Objective 

To equip students with relevant theoretical concepts, models and frameworks for assessing environmental and hazards risks

Content

The course exposes students to the methods and approaches used in defining and assessing environmental hazards and risks. Emphasis will be on the nature and characteristics of both technological and natural hazards and the qualitative and quantitative approaches for assessing risk emanating from these hazards. Models for hazards and risk assessment would be examined from various stand points including A. Anuard, Villegran de Leon and Birkmann viewpoints. Concepts such as Individual and Societal risk, Potential loss of life, the use of Risk Criteria, Risk Tolerability, ALARP, etc and the principles underlying the use of Fragility curves, f-N/F-N curves for expressing vulnerability and risks would be explained. Tools such as Checklist, Index based methods, HAZOP and the application of Fault and Event Trees and Bowties and risk matrixes will be explained. Students will be given an overview of the benefits and pitfalls of each approach. 

Mode of Delivery

The course will be delivered through lectures, seminars, assigned readings, individual and group presentations.