Outline

Overview

The unit provides an essential framework for understanding the classification of natural hazards within Earth systems and explores key examples of geological, atmospheric, hydrological and biological hazards and explores the social relations and processes that turn hazard events into disasters. Given the vast majority of disasters are climate and weather-related, basics of weather, climate and climate change will be explored. Students will be introduced to key concepts in the study of hazards and disasters including underlying theories and models as well as critically interrogating concepts of vulnerability and resilience. Basic elements of the process of disaster risk reduction will be introduced. Case studies and examples from Australia and around the world will be drawn upon to unpack the nuances of hazard and disasters.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Geosciences Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	6 credit points of 1000-level units from (GEOS1XXX or GEOL1XXX)
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	GEOS2911
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Maria Seton, maria.seton@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam ?	Final exam Final written exam	40%	Formal exam period	1.5 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Early Feedback Task Module 1 Foundational Concepts Test Multiple choice and short answer questions. #earlyfeedbacktask	5%	Week 03 Due date: 22 Aug 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 22 Aug 2025	30 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	GIS Practical Groupwork Presentation Group presentation based on GIS practical work.	15%	Week 05	10-15 minutes (TBA)	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Ministerial statement Written task - communication assignment	15%	Week 08 Due date: 26 Sep 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 26 Sep 2025	1000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	GIS Practical Individual Assignment Individual written assignment based on GIS practicals.	25%	Week 12 Due date: 31 Oct 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 31 Oct 2025	1,500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ? = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	At HD level, a student demonstrates a flair for the subject as well as a detailed and comprehensive understanding of the unit material. A ‘High Distinction’ reflects exceptional achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates the ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding to produce original solutions for novel or highly complex problems and/or comprehensive critical discussions of theoretical concepts.
Distinction	75 - 84	At DI level, a student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a well-developed understanding of the unit material. A ‘Distinction’ reflects excellent achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates an ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding of the subject to produce good solutions for challenging problems and/or a reasonably well-developed critical analysis of theoretical concepts.
Credit	65 - 74	At CR level, a student demonstrates a good command and knowledge of the unit material. A ‘Credit’ reflects solid achievement and is awarded to a student who has a broad general understanding of the unit material and can solve routine problems and/or identify and superficially discuss theoretical concepts.
Pass	50 - 64	At PS level, a student demonstrates proficiency in the unit material. A ‘Pass’ reflects satisfactory achievement and is awarded to a student who has threshold knowledge.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

5% per day

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Unit introduction, teaching philosophy, expectations and assessment tasks	Independent study (1.5 hr)
Week 01	Introduction to core concepts	Lecture and tutorial (1 hr)
Week 02	Conceptual and philosophical frameworks of global sustainability, resilience, vulnerability & the socio-ecological system	Independent study (1.5 hr)
	Socio-cultural dimensions of resilience and vulnerability	Lecture and tutorial (1 hr)
	GIS and climate hazards	Practical (2 hr)
Week 03	Introduction to weather and climate change	Independent study (1.5 hr)
	Climate change: measuring and predicting	Lecture and tutorial (1 hr)
	GIS and climate hazards	Practical (2 hr)
Week 04	Heatwaves and bushfires: concepts	Independent study (1.5 hr)
	Heatwaves and bushfires: case studies	Lecture and tutorial (1 hr)
	GIS and climate hazards	Practical (2 hr)
Week 05	Droughts and floods: concepts	Independent study (1.5 hr)
	Droughts and floods: case studies	Lecture and tutorial (1 hr)
	GIS and climate hazards group presentations	Practical (2 hr)
Week 06	Tornadoes and tropical cyclones: concepts	Independent study (1.5 hr)
	Tornadoes and/or tropical cyclones - mitigation and management with case studies	Lecture and tutorial (1 hr)
	Off-site fieldtrip to the Bureau of Meteorology	Field trip (2 hr)
Week 07	Earthquakes: concepts	Independent study (1.5 hr)
	Earthquakes - mitigation and management with case studies	Lecture and tutorial (1 hr)
	Hazard risk mapping on Hawaii using QGIS	Practical (2 hr)
Week 08	Volcanoes: concepts	Independent study (1.5 hr)
	Volcanoes - mitigation and management with case studies	Lecture and tutorial (1 hr)
	Hazard risk mapping on Hawaii using QGIS	Practical (2 hr)
Week 09	Tsunamis: concepts	Independent study (1.5 hr)
	Tsunamis - mitigation and management with case studies	Lecture and tutorial (1 hr)
	Hazard risk mapping on Hawaii using QGIS	Practical (2 hr)
Week 10	Space hazards: concepts	Independent study (1.5 hr)
	Space hazards - mitigation and management with case studies	Lecture and tutorial (1 hr)
	Hazard risk mapping on Hawaii using QGIS	Practical (2 hr)
Week 11	A geoscientist's role in hazard detection, monitoring and mitigation: concepts	Independent study (1.5 hr)
	Case study: long-term data, hazards and socio-ecological responses	Lecture and tutorial (1 hr)
	Space hazards practical	Practical (2 hr)
Week 12	Fire, people and ecologies	Independent study (1.5 hr)
	Case study: fire in Australia	Lecture and tutorial (1 hr)
	Stop Disasters! game	Practical (2 hr)
Week 13	Hazards: the Australian context	Independent study (1.5 hr)
Week 13	Unit wrap up	Lecture and tutorial (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

This course will run as a series of pre-recorded lectures, in-person lectorials and in-person practicals from Weeks 1-13.

We encourage students to regularly check their emails and annoucements on Canvas regarding any changes to the week-to-week program.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Specific, dedicated readings for this unit can be accessed through the weekly modules in the Canvas site for this unit. Students are
also advised to read more widely in support of their learning for this Unit of Study

There is NO prescribed textbook for GEOS2111/2911. However, the University Library holds a number of hard copy and electronic books that are of value in supporting this unit.
The University holds a variety of full-text journals on-line. You are REQUIRED to consult journals as much as possible. You may find the following journals particularly helpful. Please note this is just an indicative list – many more relevant journals are also available:
- Science; Nature (including Nature Geoscience, Nature Climate Change and Nature Earth and Enviornment Reviews); Disasters; Natural Hazards; The Australian Journal of Emergency Management; Disaster Prevention and Management; Environmental Hazards; Natural Hazards and Earth System Sciences

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Describe and classify the Earth’s four major planetary systems and be able to associate the relevant natural hazard types
LO2. Critically describe and interrogate the core concepts underpinning the study of natural hazards and disasters (drawing from disciplines such as geography, earth sciences, governance and political sciences, health systems, engineering and social and cultural studies) and demonstrate their intersection with climate change and disaster risk reduction and management
LO3. Identify and explain how concepts of vulnerability, resilience, risk and adaptive capacity interact to determine disaster losses (or not) in a particular situation or context
LO4. Review and comment upon the causes, processes, impacts and effects of selected natural hazard types
LO5. Review and describe the basics of climate change and relate human-induced climate change to the occurrence of commonly occurring hydro-meteorological hazards
LO6. Describe and discuss the various approaches to disaster risk reduction and management
LO7. Provide a range of examples and case studies to illustrate your knowledge of natural hazards, climate change and disasters from high, medium and low-income countries
LO8. Critically understand the range of technologies available to support spatial analysis as a mechanism for assessing hazard, risk and vulnerability and managing disasters
LO9. Organise and communicate a coherent account of personal research about various aspects of natural hazards, climate change and disaster management using various written formats (e.g., report, newspaper article, poster etc)

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

The practicals have been simplified and a final exam has now replaced the 3 in-semster module tests.

Additional information

Additional costs

You will need to make your way to the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) office near Central Station independently. This may require the additional cost of a public transport fare from the University of Sydney to Central Station and back again. Indicative cost is $2.24 one-way (adult) or $1.12 (concession).

Site visit guidelines

We will be undertaking a field trip to the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) office near Central Station during the Week 6 practical class. Please read the guidelines for this field trip that will be provided on Canvas regarding what to bring and the expectations.

Work, health and safety

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

General Laboratory Safety Rules

No eating or drinking is allowed in any laboratory under any circumstances
A laboratory coat and closed-toe shoes are mandatory
Follow safety instructions in your manual and posted in laboratories
In case of fire, follow instructions posted outside the laboratory door
First aid kits, eye wash and fire extinguishers are located in or immediately outside each laboratory
As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that you have a current tetanus immunisation. This can be obtained from University Health Service: unihealth.usyd.edu.au/

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

GEOS2111: Hazards, Climate Change and Disasters

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links