Introduction to Disaster Management Theories and Risk Reduction – University of Copenhagen

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Introduction to Disaster Management Theories and Risk Reduction

Institution:

Copenhagen School of Global Health, University of Copenhagen.
The course takes place in Copenhagen, Denmark

Course coordinator:

Assistant Professor Peter Kjær Jensen, University of Copenhagen.

Type:

This is a mandatory course in the Master of Disaster Management programme.

Duration:

2 September - 25 October 2013
This course includes a one-week introduction (26 August - 30 August 2013)

ECTS credits:

10 ECTS

Language:

English  

Objectives:

At the end of the course students will be able to

  • Demonstrate a critical understanding of the nature, typology and dynamics of vulnerability
  • Demonstrate a critical and practical understanding of the factors affecting and leading to vulnerability not only on a local level but those emanating from structural global processes
  • Discuss and critically reflect upon the complex connections and interaction between hazards and vulnerabilities and how risk is contextually configured
  • Have a command of the key concepts, theories, and principles relevant to disaster management and risk reduction
  • Identify the main actors in risk and disaster management and understand their impact in the field
  • Research into the issues of risk and vulnerability in a specific country or for a specific event/hazard
  • Demonstrate knowledge of methods and tools for risk analysis and risk evaluation, including methods for identification and analysis of hazards and vulnerabilities
  • Apply tools used for team-building and stress management and demonstrate knowledge about inter-cultural communication
  • Identify and formulate a relevant and current research question and develop a vulnerability profile for a case study assignment

Content:

The first week of the course is an introduction week. During this week the students will spend two days in Revinge, Sweden, working on teambuilding and attending lectures relating to disasters, global health and development. The rest of the week will focus on vulnerability in different contexts as foundation to the course.

The remainder of the course falls into two main areas:

  • Disaster management (DM) and disaster risk reduction (DRR):

    • Key concepts in DM and DRR

      This part introduces the student to the key concepts of disaster management (risk reduction, response, recovery), risk (vulnerability, capacity, hazard) and disaster risk reduction (risk assessment, mitigation, adaptation, preparedness).

    • DRR strategies

      This part covers DRR strategies in relation to the Hyogo Framework for Action, with an emphasis on strategies relating to climate change adaptation, development, and capacity building.

    • Disaster preparedness

      This part covers the relation between DRR and disaster preparedness, with a focus on critical elements, indicators and contingency planning.

  • Research methodology:
    The research methodology lectures and exercises will introduce the students to different methodologies for data collection in the field, and general research methods - both qualitative and quantitative - will be presented. This component of the course also covers research ethics, different types of desk studies and reviews, and critical use of databases/datasets.

Methods:

A combination of lectures, group work, case-studies, presentations and discussions in plenary. The main emphasis will be on participatory approaches.

Assessment Procedures:

An individually 4-hour written exam.
Evaluation: Danish 7-point grading scale . External moderation.

Fees:

This course can only be taken together with the Introduction to Disaster Response and Recovery or as part of the full Master of Disaster Management programme.

Package price for Introduction to Disaster Management Theories and Risk Reduction and Introduction to Disaster Response and Recovery:

  • Reduced fee: 41,000 DKK - For students from EU/EEA, and students with a DIS, Fulbright or Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship.
  • Normal fee: 52,000 DKK - For all other students.

Even though these two courses are only sold together they need not be taken in the same year.

For approximate exchange rates between DKK (Danish Krone) and other currencies please contact your bank or visit this website. All fees are subject to regulation.

Scholarships:

We do not offer any scholarships, nor can we assist in finding funding, but on our page about scholarships we have collected some information that might be useful.