Environmental Hazards (MSc)

How will I be taught?

The School of Earth and Ocean Sciences has a strong and active research culture which informs and directs our teaching. We are committed to providing teaching of the highest standard allowing students from a range of backgrounds to fulfil their potential.

The methods of teaching we employ may vary from module to module. Generally we teach using a mixture of methods including lectures, small group workshops, computer based laboratory exercises, and field based trips. Where possible, lectures will be recorded so you can watch and study in your own time.

Most of your taught modules will have further information for you to study and you will be expected to work through this in your own time according to the guidance provided by the lecturer for that module.

How will I be assessed?

Modules are entirely assessed based on a range of different coursework assessments that combine both individual and group exercises. The delivery of the coursework is balanced between different modes of assessment from presentations, written assessments (essays and reports), and laboratory practical assessments.

Feedback:

Feedback on coursework may be provided via written, oral, or video-based comments on work submitted, by provision of ‘model’ answers and/or through discussion in contact sessions.

You will usually receive your feedback from the module leader. If you have questions regarding your feedback, module leaders can give advice and guidance on your progress.

How will I be supported?

You will be allocated a personal tutor when you enrol on the course. A personal tutor is there to support you during your studies, and can advise you on academic and personal matters that may be affecting you. You should have regular meetings with your personal tutor to ensure that you are fully supported.

For your dissertation, we will allocate you an academic supervisor who is there to provide assistance and feedback on how your advanced project work is progressing. You should keep in in regular contact with your academic supervisor by email and attend at least one personal progress interview at Cardiff University during the dissertation period.
    

Facilities

We use the University’s virtual learning environment, Learning Central, to share course materials, including handouts, professional reports, videos, images, further reading and links to government agencies. You may also use Learning Central to communicate and share ideas with fellow students and course tutors in discussion circles. Where possible, lectures will be recorded and shared via Learning Central so you can watch and study in your own time.

You will have full use of the Science Library, which houses materials related to Earth and Ocean Sciences, as well as the other University libraries.      

Support services

Cardiff University offers a wide range of support services which are open to our students, such as the Graduate Centre, counselling and wellbeing, financial and careers advisors, the international office and the Student Union. 

Diversity

We aim to create an inclusive, supportive and welcoming environment that respects the dignity of staff and students of all ages, ethnicities, disabilities, family structures, genders, nationalities, sexual orientations, races, religious or other beliefs, and socio-economic backgrounds.

We are committed to the Athena SWAN principles and have been awarded a Bronze status.

What skills will I practise and develop?

Knowledge & Understanding:

On successful completion of the course you should be able to:

• Categorise environmental hazards in terms of their underlying processes and drivers.
• Critically evaluate the causes and impacts of vulnerability to environmental risk.
• Develop a working definition of resilience to cope with global environmental hazards.
• Appraise the risks of complex environmental hazards.

Intellectual Skills:

On successful completion of the course you should be able to:

• Test deterministic and probabilistic models of environmental hazards.
• Critically evaluate and objectively analyse environmental hazard problems and develop appropriate, creative solutions.
• Summarise and critically assess complex hazard data and theory to forecast future risk.

Professional Practical Skills:

On successful completion of the course you should be able to:

•  Design risk assessments for environmental hazards.
•  Handle the range of data needed to critically assess environmental hazards and an ability to incorporate these into specific case studies.
• Prepare to pursue opportunities for career development and lifelong learning and appreciate the potential effects of global change.

Transferable/Key Skills:

On successful completion of the course you should be able to:

• Create analysis using complex deterministic and probabilistic models.
•  Critically evaluate literature to effectively communicate ideas, principles and theories by oral, written, and electronic means.
• Work effectively as a team member or leader in a team and as an individual, cultivating initiative, personal responsibility and decision-making in complex and unpredictable situations.
• Handle a range of remote sensing methodologies.