Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2024-2025

Module GEOG40415: RISK FRONTIERS

Department: Geography

GEOG40415: RISK FRONTIERS

Type Open Level 4 Credits 15 Availability Available in 2024/2025 Module Cap

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • The aim of this module is to expose students to current thinking in climate, hazards, risk and security research. This may include seminars, workshops and/or conferences organised in collaboration with the Institute of Hazards, Risk & Resilience (IHRR). Exposure to a range of research will offer generic training in skills of interpreting, criticising and synthesising emerging research. Many climate, hazards and security sectors have a newfound appetite for using cutting edge knowledge and interdisciplinary approaches. This module provides students with additional breadth in the fields of climate, hazards, risk and security.

Content

  • Students will attend research events, usually in a seminar format. These seminars will provide students with the opportunity to meet and interact with leading researchers and practitioners in fields of climate change, security, hazards, risk and resilience.
  • Students will also participate in five workshops focussed on broader skills development, such as writing for a general audience, presentation skills, essay writing and critical review.
  • A further ‘Careers in Risk’ workshop will enable students to learn about and discuss career development and risk-related work opportunities.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Students will have an in-depth understanding of a range of contrasting topics in climate change, environmental hazards, risk and security.
  • Students will develop a detailed understanding of one topic presented in a research event.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Students will be able to engage in constructive criticism of diverse topics and approaches to climate change, hazards and security.
  • Students will be able to synthesis the core messages emerging from diverse topics and approaches.
Key Skills:
  • Written communication, notably critical synthesis of core messages.
  • Deliberative and discursive skills in response to oral presentations.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • This module is based upon research events across Terms 1 and 2, which students will be required to attend.
  • Students will also participate in five workshops focussed on critical analysis, synthesis and communication skills. Indicative topics include: summarising research for lay audiences, writing abstracts, visualising research for different audiences, and presentation skills.
  • A ‘Careers in Risk’ workshop invites alumni and practitioners to share their career trajectories. This workshop provides students with career development support and explosure to how research, data analysis and communication skills are used in a range of sectors.
  • Summative Assessment: The summative assessment will be a critical, in-depth Students will receive

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Seminars and informal discussion 10 Bi-weekly 1.5 hours 15
Workshops 5 Monthly 1 hour 5
'Careers in Risk' workshop 1 4 hours 4
Self-directed learning 126
Total 150

Summative Assessment

Component: Seminar Review Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Critical review of a seminar research event 3000 words 100% Yes

Formative Assessment:

Continuous oral feedback will be given during workshops and seminar Q&As. Formal written feedback is provided on a seminar report plan. Informal feedback will be provided on workshop activities throughout the module.


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University