Risk Analysis

Module code: 7SSG5002
Credit level: 7

This module enables students to derive a greater understanding of the relationship between methodology and method and the related notions of epistemology and ontology. The module is a mix of lectures and tutorials and enables students to develop skills in the appropriate use and application of quantitative and qualitative methods, which will have been worked through in tutorial sessions. The module lays the conceptual groundwork for the design of the dissertation and enables students to appreciate the connections between epistemology and the students particular programme of study

Module code: 7SSG5123
Credit level: 7

This module aims to develop a critical understanding of risk communication. The first section of the module focuses on how the field of risk communication was developed with a number of classes discussing the psychology of risk. The second half of the module provides an overview of the conceptual theories and ideas prevalent in the area of risk communication such as social amplification of risk and trust, and ends with a discussion on the future of risk communication. The module aims:
- To provide the students with a history of the risk perception literature with a focus on both natural and technological hazards;
- To develop an understanding of the conceptual underpinnings of risk communication;
- To examine the successes and failures of risk communication programmes in both Europe and North America; and
- To develop an understanding of how regulators, policy makers and industry use risk communication techniques in every day policy making.

Module code: 7SSG5119
Credit level: 7

This module examines the governance of risks to human health and safety and the environment in a wide range of governance settings. The module develops conceptual understanding of the mechanics and dynamics of risk regulation regimes and examines a range of explanatory approaches to risk governance. Specific aims are to:
- develop understanding of the variety of ways in which risks to human health and safety and the environment are governed;
- develop understanding of the concept of risk regulation regimes as a tool for describing and analysing risk governance variety;
- develop understanding of the range of factors that shape risk governance regimes, how they succeed and why they fail;
- develop understanding of trends in the reform of risk governance regimes and the related impacts of reform.

Module code: 7SSG5120
Credit level: 7

This module explores the emergence, practices and problems of risk management. It will help the student develop both a conceptual and practical understanding of risk management from a range of institutional, social theoretic and practice orientated perspectives. Specific aims are to:
- develop understanding of risk concepts and the emergence of risk management;
- develop understanding of the character and diversity of risk management practices across the private and public sectors;
- develop understanding of a range of social theoretic critiques of risk management;
- develop understanding of the organisational factors that shape risk management practice, success and failure;
- to help the student critically evaluate and address risk management problems in a range of institutional settings.

Module code: 7SSG5122
Credit level: 7

This module aims to develop a critical understanding of risk assessment and its uses. It examines the conceptual approaches to the assessment of risk, the models and methodologies used in the technical assessment of risk, the uses of risk assessment in decision-making and policy and critiques current risk assessment models. It examines human health risk assessment, environmental risk assessment and site-specific risk assessment.

The module aims:
- To develop an understanding and knowledge of risk assessment concepts and tools,
- To develop an understanding and knowledge on the uses of risk assessment in government and industry,
- To develop an understanding of the application of risk assessment concepts and tools to human health, environmental and site-specific hazards,
- To evaluate the ability of risk assessment tools to achieve their objectives, and
- To develop understanding on the role and function of risk assessment tools in decision-making.

Module code: 7SSG5150
Credit level: 7

The aim of the module is to enable students to (i) develop an in-depth understanding of four research methodology from a structured menu of qualitative and quantitative techniques and research management methodologies; (ii) prepare students to apply their chosen techniques in a research context such as their master's dissertation; (iii) enable students to understand how different techniques can be deployed in a multi-methods approach to research; (iv) meet - in conjunction with Practising Social Research 1 (SG5002) and the preparatory element of the dissertation - the requirements of the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) for recognition as a research training and specifically how to write a proposal for a postgraduate research studentship.

Module code: 7SSG5073
Credit level: 7

This module enables students to understand the main problems and opportunities of environmental actors with regard to environmental policy formulation and implementation. It gives students an insight into the pertinent debates surrounding the role of different environmental actors in the environmental management process and enables them to understand debates surrounding differences between environmental policy-making in advanced economies and the Third World and why different environmental actors are pursuing different agendas with regard to environmental policy and politics.

Module code: 7SSG5109
Credit level: 7

This module enables students to capture spatial GIS data from a variety of sources, to assess and manage spatial data quality, to integrate and analyse these data within the latest business and research standard GIS environments. The module focuses particularly on the integrated use of spatial (GIS) data alongside remote sensing technologies and simulation models for better understanding and managing the natural environment. Various aspects of spatial and spatio-temporal analysis are covered and the role of GIS in supporting management decisions is emphasised. Course materials focus on the physical environment and ecological systems but include socio-economic information where necessary.

Module code: 7SSG5029
Credit level: 7

The module enables students to understand the information content of optical, thermal and radar remotely sensed data and to be able to identify the appropriate type of data for use in different environmental investigations. Students will learn to understand and apply various data calibration, processing and analyses techniques to maximize the interpretation of remotely sensed imagery. They will search, order and import various types of remote sensing data into appropriate software packages, and will be able to identify, obtain, calibrate, process and interpret data from sensors such as the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer and/or Landsat Thematic Mapper to illustrate examples of environmental change phenomena.

Module code: 7SSG5031
Credit level: 7

Through seminars and hands on experience, this module enables students to develop a research-level understanding of environmental modelling applications and limitations. Students will gain the ability to build, develop and apply a wide-range of modelling solutions to environmental problems. Students will also be able to critically assess research involving models and the application of models.

Module code: 7SSG5035
Credit level: 7

This module introduces students to the details and practicalities of environmental monitoring, using a variety of methodologies and measurement techniques, specifically using electronic-based sensors and instrumentation. Students acquire the skills to manipulate raw field, laboratory and logged data for analysis, to monitor, measure and analyse data on environmental stores and fluxes, and to interpret, analyse and present field and laboratory data clearly in written reports in order to explain processes operating in the environmental system under investigation. Students will also gain experience to design field or laboratory based research projects to monitor environmental systems, making use of appropriate field, laboratory and measurement equipment. Field monitoring methods are taught in the context of atmospheric environments, catchment monitoring, fluvial systems, hydrological processes, complemented with a practical fieldwork exercise.

Module code: 7SSWM023
Credit level: 7

The module aims to provide students with an appreciation of the theoretical and empirical links between organisational and community responses to the phenomena of terrorism; facilitate an understanding of the impact of responses to terrorism on both health and government systems; facilitate an understanding of the impact of terrorism on both an individual (mental/physical health/behaviour) and community level; enable students to develop a critical awareness of the role of organisations in countering terror and increasing resilience in society, as well as the problems encountered by organisations responsible for responding to terrorism; enable students to understand the different information needs and concerns of emergency responders, healthcare providers, and members of the public for a variety of terrorist attacks, including chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear incidents; encourage critical reflection on counter terrorism approaches, the public acceptability of counter terror technologies, and the way in which strategic interventions that incorporate public perceptions of risk and effective risk communication help reduce vulnerability to terrorist acts, and facilitate greater governmental, organisational and community engagement in responding to the threat of terrorism.

Module code: 7SSG5125
Credit level: 7

This course aims to develop a critical understanding of the application of risk analysis theory to a risk problem, issue or concept. It aims to:
- Develop the students ability to identify and justify topics worthy of further investigation,
- Develop the students ability to identify, define and elaborate research questions,
- Further students understanding of designing research strategies in relation to their research questions,
- Develop understanding and application of data gathering methods,
- Develop understanding and application of data analysis tools and techniques.
- Develop the application of risk theory to the analysis of empirical data, and
- Develop the ability of the student to analyse empirical data within the theoretical and conceptual framework of risk.

Module code: 7SSG5124
Credit level: 7

This module aims to develop a critical understanding appropriate of how theoretical risk analysis is operationalised by industry and government. This practical module will provide students with experience working with selected industrial, government or regulatory actors (e.g. multinational companies, national and European government policy-making departments and arms-length regulators) involved in risk analysis, management and governance in the UK and Europe. The module will enable students to validate and question risk theories and assumptions explored elsewhere in the degree. It will also provide vital practical experience for future employment.

The course aims:
- To develop understanding on the development of risk policy,
- To evaluate techniques for rational decision-making on risk issues,
- To develop understanding of risk management decision-making based upon different deliberative approaches such as epistemological, reflective and participatory discourses,
- To develop knowledge and understanding on risk governance structures, and
- To develop understanding of risk regulation regimes.

Module code: 7SSG5032
Credit level: 7

The module enables students to have contact and presentations from a number of personnel directly involved in environmental management in the commercial world. It gives students an understanding of the interdisciplinary processes involved in environmental management, enabling students to design management solutions to a number of environmental problems. It enables students to present the results of an environmental management investigation both orally and in a written report.

Module code: 7SSG5080
Credit level: 7

Through seminar discussions, students will consider a range of philosophical approaches to the social sciences, from positivism and empiricism, to hermenuetics, marxism, and post-structuralism, and discuss the relationship between theoretical debates in particular disciplines to those within the wider social sciences. Each seminar will begin with student-led discussion of readings and then end with a more formal presentation from the instructor to introduce the material for the coming week.

Module code: 7SSG5104
Credit level: 7

This module provides an interdisciplinary introduction to the recent history of water resource allocation and management especially in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Priority will be given to outlining a conceptual framework identifying the relevant underlying ecological, economic and sociological principles relevant in the evaluation and management of water resources. The conceptual framework will also show the link between these underlying principles and environmental and economic policies. The roles of the institutions and technologies through which such policies can be implemented will also be analysed and exemplified.