HAR686: Disaster and Emergency Management

Introduction

Disasters and emergencies can strike any community. It is not a question of whether a disaster will occur but when. However, the likelihood, scale and impact of a disaster can be minimized through appropriate emergency planning, preparation and response by the community, governmental and non-governmental organisations. This module will cover the key concepts of disaster and emergency management, explore some of the contemporary issues and develop students’ knowledge and skills in this field.

Objectives

Students will develop a broad understanding of the knowledge, issues and management principles of disaster and emergency planning, preparation and response. The module seeks to help students develop practical knowledge and skills for dealing with incidents and emergencies.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the unit, a candidate will be able to:

• explain the generic stages of the emergency management cycle;
• demonstrate an awareness of key emergency management issues and principles;
• adapt and apply the emergency management stages systematically to any setting or scenario;
• demonstrate an understanding of emergency planning;
• critically reflect on emergency exercises and;
• critically appraise disaster mitigation options.

Teaching Methods

The teaching methods include lectures to impart factual knowledge and understanding of the key issues, principles and concepts of emergency management. Problem-based learning seminars will be run to practically demonstrate some of these concepts.

Assessment 

Students will be required to individually submit a 3000 word written assignment where they will be required to:

1. Carry out an in-depth critical analysis of a hazard based on a defined context and setting

2. Identify and critically appraise possible mitigation strategies to address the hazard identified.

The pass mark is 50%.