Class Risk assessment and management

This class provides students with a set of contents that allows them to acquire knowledge and develop practical skills and behaviors, necessary for carrying out activities in terms of risk management and risk communication, using scientific research, case studies analysis, promoting debate, communication, creativity, and development of critical thinking.

Not applicable

Context of the topic. Importance of risk assessment and management in environmental engineering practice Definition of key concepts: hazard, risk, disaster, and catastrophe; risk perception; risk communication, risk assessment, risk management, risk governance Legal framework and prevention and management tools Natural risks Technological risks Risk assessment and management methodologies Tolerable risk Emergency cycle Risk perception, communication, and governance  

Expository/interrogative method; development of assignments and challenges using bibliographic research and the internet; role-play and case study analysis. Development of individual/group assignments for practical implementation to apply and expand acquired knowledge, reflection and discussion, and stimulation of innovation and creativity. This model ensures the integration of theory and practice, the cross-cutting nature of the risks addressed, and the development of digital and strategic skills, in line with the requirements of the environmental sector and the learning objectives of the course unit. Whenever possible, a technical outing will be organized to observe regions/situations prone to natural hazards.

Bento-Gonçalves, A. (2023). Riscos naturais em Portugal. In P. Chamusca & A. Bento-Gonçalves (Eds.). Os desafios (geográficos) da governação territorial (pp. 61-83). CECS/UMinho Editora. https://doi.org/10.21814/uminho.ed.70.5 Davies, T. R., Korup, O., & Clague, J. J. (2021). Geomorphology and Natural Hazards: Understanding Landscape Change for Disaster Mitigation. John Wiley & Sons. Kletz, T.A. HAZOP and HAZAN: Identifying and Assessing Process Industry Hazards. CRC Press.  Lourenço,¿L., & Vieira,¿A. (coords.) (2020). Catástrofes naturais: uma abordagem global [E¿book]. Imprensa da Universidade de Coimbra / RISCOS - Associação Portuguesa de Riscos, Prevenção e Segurança. https://www.riscos.pt/wp-content/uploads/2018/SRC_VII/eBook-Catastrofes-Naturais_cap01.pdf Rocha, C., Antunes, C., & Catita, C. (2020). Coastal vulnerability assessment due to sea level rise: The case study of the Atlantic coast of mainland Portugal. Water, 12(2), 360. https://doi.org/10.3390/w12020360