Syllabus v2 7

Version of 27 September 2010 EAR801 NATURAL HAZARDS AND SOCIETY LEARNING OUTCOMES At the end of this course the students should be able to • Describe natural hazards (using examples) and explain why they occur when and where they do • Describe the effects of natural hazards on human lives, economies and livelihoods; • Demonstrate a basic comprehension of how risks from natural hazards are assessed and can be managed and how our attitudes and actions can influence the impact of natural hazards CONTENTS This course examines the natural and human di mensions of hazards such as earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, tropical storms, floods, landslides, soil erosion and desertification. Course work focuses on the causes of major natural hazards -- such as climate change, sea-level rise, and tectonics – as well as their spatial and temporal distribution. Moreover, students will be exposed to the assessment of risks posed to society and possibilities for sustainable adaptation. ASSESSMENT This course will be assessed through a combination of two 50 minute mid term tests (50% weighting) and a final exam (50% weighting). (Note: You should attend all classes and failure to do so may make you ineligible to sit the final examination. Mid term exams are held during lecture times and make up tests for the mid terms will only be given in VERY exceptional circumstances) LECTURES Wednesday 1:30 — 4.30pm, Lecture Theatre 1 TEXTBOOK AND REFERENCES Textbook: Hyndman and Hyndman - Natural hazards and disasters (Thomson, 2008). Additional references may be given in classes and students should read these materials prior to the next class. COURSE STAFFING Lecturers: Prof Kerry Sieh* N2-01a-10 – email: [email protected] Dr Adam Switzer N2-01a-04 - email: [email protected] Mr Andreas Schaffer N2-01a-02 - email [email protected] General inquiries: [email protected] * Co-ordinator

Syllabus v2 7

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