Module: GEO6101-20 Disaster Risk Reduction

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Andrew Skellern

Module Tutor Contact Details: a.skellern@bathspa.ac.uk 

1. Brief description and aims of module:

Disasters are a major problem worldwide and a serious threat to sustainable development.  The impacts of disasters are manifold and include loss of life, injury and disease; destruction of property and other assets; loss of infrastructure; damage to the environment, the economy and disruption of the very fabric of society.   Further, in our globalised world, disasters in one country can easily affect other countries around the world.  Between 2003 and 2013 the average annual number of people affected by disasters was 216 million and the average annual losses were $147bn.

Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) aims to reduce the damage caused by natural hazards such as earthquakes, floods, droughts etc. It is the concept and practice of reducing disaster risk through coordinated and systematic efforts to analyse and reduce the causal factors of disasters.  DRR involves every part of society, every part of government and every part of the public, private and professional sectors.

This module aims to give you a clear understanding of the complexities of DRR drawing on case studies from around the world to examine the importance of key issues such as: scientific knowledge; local knowledges and community participation;  good governance; better planning and investment; education and awareness raising; coordination and contingency planning and information sharing in the context of vulnerability and resilience to disaster risks.

2. Outline syllabus: 

The module will include a theoretical underpinning that examines the interplay between Global Drivers of disaster (such as uneven economic and urban development, weak governance and limited adaptive capacities) with underlying risk drivers and risk (e.g. rural livelihoods, ecosystems decline and lack of access to social protection coupled with the risks of communities exposed to food insecurities, disease, pollution and poverty) and how these predispose communities to the impacts of disaster (such as mortality and economic loss, loss of property and other assets and impacts on consumption, welfare and equality).  This will develop a sound understanding of disaster risk.

he module will also consider how DRR can be achieved by following The UN framework Convention on Climate Change and  the Priorities for Action of the UN Sendai Framework for DRR (2015-2030) including:

• Strengthening disaster risk governance to manage disaster risk

• Investing in disaster risk reduction for resilience

• Enhancing disaster preparedness for effective response and to “Build Back Better” in recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction

Practical workshops using geospatial analysis will complement the themes explored in the lectures and seminars.

3. Teaching and learning activities: 

Lectures and seminars will provide the theoretical underpinning.  To complement this, you will acquire valued practical skills in the collection and analysis of geographic data that can be used to understand the impacts of disasters and how practitioners in the DRR field can use this information to coordinate response. Where appropriate, the theory will be further supported by exploring case studies of disaster response, preparedness and prevention to hone problem solving skills. You will also gain awareness of potential career paths and contemporary issues facing the DRR and development sectors through interaction with practitioners in the field giving you the opportunity to establish links with the industry.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description:  Practical Geographic data analysis project (2,500 words equivalent)

• % Weighting: 50

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Theoretical Problem solving project (2,500 words equivalent)

• % Weighting: 50