Module manager: Prof Jeff Peakall
Email: j.peakall@.leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2024/25
This module is approved as a discovery module
This module assesses the physical processes that control natural hazards, and examines what can be done to minimise the death and destruction caused. Topics covered include: volcanoes, earthquakes, flooding, hurricanes, landslides, meteorite impacts. We also examine the geological past looking at the largest natural disasters in Earth history. We examine if natural hazards are getting worse as a result of human action, and assess if we are living in the 6th mass extinction?
The primary aim is to provide an overview of natural hazards, both historical events and those observed in the geological record. Key objectives are to provide a knowledge of underlying physical processes, mitigation approaches, and how these vary as a function of different societies. The material is provided via lectures. Students also investigate natural hazards occurring in that calendar year, enabling them to link current or recent events to the course material; this material is assessed as part of the exam.
Key learning outcomes, on completion of this module, are for students to have a broad understanding of:
1. the physical processes that control natural hazards;
2. the methods of assessing and monitoring natural hazards;
3. the nature of societal responses to these events; and,
4. the types and magnitudes of natural hazards that have occurred in the geological past.
The material is provided via lectures.
Skills learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
1. Academic –Critical thinking
2. Digital – Information, data and media literacies
3. Sustainability – Critical thinking
4. Work Ready – Critical thinking
5. Enterprise - Information searching
6. Technical – natural hazard mitigation approaches
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 16 | 1 | 16 |
| Private study hours | 84 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 16 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100 | ||
Online quizzes: will help to consolidate learning from week to week, as well as test the students' knowledge of material covered and provide formative assessment.
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) (S1) | 1.5 Hrs 0 Mins | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 3/13/2024
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team