Course coordinator
Dr Annie Lau
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- External
- Attendance mode
- Online
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- The Environment School
The course will require students to analyse policy arrangements and practical applications of hazard and disaster management in local, state and national government contexts.This course describes where & how interacting environmental & social systems create distinctive landscapes, regions & places at risk from environmental hazards. Determinants of community exposure, risk & resilience to hazards are identified & analysed from a geographical perspective, as are society's attempts to manage & adapt to hazards.
Natural hazards are significant agents of damage, disruption and loss across diverse local and global landscapes. Despite the name, natural hazards are not entirely natural. Understanding earth system processes and the frequency of these hazards is essential in developing prevention and mitigation measures to reduce hazard risk. This course will introduce the naturalﾠsystems that create hazards, including floods, cyclones, earthquakes, tsunamis, fires, and droughts; so as to investigateﾠwhere and why the interplay of environmental and social systems yields spatially varying exposures to hazard risk, and contrast choices of risk management and adaptation. ﾠ
Attention to emergency and disaster planning is now a requirement across many professional areas (e.g. in state and local governments, education, and aid agencies) as it has become embedded in the wider operations of governments, private enterprises and the public to create sustainable, “prepared communities”. Hazard geography, with its integrating, spatial perspective offers a robust framework with which to combine and apply expertise from the environmental and social sciences, spatial sciences and planning in practical, problem-solving contexts. ﾠﾠ
Course requirements
Assumed background
A background in Physical Geography would be helpful.
Students are not assumed to have any prior knowledge of environmental hazards. Current or prior occupational experience in emergency management or related industry may be an acceptable prerequisite. Please seek advice from the Course Coordinator if unsure.
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
GEOS3106
Jointly taught details
This course is jointly-taught with:
This course shares Lectures with GEOS3106.
Course contact
Course staff
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
This mode is only for external students. Internal students should take GEOS7106 Internal version to gain hands-on experience in lab and field activities.
In this external course, students are expected to watch all lecture recordings and some practical recordings in their own time. Students need to attend three 3-hour online (live-streamed, interactive) practical sessions throughout the semester.
Aims and outcomes
This Course aims to investigate: (1) the geologic and atmospheric processes that cause environmental hazards; (2) the distribution and attributes of hazards in Australia and internationally; (3) patterns and determinants of exposure, risk, vulnerability and resilience to hazards; and (4) how people perceive, manage and adjust to hazardous environments. Practical understanding of hazard geography is promoted using robust conceptual and skills frameworks.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Demonstrate knowledge of a range of natural hazards.
LO2.
Research, interpret and synthesize information from a range of sources relevant to the analyses of hazards, risks, vulnerability, resilience, adaptation and management.
LO3.
Analyse information to gain understanding of hazards and the landscapes in which they exist and thereby allow critical assessments of hazards and approaches to dealing with them i.e. adaptation, mitigation or avoidance; and how to undertake appropriate decision-making.
LO4.
Communicate knowledge, interpretations and analyses in written, graphical and oral formats effectively and in a manner appropriate to the field.
LO5.
Understand and use the language, frameworks and tools used in hazard geography and emergency management.
LO6.
Work cooperatively in a small group to deliver a natural hazards risk assessment report and to make recommendations to stakeholders on risk reduction.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Role play/ Simulation, Tutorial/ Problem Set |
Practical worksheets and role play
|
15% |
Worksheet 1: 16:00 3/04/2025 Worksheet 2: 16:00 10/04/2025 Worksheet 3: 16:00 1/05/2025 Worksheet 4: 16:00 8/05/2025 Check timetable for exact practical date/time 12/05/2025 - 16/05/2025 |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Risk assessment report
|
20% |
1/05/2025 4:00 pm |
| Presentation | Research progress in hazard geography | 15% |
22/05/2025 4:00 pm |
| Examination |
End-of-semester Exam
|
50% |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Practical worksheets and role play
- Online
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Written
- Category
- Role play/ Simulation, Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
Worksheet 1: 16:00 3/04/2025
Worksheet 2: 16:00 10/04/2025
Worksheet 3: 16:00 1/05/2025
Worksheet 4: 16:00 8/05/2025
Check timetable for exact practical date/time 12/05/2025 - 16/05/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
There are four worksheets to complete throughout the semester. Practical recordings will be available to guide students to complete these worksheets. Exercises contain a mix of short questions and brief essays. The exercises are designed to consolidate learning. Questions in the exercises may appear in the final exam.
Worksheet 1: Week 4 practical recording on Floods; submit in Week 6
Worksheet 2: Week 6 practical recording on ENSO; submit in Week 7
Worksheet 3: Week 8 online live-streamed practical on Earthquakes; submit in Week 9 (after Easter break)
Worksheet 4: Week 9 practical recording on Volcano/GIS; submit in Week 10.
Students should attend the third online live-streamed practical on "Managing a Disaster" to participate in the role-play activity.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Download the worksheets from Blackboard, answer all the questions, then submit electronically on Blackboard.
Role-play activity: Attend the third online practical to participate.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
See the Additional assessment information section further below for information relating to extension and deferral applications.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date. For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period).
Risk assessment report
- Team or group-based
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
1/05/2025 4:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Peer assessed.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
The risk assessment report is a GROUP assignment. Students will work in groups of 3-4 to assess the natural hazard risk in a local suburb. Results will need to be collated and synthesised as a written report. Instructions and guiding questions for discussions will be announced in the first online practical and posted on Blackboard.
Students can form their own groups during the practical. Absentees will be grouped randomly.
The report should be 3000-5500 words, exclusive of references. 10% of the final mark will be deducted for every 10% excess words. Final marks will be distributed among group members based on the peer assessment scores. The peer assessment form should be submitted individually to Blackboard ("submission" folder) by the same due date.
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
This group report should be submitted electronically via Turnitin on Blackboard (1 submission per group)
Each student can submit an anonymous peer assessment form, also via Blackboard, by the due date. The form can be downloaded from Blackboard. Submission of peer assessment is optional.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
See the Additional assessment information section further below for information relating to extension and deferral applications.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date. For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period).
Research progress in hazard geography
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
22/05/2025 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
This is an individual assessment item. Students will each select a peer-reviewed journal article on the theme of environmental hazards, published in the past ten years. The article may be related to Climate change projections, Natural hazard trends, or Hazard vulnerability. Read the article and then present a paper critique in a recorded presentation. The video should be 8-12 minutes.
In the presentation, you should cover the followings (with suggested length):
Demonstrate your understanding of the article (35%)
- Synthesise the work by explaining the aims, significance, method, and major findings of the research.
- Explain how the research and results contribute to hazard risk reduction or the progress of hazard geography
Evaluate the article (20%)
- Critically review the article, e.g. comment on the hypotheses, methods, or analyses of the work, using your knowledge in hazard science or/and disaster management.
Relate the research or concepts presented in the research to the topics in this course (10%)
- How does this article fit (or contradict) with the knowledge being discussed in this course?
End the presentation with personal opinions, reflections, questions to the research, and/or any other comments (35%)
- Does the paper extend your understanding of the issues discussed in this and other courses?
- How can you apply the knowledge?
- How can the research be improved?
- What research project would you develop to further progress our understanding of environmental hazards and hazard reduction?
The second online practical includes a workshop on how to choose a good article, and how to construct a video presentation for this assignment. Students are to attend this practical to discuss the selection of an article with the course coordinator in person during this practical.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Reminder: The presentation must be presented by the student (not an AI avatar or similar). More info will be given in the online practical.
Submission guidelines
The video (PowerPoint slides by screen sharing + voice-over + webcam) can be created using Zoom or Powerpoint. Submit your video on Padlet AND a submission form via Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
See the Additional assessment information section further below for information relating to extension and deferral applications.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date. For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period).
End-of-semester Exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
The examination questions will be based on materials covered in the whole course, including lectures, practical sessions, and from the suggested readings. Details of the exam will be advised in Mid-May.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
Students must achieve a minimum of 45% on the final exam.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | Any calculator permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - specified written materials permitted |
| Materials | One A4 sheet of handwritten notes , single sided, is permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
See the Additional assessment information section further below for information relating to extension and deferral applications.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 0% |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 30% |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 45% |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 50% |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 65% |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 75% |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 85% |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is not available for some items in this course.
Should you fail a course with a grade of 3 you may be eligible for supplementary assessment.
Supplementary assessment provides an additional opportunity to demonstrate you have achieved all the required learning outcomes for a course.
Supplementary assessment is not available if you have failed the practical component of this course. The learning objects of the laboratory components are demonstrated throughout the semester and it is not possible to validly reassess these learning objectives in the supplementary assessment period.
Supplementary assessment can take any form such as a written report, oral presentation, examination or other appropriate assessment. If you apply and are granted supplementary assessment, the type of supplementary assessment set will consider which learning outcome(s) have not been met.
To receive a passing grade of 3S4, you must obtain a mark of 50% or more on the supplementary assessment.
Additional assessment information
Applications for Extensions to Assessment Due Dates
Extension requests are submitted online via my.UQ – applying for an extension. Extension requests received in any other way will not be approved. Additional details associated with extension requests, including acceptable and unacceptable reasons, may be found at my.UQ.
Please note:
- Requests for an extension to an assessment due date must be submitted through your my.UQ portal and you must provide documentation of your circumstances, as soon as it becomes evident that an extension is needed. Your application must be submitted on or before the assessment item's due date and time.
- Applications for extension can take time to be processed so you should continue to work on your assessment item while awaiting a decision. We recommend that you submit any completed work by the due date, and this will be marked if your application is not approved. Should your application be approved, then you will be able to resubmit by the agreed revised due date.
- If an extension is approved, you will be notified via your my.UQ portal and the new date and time for submission provided. It is important that you check the revised date as it may differ from the date that you requested.
- If the basis of the application is a medical condition, applications should be accompanied by a medical certificate dated prior to the assignment due date. If you are unable to provide documentation to support your application by the due date and time you must still submit your application on time and attach a written statement (Word document) outlining why you cannot provide the documentation. You must then upload the documentation to the portal within 24 hours.
- If an extension is being sought on the basis of exceptional circumstances, it must be accompanied by supporting documentation (eg. Statutory declaration).
- For extensions based on a SAP you may be granted a maximum of 7 days (if no earlier maximum timeframe applies). See the Extension or Deferral availability section of each assessment for timeframes. Your SAP is all that is required as documentation to support your application. However, additional extension requests for the assessment item will require the submission of additional supporting documentation e.g., a medical certificate. All extension requests must be received by the assessment due date and time.
- An extension for an assessment item due within the teaching period in which the course is offered, must not exceed four weeks in total. If you are incapacitated for a period exceeding four weeks of the teaching period, you are advised to apply for Removal of Course.
- If you have been ill or unable to attend class for more than 4 weeks, you are advised to carefully consider whether you are capable of successfully completing your courses this semester. You might be eligible to withdraw without academic penalty - seek advice from the Faculty that administers your program.
- Students may be asked to submit evidence of work completed to date. Lack of adequate progress on your assessment item may result in an extension being denied.
- There are no provisions for exemption from an assessment item within UQ rules. If you are unable to submit an assessment piece then, under special circumstances, you may be granted an exemption, but may be required to submit alternative assessment to ensure all learning outcomes are met.
Applications to defer an exam
In certain circumstances you can apply to take a deferred examination for in-semester and end-of-semester exams. You'll need to demonstrate through supporting documentation how unavoidable circumstances prevented you from sitting your exam. If you can’t, you can apply for a one-off discretionary deferred exam.
Deferred Exam requests are submitted online via mySi-net. Requests received in any other way will not be approved. Additional details associated with deferred examinations, including acceptable and unacceptable reasons may be found at my.UQ.
Please note:
- Applications can be submitted no later than 5 calendar days after the date of the original exam.
- There are no provisions to defer a deferred exam. You need to be available to sit your deferred examination.
- Your deferred examination request(s) must have a status of "submitted" in mySI-net to be assessed.
- All applications for deferred in-semester examinations are assessed by the relevant school. Applications for deferred end-of-semester examinations are assessed by the Academic Services Division.
- You’ll receive an email to your student email account when the status of your application is updated.
- If you have a medical condition, mental health condition or disability and require alternative arrangements for your deferred exam you’ll need to complete the online alternative exam arrangements through my.UQ. This is in addition to your deferred examinations request. You need to submit this request on the same day as your request for a deferred exam or supplementary assessment. Contact Student Services if you need assistance completing your alternative exam arrangements request.
Plagiarism
Evidence of excessive collaboration or plagiarism (including copying) between submitted work will be dealt with according to University Disciplinary Procedures (see http://ppl.app.uq.edu.au/content/3.60.04-student-integrity-and-misconduct).
Assessment Submission
It is the responsibility of the student to ensure the on time, correct and complete submission of all assessment items.
Please ensure you receive and save the submission confirmation for all submitted items, you may be asked to produce this as evidence of your submission.
Turnitin
All written assessment must be submitted via the appropriate Turnitin submission portal, which can be found within the Blackboard site. You are responsible for ensuring that your submission is complete. It is wise to re-enter the Turnitin portal and confirm that your submission is there and that it has not been altered during the submission process.
By submitting work through Turnitin you are deemed to have accepted the following declaration “I certify that this assignment is my own work and has not been submitted, either previously or concurrently, in whole or in part, to this University or any other educational institution, for marking or assessment”.
In the case of a Blackboard outage, please contact the Course Coordinator as soon as possible to confirm the outage with ITS.
Assessment/Attendance
Please notify your Course Coordinator as soon as you become aware of any issue that may affect your ability to meet the assessment/attendance requirements of the course. Theﾠmy.UQﾠwebsite and the Course Profile for your course also provide information about your course requirements, the rules associated with your courses and services offered by the University.
A note for repeating students in this course
Any student who enrols in a courseﾠmust notﾠbe given exemption or partial credit from their previous attempt(s) for any individual piece of assessment.ﾠInstead, the student must successfully complete all of the learning activities and assessment items within the study period of enrolmentﾠ(PPL Assessment - Procedures).
If the same assessment item is set from one year to the next, repeating students are allowed to submit the same work they submitted in previous attempts at the course. Where possible SENV recommends that you use the feedback you received in your last attempt to improve parts of the item where you lost marks. Resubmission of an altered or unaltered assessment item by a repeating student (where the same assessment has been set) will not be considered as self-plagiarism.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Not scheduled |
Lecture |
Weekly lecture Lectures will be recorded (i.e. no live stream). See 4.2 below for the detailed schedule. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Practical |
Practicals This external course is catered for external students who may have to work full-time outside of their studies. Therefore, only three live-streamed practicals are timetabled. Learning materials (recordings, worksheets) for other practical sessions will be available on Blackboard, students are expected to complete all required worksheets and group work in their own time. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Additional learning activity information
A class plan showing all planned activities will be given in Lecture 1 and the first online practical. Activities may be swapped, added, or cancelled due to staff availability and other special circumstances. There is also an optional site visit to the State Disaster Coordination Centre around week 10. The visit time/date and logistics will be announced close to the date. This visit may be rescheduled/cancelled at the last minute if the Centre is activated to manage an emergency event.
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.