2025/26 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

CIVE5173M Risk and Resilience

15 Credits Class Size: 155

Module manager: Dr Jose Rodrigo Juarez Cornelio
Email: j.r.juarezcornelio@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2025/26

Pre-requisite qualifications

A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) or equivalent in civil engineering or a related subject.

Module replaces

CIVE5233M

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module focuses on risk management and resilience in engineering and construction projects. It introduces a structured risk management process and the tools and techniques to identify, evaluate, transfer, and monitor risks. It also incorporates additional emphasis on building resilient and sustainable infrastructure and facilitating adaptation to unforeseen events. Although most tools and techniques can be employed in various fields, this module leverages on cases and examples in engineering and construction projects.

Objectives

The aim of the module is to provide students with a theoretical and practical understanding of the key concepts relating to risk and resilience in engineering and construction projects. Starting from the identification of sources of risk and quantification of risks and issues by using appropriate analysis methods, students will learn how to critically evaluate the tools and techniques for effective risk management through continuous improvement for engineering and construction projects. Students will also critically analyse the ownership, impacts, and types of impacts of risks and issues that can influence the delivery of construction and engineering projects. Lastly, students will be able to understand and apply the principles of resilience and the importance of building resilient and sustainable infrastructure in times of unforeseen circumstances.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:

1. Develop knowledge and understanding of the principles of risk management, resilience and crises as applied to engineering and construction projects. (CIOB Learning Outcomes F, J, K) (APM Risk and Issue Management TK1.1) (AHEP 4 Learning Outcome C15)

2. Critically evaluate sources of risk, causes of risks and mitigation measures. (CIOB Learning Outcomes F, L) (APM Risk and Issue Management TK1.2, TK1.3)

3. Undertake risk assessments and acquire an understanding of the outputs of the risk analysis process. (CIOB Learning Outcomes S, L; APM Risk and Issue Management TK1.4) (AHEP 4 Learning Outcome C15)

4. Appraise the principles of resilience, building resilient infrastructure, and the need of having disaster resilient infrastructure. (CIOB Learning Outcomes J, K, N)

5. Critique climate-related and sustainability risks in engineering and construction projects. (CIOB Learning Outcomes J, N) (AHEP 4 Learning Outcome M4)


Skills outcomes


Skills Learning Outcomes

Technical

1. The ability to understand the principles of a structured risk management process to effectively identify, evaluate, transfer, and monitor risks in engineering and construction projects.

2. To understand the principles of resilience and sustainability and how to build capacity to deal with unexpected changes.

Work ready

1. The ability to (both within verbal and written communication) be clear, concise, and focused; being able to tailor your message for the audience and listening to the views of others. 

2. The ability to take a logical approach to solving problems, resolving issues by tackling from different angles, using both analytical and creative skills. The ability to understand, interpret, analyse, and manipulate numerical data. 

3. The ability to generate ideas, demonstrate originality and imaginative thinking, including the concept of ‘thinking outside the box’.

4. The ability to gather information from a range of sources, analyse, and interpret data to aid understanding and anticipate problems. To use reasoning and judgement to identify needs, make decisions, solve problems, and respond with actions. 

5. The ability to consider options, use and apply your judgement, to create possibilities and solutions. The ability to make decisions, potentially under pressure. 

Academic

1. The ability to recognise and express knowledge and understanding and how it relates to personal experience and to demonstrate learning and growth from the experience. 

2. The ability to weigh up different arguments and perspectives, using supporting evidence to form opinions, arguments, theories, and ideas.

3. The ability to deliver effective and engaging oral and visual presentations to a variety of audiences.

4. The ability to use the oral, written, auditory, and visual language proficiency needed to be able to learn effectively and demonstrate understanding. 

5. The ability to plan time, prioritise tasks and organise academic and personal commitments effectively.

Sustainability

1. Recognises and understands relationships; analyses complex systems (environmental, economic, and social systems and interdependencies across these); considers how systems are embedded within different domains and scales; deals with uncertainty; uses analytical thinking.

2. Understands and evaluates multiple outcomes; their own visions for the future; applies the precautionary principle; assesses the consequences of actions; deals with risks and changes; uses scenario planning.

3. Questions norms, practices, and opinions; reflects on own values, perceptions and actions; takes a position in the sustainable development discourse; applies evidence-based decision making; reframes problems.

4. Develops and implements innovative actions that further Sustainable Development at the local level and further afield; manages and promotes change.

5. Communicate effectively through listening, clarity of expression and constructive inquiry; engage in interdisciplinary discussion to inform their thinking about sustainable futures and seek holistic, creative solutions to problems; listen actively and critically; address conflict and develop mediation skills.  

Enterprise

1. Using insight and ability to identify and assess opportunities to create value.

2. Flexibility, reflection and learning through experience.

3. Prioritize, organizing and managing the resources and you need.

4. Make decisions dealing with uncertainty, ambiguity, and risk.

5. Developing and applying a breadth of knowledge to assess the consequences and impact of ideas, opportunities, and actions.

Syllabus

* Risk management principles and limitations of risk management.
* Risk Management process (identification, evaluation, mitigation, and transfer, monitoring).
* Quantitative methods for risk management (i.e., Monte Carlo, Sensitivity Analysis, Real Options Analysis).
* Resilience and principles for resilient infrastructure.
* Framework for resilient infrastructure
* Natural hazards and their impact on engineering and construction projects.

Methods of Assessment

We are currently refreshing our modules to make sure students have the best possible experience. Full assessment details for this module are not available before the start of the academic year, at which time details of the assessment(s) will be provided.

Assessment for this module will consist of;

1 x Coursework
1 x In-person closed book exam

Teaching Methods

Delivery type Number Length hours Student hours
Lectures 10 2 20
Seminars 5 2 10
Independent online learning hours 60
Private study hours 60
Total Contact hours 30
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) 150

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Practical in-class presentation (formative assessment). Students will be organised in groups and will be given a case study to solve. Students will be required to present their work in the seminar sessions and receive feedback on their work and presentation skills.

Reading List

Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list

Last updated: 16/12/2025

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team