • Anonymous
    The "Introduction to Indoor Air Quality" course on Coursera provides a comprehensive overview of key concepts related to indoor air quality. The content is well-structured, covering topics such as pollutants, ventilation systems, and health implications. The instructors effectively communicate complex information, making it accessible for learners with various backgrounds. The course also incorporates practical applications, enhancing its real-world relevance. However, occasional updates to include the latest research findings would further enrich the learning experience. Overall, it's a valuable resource for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of indoor air quality.
  • Anonymous
    thanks for the clear explanation as an important introduction to various Air contaminants
    as a HVAC engineer this was so important to put into consideration when designing an HVAC system
  • Anonymous
    je vous remercie pour l'effort que vous avez nous apportez, le cours est très enrichissant je vous souhaite une bonne continuation
    Cordialement.
  • Anonymous
    The course was comprehensive and well assembled. The quiz's prepared me for the final exam. I learned more than I expected. Thank you!
  • Anonymous
    This course is very useful and good.It gives us awareness about waste chemicals and how to avoid it.Reflective review on impact of IAQ on humans.


    Issues of concern include indoor chemistry, airborne infection, and the impact on performance.


    Societal trends have led to greater indoor pollutant exposure intensity.


    Responses to climate change, energy conservation and singular strategies have not been effective in alleviating the deterioration of indoor air quality.


    Holistic solutions include innovations, smart technologies and user engagement.
  • Anonymous
    The course was informative and useful. The professors did a great job at making us fully understand the concept of IAQ. This is a perfect course for somebody trying to learn something different from the usual stuffs we learn. Also we all might have a small knowledge in the course from our early schooling , thus making the course much more easy. Also this is a real life issue we are learning about which helps us in maintaing a proper IAQ at your home ,thereby protecting the people you care about.
  • Anonymous
    A lot of the links did not work during the readings portion of the course. Please update these.

    Overall this gives a great overview of general indoor air quality principles and should give a basic understanding of improving your personal IAQ issues. Follow the steps outlined throughout the course.
  • Volker Molthan
    Clear and concise course on the subject, very valuable for all those who work in the field of indoor air quality or want to know more. Clear and understandable presentations, very pronounced even though with Chinese accentuations, and the most correct subtitle transcripts of any Coursera course I have seen so far.
  • Anonymous
    The course met my expectations perfectly. Los docentes dominan la materia que explican, y se tocan diferentes puntos de IAQ, todos ellos aplicables al ámbito laboral, doméstico, comercial e incluso industrial. Highly recommended.

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