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.
- To provide a systematic understanding of the causes of a variety of natural hazards that are informed by material at the forefront of the discipline.
- To investigate the potential impacts of natural hazards on human society and infrastructure, and to evaluate the measures that can be taken to mitigate their destructive effects
- To develop critical, analytical and advanced problem-based learning skills and communicate via poster, technical report writing and oral presentation formats.
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
20 hours lecture preparation/directed reading
2 hours workshop (advice on poster &report assignments)
1 hour seminar
23 hours poster presentation
33 hours group report preparation
50 hours independent study (including exam revision.
Titles will be provided broken down into volcanic, seismic &geomorphological hazards. Physical causes, human impact &mitigation must be covered. Digital A2 poster will be clearly structured, scientific &expected to be fully referenced to recent studies. 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.
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