Module Descriptors
EARTH HAZARDS
GEOG60517
Key Facts
Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Sciences
Level 6
15 credits
Contact
Leader: Fiona Tweed
Email: F.S.Tweed@staffs.ac.uk
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 15
Independent Study Hours: 135
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
- SEMINAR FOLDER weighted at 50%
- EXAMINATION - UNSEEN IN EXAMINATION CONDITIONS weighted at 50%
Module Details
Module Indicative Content
This module discusses physical characteristics of, social affects of, and management responses to natural hazards such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, mass movements, hurricanes, forest fires and flooding. Concepts covered will include: predisposing factors (thresholds and triggering mechanisms prediction and probability theory of events); hazard characterisation (speed of onset, timing, frequency, duration, magnitude, scale); hazard impacts; vulnerability issues; monitoring, risk assessment of hazards; and the technological, social, economic and cultural responses to hazards. These concepts will be developed and illustrated through a range of case studies taken from different natural hazards.
Module Learning Strategies
The module will be delivered through a combination of:
(a) 10 weekly 1-hour lectures
(b) 5 fortnightly 1-hour workshop sessions based on a series of case studies, which apply and develop key principles involving the analysis and interpretation of text and audio-visual materials
(c) independent learning through directed reading and assessment
(a) 10 weekly 1-hour lectures
(b) 5 fortnightly 1-hour workshop sessions based on a series of case studies, which apply and develop key principles involving the analysis and interpretation of text and audio-visual materials
(c) independent learning through directed reading and assessment
Module Special Admissions Requirements
None
Module Resources
University Library, Faculty of Sciences Learning Resource Centre, IT, Internet & email facilities.
Module Texts
Alexander, D. (1993) Natural Disasters. UCL Press, London.
Hewitt, K. (1997) Regions of Risk: A Geographical Introduction to Disasters. Longman.
McGuire, B.; Mason, B. & Kilburn, C. (2002) Natural Hazards and Environmental Change. Arnold.
Pelling, M. (2003) Natural Disasters and Development in a Globalising World. Routledge.
Smith, K. (2004) Environmental Hazards. 4th Edition. Routledge.
Wisner, B., Blaikie, P., Cannon, T. & Davies, I. (2003) At Risk: Natural Hazards, People?s Vulnerability and Disasters. 2nd Edition Routledge.
Hewitt, K. (1997) Regions of Risk: A Geographical Introduction to Disasters. Longman.
McGuire, B.; Mason, B. & Kilburn, C. (2002) Natural Hazards and Environmental Change. Arnold.
Pelling, M. (2003) Natural Disasters and Development in a Globalising World. Routledge.
Smith, K. (2004) Environmental Hazards. 4th Edition. Routledge.
Wisner, B., Blaikie, P., Cannon, T. & Davies, I. (2003) At Risk: Natural Hazards, People?s Vulnerability and Disasters. 2nd Edition Routledge.
Module Additional Assessment Details
One workshop folder, equivalent to 1750 words (50%) [1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7]
One 2 hour examination (50%) [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]
Additional Assessment Details:
The workshop folder will be based on a series of assessed workshops held during the module.
The examination will consist of a choice of essay questions, 2 of which must be answered.
Formative Assessment: Self/peer assessed quizzes and/or the use of formative questions on handouts will allow students to self evaluate their understanding of module materials.
One 2 hour examination (50%) [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]
Additional Assessment Details:
The workshop folder will be based on a series of assessed workshops held during the module.
The examination will consist of a choice of essay questions, 2 of which must be answered.
Formative Assessment: Self/peer assessed quizzes and/or the use of formative questions on handouts will allow students to self evaluate their understanding of module materials.