Geography and Environmental Hazards BSc (Hons)

Climate change is viewed by many as the most pressing issue facing the world today. In this module you will learn about the science and impacts of climate change, as well as strategies to mitigate or adapt to the problem, thus enabling you to develop your own critical opinion of the subject. We will explore the structure of the atmosphere in terms of natural and enhanced greenhouse states and discuss natural and anthropogenic causes of climate change. You will discover the effects that a changing climate has on global societies and on Earth's systems, such as the biosphere. We will also discuss what can be done about the problem by reviewing mitigation and adaptation strategies, and examining the effectiveness of national and international climate change policies.

Compulsory

In this module, you will gain experience with geo-referenced datasets of various types, their integration, analysis and presentation. You will develop your understanding of the principles of geo-referenced data: the theory, acquisition, processing methods and presentation for a variety of real-world applications related to staff research interests that can help solve a multitude of real-world problems.

Compulsory

In this module, you will examine the processes that are responsible for hydrometeorological hazards and their impacts on society. The detailed nature of the atmospheric, hydrological and other physical processes associated with such hazards, the origin, triggering mechanism and distribution (e.g. tropical cyclones, flooding and extra-tropical storms) will be explored, along with an examination of their inter-relatedness, statistical frequency and probability. This will ensure you further develop your understanding of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): 'Clean Water and Sanitation' (SDG 6), 'Climate Action (SDG 13), 'Life Below Water (SDG 14) and 'Life on Land' (SDG 15). Attempts at prediction and monitoring of such natural hazards will be covered.

Compulsory

This module aims to examine the processes that are responsible for geological hazards and, in turn, the impacts that these have on society. The detailed nature of the geological and physical processes associated with such hazards, e.g., volcanic hazards, earthquakes, tsunamis and mass movements will be explored, ranging from the origin, triggering mechanisms and effects of such events, through to an examination of their interrelatedness, statistical frequency and probability of occurrence. The module will also evaluate the various techniques that can be used to monitor such events, along with critically investigating the possibilities of their prediction. Throughout the module, emphasis will be placed on how the learnings will inform meeting the UN's SDG target of 'Good Health and Well-Being' for all (SDG 3).

Compulsory

The aim of this module is to further develop your research methods and skills for geography, energy and disaster management students, specifically focussing on the skills and understanding necessary to undertake your final year research project. The module is designed to challenge you to think critically, independently and work as part of a team. You will look to develop key research and practical fieldwork skills necessary for collecting and analysing quantitative and qualitative data. We will explain the components of a good project and provide opportunities to practise the required skills. In addition, the mandatory international field trip² will provide further opportunities to gain experience of research and fieldwork methods and techniques (there is no extra cost to you for this trip). The module will support you in making an informed decision about the proposed topic of your final year project.

Compulsory

In this module, you will undertake a critical analysis of a specified location and an associated project that has been influenced by the UN's SDGs. Your analysis of the project will explore the impact, success or failure, alongside possible solutions that will be fundamental to the positive future development of the location.

You will research, appraise, critique, develop and then communicate to a wider audience, the impact and implementation of the identified SDGs for the location and project. The focus of the review will be linked to your academic discipline within the built and natural environment and draw upon prior learning from your previous cognate knowledge.

Compulsory

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

This module ² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

This module will assess the impact of what can be described as 'emerging hazards'. Such hazards are those which appear to be becoming more common or widespread and which often fall into the categories: biological, geological and chemical (even biogeochemical). Common features of such hazards include their wide spatial distributions and significant numbers of people affected. The causes of these emerging hazards will be examined, along with compounding factors that influence their impact and an overall investigation into the risk of their occurrence. A critical evaluation of the possible remedies to alleviate the scale, intensity and impact of such hazard events will then be explored, along with a consideration of the prospects for the future.

Compulsory

The aim of this module is to enable you to develop your research skills by conducting primary or secondary research focused on a specific problem of relevance to your discipline. You should use different methods and research skills, gained over previous years of study, to effectively communicate research novelties and ideas to the academic and non-academic communities. It will contribute to the research training aim appropriate to your level of study and requires you to demonstrate an understanding of the principles of research and to show an appropriate level of competence in the design, execution, and reporting of a research project. It should enable you to understand the importance of correct and critical analysis of all the factors involved in a problem and develop your initiative as you pursue and execute the investigation, demonstrating originality and creativity.

Compulsory

This module aims to introduce you to critical thought and methods as applied in an overseas field location² (this mandatory international trip is at no extra cost to you, please see the 'How you'll learn' section for more details). The module will extend your fieldwork skills and your grasp of contemporary methodologies and techniques. Emphasis in the classroom, and the field, is placed on experiential learning whilst also ensuring the continuation of transferable field and academic skills development. Experiences and skills that will be developed include undertaking research in the field, making observations, collecting and collating data, critically debating previous research and taking responsibility for one’s own learning though individual and teamwork, and formulating hazard and risk assessments for fieldwork.

Compulsory

Hazard Management and Mitigation – 20 credits

Natural hazards are increasing in frequency and with climate change and population pressure, this trend is likely to continue. Natural events like earthquakes, landslides and floods cannot be prevented, but the resulting extensive damages and significant economic losses can, however, be risk-assessed, mapped and then mitigated against. In this module, you can expect to further develop the concepts and ideas introduced in earlier modules and provide a comprehensive examination of all phases of natural hazard mitigation and management, including, but not limited to: hazard mapping, risk assessment, design of protective measures, implementation management, monitoring systems, preparedness, early warning and evacuation.

Nature-Based Climate Solutions – 20 credits

This module will give you the opportunity to evaluate the approaches of conservation, restoration and improved management of ecosystems, across a catchment scale that can alleviate the impact of contemporary challenges such as climate change, habitat loss, urbanisation and sustainable development. We evaluate a range of nature-based solutions, evaluating their benefits, costs, and mitigation potential. You will also have the opportunity to participate in a mandatory, UK-based residential field trip² to explore nature-based solutions in action and also to design your own nature-based solution. This mandatory field trip is at no extra cost to you (see the 'How you'll learn section' for more details), and your learning will be informed by module staff’s research experience.

Optional

Geoinfomatics – 20 credits

Geoinformation is an all-encompassing term for data that can be visualised and analysed using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing. All manner of data can be utilised with GIS and remote sensing, employing techniques able to simply visualise the Earth’s surface to more advanced methods capable of mapping, modelling, and analysing an extensive range of spatial data sources. In this module, you will develop a sophisticated understanding of the principles and applications of advanced GIS, computational modelling and remote sensing specific to your degree focus, and to use the knowledge and skills you acquire in a variety of real-world applications related to staff research interests.

Pressures on our Planet – 20 credits

The aim of this module is to explore the role of Earth science in its relationship with contemporary environmental change. Specifically, the module will lead you to better understand how environmental processes, products and hazards interact with the human environment to produce new and ever-evolving challenges for society. Our response to such challenges will be examined, as will the identification of opportunities to mitigate these impacts and adjustments to how we interact with the natural environment. Throughout the module, emphasis will be placed on how the learnings will inform meeting the SDG targets of 'Good Health and Well-Being' for all (SDG 3), 'Sustainable Cities and Communities' (SDG 11) and 'Climate Action' (SDG 13).

Humans and Hazards – 20 credits

This module will explore the anthropological causes and implications of natural and environmental hazards globally. While natural phenomena are at the root cause of natural hazard events, the strength, intensity and frequency of hazard events is often attributable to acts of human commission or omission. Research indicates that the impact of natural hazards on individuals, communities and nations varies significantly as a result of their geographical location and social markers including, social class, sexuality, gender, age and ethnicity. The module examines what can be done to increase the resilience of marginalised and vulnerable communities and to critically underpin the role of professionals and communities within this process.

The module also asks how conceptualisations such as social capital and community resilience feature in the response to, and recovery from, potential disaster events. Moreover, it will critically examine how campaigns and education foster a culture of 'preparedness', with special consideration to contemporary global and environmental change and cultural differences within the minority and majority world. Practical solutions such as (re) construction of housing, infrastructure, alternative energy sources, “building back better”, and critical scientific, managerial and social interventions, will also be considered and evaluated as part of the disaster management cycle. Throughout the module, emphasis will be placed on how the learnings will inform meeting the SDG targets of 'Good Health and Well-Being' for all (SDG 3) and 'Sustainable Cities and Communities' (SDG 11).

Optional