Module DXX-2008:
Geohazards
Geohazards, Disasters and Mitigation 2023-24
DXX-2008
2023-24
Ysgol Gwyddorau Naturiol
Modiwl - Semester 1
20 credits
Module Organiser:
Lynda Yorke
Overview
Geohazards are omnipresent in our World and are an ever-present threat to our economic and social well-being. Understanding Geohazards requires an interdisciplinary approach because the subject lies at the nexus of natural and social sciences. The module will draw upon interdisciplinary research to explore the key concepts of hazard, risk, vulnerability, and resilience. The module will explore the mechanisms of key hazards (geophysical, hydrometeorological) through a series of case studies, alongside the impacts and physical mitigation of those hazards. The module will provide a critical examination of the historic and contemporary approaches to monitoring, preparedness, and governance. The module will discuss communication and disaster risk reduction strategies, examining the publics perceptions and attitudes to risk and hazard management. Students will be encouraged to critically engage with the materials, and to develop solutions-based approaches to future environmental hazards and risks.
- History and development of disaster studies in Geography
- Vulnerability, Resilience, and Risk
- Disaster Effects and Impacts
- Types of Hazards and Case Studies
- Mitigation and Preparedness
Assessment Strategy
-threshold -Grade D- to D+Written examination answers provide basic factual information, but lack depth and detail. Seminar presentation keeps to time, slides are clear, and student is able to answer most of the questions asked by the audience. Poster is readable and gives basic information on the causes and impacts of a geohazards and how these can be monitored.
-good -Grade C- to B+Written examination answers provide most of the relevant factual information and include examples to illustrate particular points. Seminar presentation keeps to time, slides are clear and informative, and student is able to answer all of the questions asked by the audience. Poster is well designed and informative on the causes, impacts and monitoring of a geohazard.
-excellent -Grade A- and aboveWritten examination answers provide all of the relevant factual information as well as discussion based on wider reading and highly-developed conceptual awareness. Seminar presentation keeps to time, slides are clear, informative and imaginative, and student is able to give comprehensive answers to all of the questions asked by the audience. Poster is well and imaginatively designed, and gives full information on the causes, impacts and monitoring of a geohazard.
Assessment method
Group Presentation
Assessment type
Crynodol
Description
Group Oral Presentation: 12 minutes talk, with 3 minutes allowed for questions from your peers and the assessors. This will be associated with real-World, local issue that will be explored during the in-module field visits.
Weighting
20%
Due date
17/11/2023
Assessment method
Class Test
Assessment type
Crynodol
Description
This will be deployed via Blackboard, and will comprise mutliple choice and/or short-answer questions. This online test will assess your knowledge and understanding, and your ability to interpret and critically evaluate a range of lecture, web-based and background reading materials.
Weighting
30%
Due date
05/01/2024
Assessment method
Report
Assessment type
Crynodol
Description
This is an individual report that will focus on a real-World, global hazard. It will be associated with the virtual field trip and allied workshops. You will likely be focusing on natural hazard management and mitigation. The word count is 2000, +/- the university's 10% rule.
Weighting
50%
Due date
19/01/2024