Module manager: Dr Liam Taylor
Email: L.Taylor2@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2024/25
This module is not approved as a discovery module
Natural hazards stand uniquely at the intersection between the human and physical worlds. This module introduces students to the processes driving the formation of natural hazards and the complex societal contexts underpinning the impact they cause. By learning how to mitigate the risks of natural hazards, students will gain skills in science communication, digital technology, and data visualisation. Students will also gain an appreciation of the responsibilities associated with studying and researching hazards as global citizens.
On completion of this module, students will have acquired:
1. An understanding of key natural hazards, the physical processes driving them, the human contribution to disaster, and the social contexts which amplify the impact of natural hazards;
2. An understanding of the key principles surrounding risk management, precaution, prevention, preparedness, risk communication, and hazard mitigation;
3. An ability to communicate complex datasets and principles to a broad audience, including policymakers and the general public;
4. An insight into the ethical considerations surrounding studying natural hazards, the responsibilities of researchers in risk management, and the nuances of creating bespoke communication projects to different audiences.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Discuss the formation, processes, and drivers of key natural hazards;
2. Appreciate the societal factors that amplify disaster from natural hazards, the mitigation of disaster from natural hazards, and the blurred boundaries between natural vs human hazards;
3. Explain the importance of communication surrounding natural hazards and climate change, and how to tailor science communication of hazards to various audiences;
4. Apply digital technology and data visualisation techniques to support populations in developing preparedness to future natural hazards.
Skills learning outcomes
Through this module, students will gain skills in:
1. Communicating to a variety of audiences, employing formats appropriate to the audience;
2. Preparing effective maps, diagrams and visualisations;
3. An awareness of the social, cultural and political context in which knowledge is produced (epistemological hegemonies), the positionalities of the researcher and the researched alike, and the democratisation of knowledge production;
4. Applying methods for the collection and analysis of spatial and environmental information, for example, by using GIS, remote sensing, statistical and mathematical modelling;
5. Recognising the moral, ethical and safety issues involved in all aspects of geographical enquiry.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 20 | 1 | 20 |
| seminars | 4 | 1 | 4 |
| Practicals | 4 | 2 | 8 |
| Private study hours | 168 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 32 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Students will receive formative feedback in each of the computer practical sessions and seminars on their outputs. There will be an opportunity for students to submit a formative 500-word reflection exercise in Semester 2 following a seminar on responsibility of studying disaster, mirroring the reflection exercise which forms part of the hazards communication project (worth 75% of the module grade). Students will receive formative feedback on this written work.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Coursework | 25 |
| Assignment | Coursework | 75 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Resit assessments will be of the same format but involve different datasets or hazards studied.
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 5/22/2024
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team