Key facts
UNE unit code: GEPL309
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information
Natural hazards have always, and will always occur. Whether a natural hazard turns into a natural disaster depends largely on the interaction of society with the natural environment, and the knowledge and resources that individuals, communities and nations have to manage the risks associated with natural hazards.
In this unit you will look across the environmental and social aspects of natural hazards to ask ‘Can communities become more resilient to natural hazards?’ You will examine the role of natural hazards in ecosystems, and the impacts that natural hazards can have on social and economic systems.
You will then examine disaster resilience and learn about strategies for building disaster resilience at household, regional, national and international scales. Case studies of hazards such as tsunamis, cyclones, floods and bushfires are used extensively throughout the unit to demonstrate principles of disaster resilience.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- apply theoretical knowledge to identify and classify natural hazards;
- demonstrate a clear understanding of the role that natural hazards play in ecosystems;
- demonstrate a clear understanding of the social and economic impacts and implications of natural hazards at regional, national and international scales;
- demonstrate knowledge of the theory of disaster resilience;
- critically evaluate and analyse the factors that influence disaster resilience, and communicate this critical analysis to others; and
- apply analytical and research techniques to evaluate actions that address disaster resilience and disaster risk reduction across the natural, social, economic and built environment.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Case study framework | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Natural hazard case study report framework No. Words: 1500 |
| Case study report | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Natural hazard case study report No. Words: 3500 |
| Case study selection | Yes | 10% | All offerings | Selection of case study topic No. Words: 250 |
| Lecture quizzes | Yes | 10% | All offerings | Five multiple choice quizzes on lecture concepts (2% per quiz) No. Words: 250 |
| Reading module | Yes | 10% | All offerings | Short answer questions No. Words: 500 |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Referenced material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Environmental Hazards: Assessing Risk and Reducing Disaster
ISBN: 9780815365419
Keith Smith, Carina J. Fearnley, Deborah Dixon, Deanne K. Bird, Ilan Kelman, Routledge 7th ed. 2023
Text refers to: All offerings
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