ENV ENG 4005 - Integrated Natural Hazard Risk Management
North Terrace Campus - Summer - 2025
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General Course Information
Course Details
Course Code ENV ENG 4005 Course Integrated Natural Hazard Risk Management Coordinating Unit Environmental Engineering Term Summer Level Undergraduate Location/s North Terrace Campus Units 3 Contact Up to 39 hours per week (based on four weeks of intensive study) Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y Incompatible CEME 7405 or ENV ENG 7405 Assumed Knowledge GEOG 2129, CEME 2006 or ENV ENG 2006 Assessment Assessment for this course consists of a mixture of quizzes and reports Course Staff
Course Coordinator: Professor Holger Maier
Course Timetable
The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from .
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Learning Outcomes
Course Learning Outcomes
At the completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Understand the mechanisms underlying a range of natural hazards (e.g. bushfire, riverine flooding, coastal inundation, heatwaves, cyclones and storms, and earthquakes) and understand, quantify, critically assess and discuss the spatial variability in the severity and likelihood of different natural hazards.
2. Understand, quantify, critically assess and discuss the spatial variability in the impact and risk of different types of “assets” (e.g. buildings, critical infrastructure, people, environment).
3. Understand, quantify, critically assess and discuss the impact of different drivers of change (e.g. climate and population change) and resulting plausible future conditions on changes in impact and risk.
4. Understand, quantify, critically assess and discuss the advantages, disadvantages and relative effectiveness of different risk reduction options.
5. Understand, critically assess and discuss different approaches and mechanisms for increasing the chances of implementing adaptive risk management plans.
6. Use GIS tools and data sources effectively for natural hazard risk mapping and management, including obtaining and harmonising data from different sources in order to undertake analysis.
7. Communicate disaster risks effectively through GIS analysis and maps.
The above course learning outcomes are aligned with the Engineers Australia . The course develops the following EA Elements of Competency to levels of introductory (A), intermediate (B), advanced (C):
1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 — — B A C C B A A — C A B A A A University Graduate Attributes
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:
University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s) Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth
Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.
1,2,3,4,5 Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving
Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.
2,3,4,5 Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills
Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.
2,3,4,5,7 Attribute 7: Digital capabilities
Graduates are well prepared for living, learning and working in a digital society.
6 Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.
2,3,4,5 -
Learning Resources
Required Resources
A computer is required to watch the online lectures and to pereform the GIS modelling. For on-campus students, computers are available for this. Remote students will require access to a computer. All required software can be accessed remotely through the 成人大片's ADAPT system.Online Learning
All lectures are online. These are given by experienced presenters from a range of universities (e.g. Universities of Adelaide, Wollongog, Melbourne, New England; Curtain and Deakin University; TU Delft), other research organisations (e.g. CSIRO, Risk Frontiers); Government (e.g. Department for Environment and Water (SA), Department of Environment, Water, Land and Planning (Vic), SA Water; SA Power Networks); Advocacy Groups (e.g. Committee for Sydney; Insurance Council of Australia) and Private Industry (e.g. Climate Extremes Consulting).
Topics covered in the online lectures include:
Day 1: Natural Hazards and Likelihood
• Physical processes and likelihood of a range of natural hazards
• Compound events
Day 2: Exposure, Vulnerability and Values
• Potential impacts of natural hazards on things we value, such as buildings, critical infrastructure, people and the environment
• Examples of methods for quantifying impacts
Day 3: System-Wide Impacts and Risks
• Potential system-wide impacts of natural hazards
• Different ways of conceptualising and representing risk
Day 6: Uncertainty and Change in Natural Hazard Risk Assessment
• Drivers of change affecting hazards, impact and risk (e.g. climate and population change, TCFD )
• Methods for modelling drivers of change and their impact
• Real-world case studies
Day 7: Risk-Reduction Options
• Risk ownership
• Risk reduction options (e.g. structural measures, land use planning, land management, building codes, communication)
• Real-world case studies
Day 8: Risk-Reduction Option Implementation Mechanisms and Strategies
• Resilience and adaptation
• Risk reduction mechanisms and strategies (e.g. economic, financial, insurance, stakeholder engagement, political)
• Real-world case studies
Online materials are also available to support the GIS modelling component of the course. These include videos taking students through the GIS modelling exercises. -
Learning & Teaching Activities
Learning & Teaching Modes
This course can be taken on campus or remotely. All lectures are online. For on-campus students, project work will be in the computing suites with assistance from lecturers / tutors. For remote students, project work can be done remotely with online assistance.
Industry participants and students who are not currently enrolled at the 成人大片 can enrol in this course as non-award students.
For these students, enrolment involves the following steps (full process is available here):
• Complete the non-award enrolment form (form here) and email form to askecms@adelaide.edu.au (please also cc holger.maier@adelaide.edu.au)
• Once the form has been emailed to askecms@adelaide.edu.au our AskECMS team will process the enrolment and activate the students in the 成人大片 system and selected classes.Workload
The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.
The expected total workload for this course is 150h.Learning Activities Summary
This is a 2-week intensive course, with a subsequent 6-week period during which students can complete a project of their choice in their own time. In each week of the 2-week intensive period, students watch a series of recorded lectures and complete related GIS modelling exercises, culminating in the completion of a weekly project. Each week will be divided into two parts. The first three days will set aside time to watch the online lectures in the morning and time to complete the GIS modelling exercises in the afternoon. These exercises relate to the online lectures to build the “components” of the overall weekly activity and introduce students to relevant datasets, methods, and tools. The fourth and fifth day of each week is set aside to work on the weekly project. At the completion of the two weeks, students have 6 weeks to work on a project of their choice to put into practivce what they have learnt in an area of their interest.
Details of the course structure and activities are given below:
Week 1: Development of Integrated Regional Risk Map Morning Afternoon Day 1: Natural Hazards and Likelihood Online Lectures GIS Exercises Day 2: Exposure, Vulnerability and Values Online Lectures GIS Exercises Day 3: System-Wide Impacts and Risks Online Lectures GIS Exercises Days 4 & 5: Project Work / Report (Integrated Regional Risk Map) Project Work Project Work
Week 2: Development of Adaptive Risk Management Plan Morning Afternoon Day 6: Uncertainty and Change in Natural Hazard Risk Assessment Online Lectures GIS Exercises Day 7: Risk Reduction Options Online Lectures GIS Exercises Day 8: Risk Reduction Option Implementation Mechanisms and Strategies Online Lectures GIS Exercises Days 9 & 10: Project Work / Report (Adaptive Risk Management Plan) Project Work Project Work
Weeks 3-8: Major Project Students work independently on project of their choice (assistance available) -
Assessment
The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:
- Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
- Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
- Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
- Assessment must maintain academic standards.
Assessment Summary
Daily GIS Modelling Exercises: 18%
Weekly Projects: 32%
Major Project: 50%
There is no exam in this course.Assessment Detail
All assessment tasks are done individually and consist of:
Structured GIS modelling exercises (during the intensive teaching period in Weeks 1 and 2): 18%
- Day 1: Develop and Communicate Hazard Intensity and Likelihood Maps (3%)
- Day 2: Develop and analyse Exposure, Vulnerability and Impact Maps (3%)
- Day 3: Develop and analyse System-Wide Impact and Risk Maps (3%)
- Day 6: Develop and analyse Maps of Changes in Hazard, Exposure, Vulnerability, Impact and Risk (3%)
- Day 7: Develop and analyse Maps of Residual Impact and Risk Due to Land Management and Land Use Planning (3%)
- Day 8: Develop and analyse Maps of Residual Impact and Risk Due to Structural Measures and Resilience (3%)
Weekly Projects (during the intensive teaching period in Weeks 1 and 2): 32%
- Week 1: Develop and Critically Discuss Integrated Regional Risk Map (13%)
- Week 2: Develop and Critically Discuss Adaptive Risk Management Plan (19%)
Major Project (completed independently in the 6 weeks after the 2-week intensive teaching period): 50%
The focus of the major project is at the disgression of students to enable them to focus on an area of most interest to them, although suggestions for potential projects are also provided.Submission
Structured GIS modelling exercises (during the intensive teaching period in Weeks 1 and 2): 18%
On each of Days 1-3 and 6-8, students are required to submit files of all relevant GIS models that have been developed in an operational state. In addition, students have to submit an online quiz answering questions based on the GIS modelling conducted.
Weekly Projects (during the intensive teaching period in Weeks 1 and 2): 32%
For each of the weekly projects, students are required to submit two files:
- All calculations / models, including all GIS models in an operational state
- A written response, summarising and critically discussing key findings propmpted by the questions provided.
Major Project (completed independently in the 6 weeks after the 2-week intensive teaching period): 50%
For the major project, students are required to submit two files:
- All calculations / models, including all GIS models in an operational state
- A written response,which should be in the form of a report that clearly outlines (i) the problem being addressed (including scope and objectives), (ii) the data and methods used, (iii) the modelling performed and (iv) the presentation and critical analysis and discussion of results and major findings.Course Grading
Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:
M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme) Grade Mark Description FNS Fail No Submission F 1-49 Fail P 50-64 Pass C 65-74 Credit D 75-84 Distinction HD 85-100 High Distinction CN Continuing NFE No Formal Examination RP Result Pending Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.
Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.
Final results for this course will be made available through .
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Student Feedback
The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.
SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.
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Student Support
- Academic Integrity for Students
- Academic Support with Maths
- Academic Support with writing and study skills
- Careers Services
- Library Services for Students
- LinkedIn Learning
- Student Life Counselling Support - Personal counselling for issues affecting study
- Students with a Disability - Alternative academic arrangements
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Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
- Academic Credit Arrangements Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progress by Coursework Students Policy
- Assessment for Coursework Programs Policy
- Copyright Compliance Policy
- Coursework Academic Programs Policy
- Intellectual Property Policy
- IT Acceptable Use and Security Policy
- Modified Arrangements for Coursework Assessment Policy
- Reasonable Adjustments to Learning, Teaching & Assessment for Students with a Disability Policy
- Student Experience of Learning and Teaching Policy
- Student Grievance Resolution Process
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Fraud Awareness
Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student鈥檚 disciplinary procedures.
The 成人大片 is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The 成人大片 therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.
