Admission requirements
Required courses:
- Earth System Science
Recommended courses:
Geographic Information Systems
Quantitative Research Methods
Description
Every year, a considerable number of individuals fall victim to natural disasters, including floods, volcanic events, earthquakes, and landslides. The intensity and frequency of many natural hazards has increased due to climate change and environmental degradation. Moreover, population growth and inadequate institutional frameworks have amplified the risk of a natural disaster in various regions worldwide. Natural disasters arise from the complex interactions of Earth systems, encompassing tectonic, volcanological, atmospheric, hydrologic, and oceanographic phenomena. When these natural hazards intersect with vulnerable human systems, the consequences can be profound.
This 200-level course offers students an introduction to the study of natural disasters. It delves into the assessment of disaster risks in specific regions, strategies for risk reduction, and disaster management techniques. Major types of natural hazards and their underlying causes are explored, providing students with a foundational understanding of hazard risk. The course covers a range of natural hazards, including earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, storms, floods, droughts, mass wasting, and wildfires. Additionally, students will be introduced to Extreme Value Theory and GIS mapping as a tool for determining disaster risk.
Course Objectives
Students can explain how natural hazards arise from ongoing dynamical geological, geomorphological, atmospherically, and biological Earth system processes.
Students can analyse extreme environmental and geologic data using Extreme Value Theory to assess hazards in the past, present and future.
Students can evaluate local risks of a natural disasters based on (spatial) analysis of environmental data.
Students can apply disaster management strategies to local natural disaster risks.
Students understand the impact of natural hazards on the environment and society by using disaster cases from localities around the world.
Timetable
Timetables for courses offered at Leiden University College in 2024-2025 will be published on this page of the e-Prospectus.
Mode of instruction
This course will consist of lectures and class discussions on topics in natural disaster management. The course format is marked by a combination of preparatory readings, labs, dynamic lecture style with questions and discussion. Class discussion requires that students have read prior to coming to class so that they can constructively participate in structured and ad-hoc discussion. In each class we will do an exercises that will help the students to understand the provided course material. These can be computer based or in the LUC science lab.
Assessment Method
In-class participation, 10%
Extreme Value Lab, 15% (week 2)
Field Lab: Coastal Hazards in The Hague, 15% (week 4)
Mid-term quiz, 10% (week 5)
Podcast on a disaster case, 20% (week 6)
Regional Natural Disaster Assessment, 30% (week 8)
Reading list
Students will read a selection of scientific literature and government reports that will be made available on Brightspace.
Registration
Courses offered at Leiden University College (LUC) are usually only open to LUC students and LUC exchange students. Leiden University students who participate in one of the university’s Honours tracks or programmes may register for one LUC course, if availability permits. Registration is coordinated by the Education Coordinator, course.administration@luc.leidenuniv.nl.
Contact
Dr. Joeri Reinders, j.b.reinders@luc.leidenuniv.nl
Remarks
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