James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2000

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GE2454:03

Natural Hazards

Cairns

Prerequisites: Any level 1 subject
Inadmissable Subject Combination: EA2700 GE3454 TG2005 TG3005

26 lectures, 6 tutorials, 6 hours practicals, 16 hours field work. First semester.

Staff: Dr J Nott.

The subject examines the physical characteristics and causes of various natural hazards as well as the social consequences of these events. Emphasis is placed on planning for and managing these events in tropical urban environments.

Major topics: characteristics, causes, planning for and managing the consequences of the following: tropical cyclones (wind and marine inundation), earthquakes, tsunami, storms and tornado, lightning, landslip, flood and drought, disease.

Learning Objectives:

  1. to develop an understanding of the causes and characteristics of various forms of natural hazards affecting human society;
  2. to recognise those areas within a region most prone to a particular type of natural hazard;
  3. to learn effective planning strategies to mitigate the effects of hazards;
  4. to learn management strategies in dealing with the consequences of a disaster.

Assessment by examination (50%); practicals (12%); tutorials (6%); essay (25%); field report (7%).


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