This course discusses the physical processes that underpin a selection of natural hazards: severe weather, tropical cyclones, volcanic eruptions, floods, tsunamis, coastal hazards and earthquakes. Basic knowledge from EMSC8706 is extended and each hazard is discussed in depth. Detailed hazard and risk assessments are undertaken in class and relevant writing and presentation skills are further trained.
Lectures in this course are designed to provide comprehensive knowledge on a selection of hazards. During practicals, methods for detailed hazard and risk assessments are discussed and analytical skills are trained. Discussion sessions focus on recent scientific findings published in peer-reviewed journals and will help students to further train the skills necessary for critical reading, thinking and data analysis.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:1. identify and evaluate the physical mechanisms and context in which natural hazards form globally,
2. judge the impact of natural hazards on society,
3. assess the most effective hazard monitoring and mitigation measures,
4. devise, apply and communicate a detailed hazard and risk assessment.
Indicative Assessment
- Written reports based on the practicals and performance in online quizzes (40%; LO 1-4)- Final paper (in the format of a scientific paper) (35%; LO 1-4)
- Presentation of a scientific journal article (20%; LO 1-3)
- Participation in class discussion during lectures, student presentations of journal articles, field trips, laboratory practicals, etc. (5%; LO 1-4)
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
Two 2 hour lectures/practicals per week. Students are expected to spend an average of a further 6 hours per week on work related to the course.Preliminary Reading
Recommended preparatory reading:1) Press and Siever ‘Understanding Earth’ or Kump et al. ‘The Earth System’.
2) Keller and DeVecchio (2012) ‘Natural Hazards: Earth's Processes as Hazards, Disasters, and Catastrophes’ or Hyndman and Hyndman (2006) ‘Natural Hazards and Disasters’
Assumed Knowledge
EMSC8706 Basic knowledge of geoscience.Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2017 | $3660 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2017 | $4878 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
