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.

Learning Outcomes

• Define the key concepts in the context of the impact of natural processes on human society.

• Evaluate the impacts of hazards and disasters on human society

• Explain the processes which lead to the occurrence of natural hazards and disasters at a range of temporal and spatial scales

• Outline the scientific methods used to investigate and monitor hazards and explain effective mitigation strategies

• Synthesise information (relating to hazards) from a variety of sources (on-line and traditional)