Applied Environmental Science Minor (Level 3)
Geography Major (Level 3)
Geography Single Honours (Level 3)
Geology Major (Level 3)
Geology Major (Level 3)
Geology Minor (Level 3)
Geoscience Single Honours (Level 3)
Physical Geography Major (Level 3)
Physical Geography Minor (Level 3)
This module examines the causes and characteristics of a broad variety of natural hazards and their destructive impact on human society. These hazards range from small-scale to large-scale events, from relatively minor disturbances to catastrophic disasters, and are associated with both environmental and anthropogenic triggers. Particular attention is paid to the assessment of risk and the steps that can be taken to prevent or mitigate the damage and disruption associated with these processes.
This module examines the causes of a variety of natural hazards, to investigate their potential impacts on human society and infrastructure, and to evaluate the measures that can be taken to mitigate their destructive effects.
Upon successful completion of the course, you will be able to:
&· Describe, illustrate and explain with reference to specific examples the causes and dangers associated with a range of natural hazards.
&· Assess the level of risk posed by natural hazards in a variety of real and hypothetical situations.
&· Describe the techniques that can be used to predict and mitigate the impacts of natural hazards, and evaluate which techniques are most appropriate in a variety of circumstances.
The principal component of this module is a series of lectures. The coursework component involves two separate assignments: (1) an individual poster presentation (25%), and; (2) a group-led, problem-based exercise, involving the submission of a technical report (25%), with end semester examinations (50%) completing module assessments.
Assess the risk posed by natural hazards in a variety of hypothetical situations will be achieved by assessments: 3
Describe the techniques that can be used to predict and mitigate the impacts of natural hazards and evaluate the most appropriate measures for varying circumstances will be achieved by assessments: 1,2,3
Lecture preparation: 21 hours
Assessment workshops: 2 hours
Poster presentation (assessment 1): 23 hours
Group report presentation (assessment 2): 33 hours
Independent study (including exam preparation): 50 hours
Titles will be provided broken down into volcanic, seismic &geomorphological hazards. Physical causes, human impact &mitigation must be covered. Digital A3 poster will be clearly structured, scientific &fully referenced. Advice will be given.
Group-based exercise, undertaking risk assessment &recommendations on mitigation of natural hazard in a variety of group-chosen real-world scenarios. 2,000 word digital technical report to be submitted. Must be professionally and scientifically written. Advice will be given.
Students will answer three questions from a choice of six, broken down into 2 volcanic, 2 seismic &2 geomorphological.
This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.