ESC-30009 - Module Specification
School of Geography, Geology and the Environment
Faculty of Natural Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

ESC-40015 - MGeoscience: Natural Hazards

Description for 2024/25

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 aims to evaluate and analysis the causes of a variety of natural hazards, to investigate their potential impacts on human society and infrastructure, & to evaluate measures that can be taken to mitigate and predict their destructive effects.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
¿ Analyse and evaluate the causes and dangers associated with specific natural hazards.
¿ Assess and quantify the risk posed by natural hazards in a variety of hypothetical situations.
¿ Evaluate the techniques that can be used to predict & mitigate the impacts of natural hazards & evaluate the most appropriate measures for varying circumstances.
Skills gained include: (1) analysis, interpretation & manipulation of a variety of scientific data to assess the risk posed by natural hazards; (2) evaluation of the most suitable measures to prevent or minimise their effects in a various circumstances; (3) Further development of written communication skills through coursework assessments.

This module aims to examine 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.

Intended Learning Outcomes

analyse and critically evaluate the causes and dangers associated with specific natural hazards: critically assess and quantify the risk posed by natural hazards in a variety of hypothetical situations: demonstrate the interconnectedness between natural hazards, society and the economy:

Study hours

Active Learning Hours (57hrs):
In person sessions - 46 (2 x2hr sessions most weeks)
Approximately and hour a week engaging with journal articles, websites and news reports (1 x 11)
Independent study (93 hours):
50 hours assessment preperation
43 hours engaging with wider reading

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment