Methods for Natural Hazards Risk Assessment

Module description

This is a highly interdisciplinary module about natural hazards and risk. The main aim of this module is to explore methods for assessing, communicating and visualizing risk and reducing disasters for natural (e.g., landslides, wildfire) hazards in the Global South and the Global North.

Research methods and topics covered vary year-to-year, depending on class interests and what is currently being used in the natural hazard community. Examples include the quantitative and qualitative modelling of natural and environmental hazards, serious games and natural hazards, quantitative and qualitative visualization of natural hazards, and disaster risk reduction methodologies.

Throughout the module, we will consider from an interdisciplinary point of view the complex relationship that exists between hazards and society, but focus on the practical 'how' do we go about understanding these relationships via different physical and social sciences evidence types, modelling and visualization. 

It is expected that students taking this module are already familiar with the material in the "Natural Hazards" module (5SSG2042), or that they will find another way to familiarize themselves with the material that was covered. 

Assessment details

Group Poster (25%), 3000 word research essay (75%)

Learning outcomes

At the completion of the module, students should be able to demonstrate the following:

• A critical understanding of some of the quantitative and qualitative methods that scientists currently use to assess, communicate and visualize natural and environmental risk, and the ability to challenge and understand some of the limitations and strengths of these approaches.
• The ability to effectively interact, prepare and present a group poster based on a given topic to student peers.
• An understanding how to do a broad critical evaluation and synthesis of evidence (e.g., a systematic mapping or review).
• The ability to utilize both reference material assigned in class and a broad range of material the student has found independently (e.g., peer-review papers, books, internet), to explore in depth over the course of the term, a specific aspect or aspects of natural hazards, for their research essay.

Teaching pattern

20 hours of interactive lectures and discussions

Module description disclaimer

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Please note that the module descriptions above are related to the current academic year and are subject to change.