3 ECTS credits
90 h study time
Offer 1 with catalog number 4017295FNR for all students in the 2nd semester at a (F) Master - specialised level.
Theory:
This part of the course will aim at understanding the natural processes that can lead to hazards. More specifically, attention is paid to the physical processes controlling each type of hazards and the factors controlling the intensity, recurrence rate and spatial distribution hazards. Geohazards, climatic and other natural and semi-natural hazards will be examined. Geohazards, including earthquakes, landslides and volcanic eruptions, will be taken as an example to illustrate the importance of statistical analysis of extreme events, monitoring techniques, preparation of hazard maps and the implementation of mitigation measures. Students will work on a thorough hazard assessment of a region of interest on the basis of scientific literature and remote sensing data.
Content
1. Extreme events statistics and their use in hazard assessment
2. Flood hazard assessment in Flanders
3. Cyclones and extreme climate events
4. Seismic hazard assessment in Belgium
5. Volcanic processes and hazards
6. Remote sensing in hazard assessment
WPO
•Student prepare in group a hazard assessment for a selected region of interest. From topographic analysis of the DEM, reading of the relevant literature and collection of available datasets, each group evaluate the probability of occurrence of different types of hazards. They thereafter analyse the situation of preparedness to manage a crisis and propose a suitable strategy to remedy to the major weaknesses in the current situation.
Power point presentations of the lecturers and group research projects
Complementary study material:
• Bryant E., 2005. Natural Hazards, 2nd ed, Cambridge University Press, 328 p.
• Smith K & Petley D.N. 2009. Environmental Hazards: assessing risk and reducing disaster. 5th ed., Routledge Taylor & Francis group, 416p.
Scientific journals for independent research projects.
The student has a in depth knowledge of the processes controlling the intensity, nature and spatial distribution of hazardous processes. The student is aware of the methods used to quantify and compare the intensity of different hazardous processes and to statistically analyse the hazard probability. The student understands the monitoring and modelling techniques that can be used to simulate and forecast hazards. The student is able to interpret hazard predictions taken into account the limitations of the available data and models. The student is able to critically read the literature related to hazard assessment and to propose a scientific approach when confronted to a specific case study.
The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Written Exam determines 60% of the final mark.
PRAC Presentation determines 40% of the final mark.
Within the Written Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:
Within the PRAC Presentation category, the following assignments need to be completed:
Presentation of the personal research project 40%
Written Exam 60%
A mark >8 for each of the evaluation is requested to pass the course.
Partial marks for the group presentation, if the student obtains at least half of the score for this part, are transferred to the second session and to the next academic year.
The student can relinquish his partial mark, provided s/he reports this to the lecturer and assistant by e-mail not later than 15 August (2nd session) or 1 October (no transfer to the next academic year).
Once the student has indicated that he will abandon his partial mark, he will irrevocably lose the partial mark.
This offer is part of the following study plans:
Master of Biology: Human Ecology
Master of Biology: Ecology and Biodiversity
Master of Biology: AR Human Ecology 60 ECTS
Master of Chemistry: Analytical and Environmental Chemistry