Postgraduate - UnitMDM4010 - Introduction to disaster preparedness and management

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

This is a core unit in the Graduate Certificate of Disaster Preparedness and Management. This unit provides an introduction to the field of study. The unit includes international disaster epidemiology, the disaster cycle, the science and contemporary models of disaster preparedness and management. The unit will introduce national and international organisations, academic resources and an introduction to the multi-disciplinary approach and the community, social and political concepts of disasters and disaster management. A major consideration will be an overview of the personal attributes and emergency management leadership required in disaster preparedness and management. Students will apply the principles in this Unit to their respective professional practice.

Outcomes

By the completion of this unit, the student will be able to:

1. Enhance their ability to perform in their role as community-based emergency services professionals.
2. Describe the international classification and scope of disasters.
3. Describe the international trends in disaster epidemiology in Australia, Oceania and Asia, with a specific focus on the student's local or professional environments.
4. Explain the phases in the natural history of disasters.
5. Explain the phases of the emergency management cycle.
6. Outline contemporary models and principles relating to the science of disaster preparedness and management.
7. Outline the academic resources available in this field.
8. Outline the national infrastructure, and international relations, relating to Disaster Preparedness and Management.
9. Describe the personal attributes and emergency management leadership required in the multi-disciplinary approach to disaster preparedness and management.
10. Outline the impact of political and social contexts of disasters.

Assessment

3 part assignment (3,000 words) - 45% Assignment (3,000 words) - 55%

Chief examiner(s)

Ingrid Brooks

Contact hours

On-campus students:
156 hours including 5 day full-time block release, supported by online tutorials using MUSO.

Off-campus students:
Students are required to spend 12 hours per week on this unit working through self-directed learning materials, participating in tutorials through MUSO and in preparation of unit assessment tasks (156 hours total).