Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title Quantitative and Qualitative Perspectives of Risk
Code RISK623
Coordinator Dr FA Diaz De La O
Civil Engineering and Industrial Design
f.a.diazdelao@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2017-18 Level 7 FHEQ First Semester 15

Aims

This module aims to provide a deep and systematic understanding of the current academic research trends and perspectives in different approaches to Risk and Uncertainty, together with applicable aspects for each research area.

It also aims to provide a comprehensive overview of contemporary applications of decision-making under Risk and Uncertainty in areas of Architecture, Computer Science, Engineering, Environment Sciences, Finance, Law, Management, Mathematics, Psychology and Social Sciences; hence widening learners’ perspectives.


Learning Outcomes

A deep and systematic understanding of the foundational sub-areas of the programme, related to different thematic topics of Risk and Uncertainty.

A comprehensive understanding of the terminology, paradigms, and current state of knowledge for the sub-areas of the programme, related to different thematic topics of Risk and Uncertainty.


Syllabus

This module is constructed around nine sessions, each delivered by academics drawn from the discipline areas contributing to the CDT at the University of Liverpool. In order to promote thematic diversity and balance, the sessions will be aligned to the four main research themes at the Institute for Risk and Uncertainty (Extreme Environmental Events, Data and Information, Decision Making and Mathematical Modelling). Academics involved in the Risk Institute are expected to make a substantial contribution in the form of master classes that provide an overview of the relevant problems and challenges involving risk and uncertainty from their disciplines and the available techniques and approaches to tackle them.

The final 3 sessions of the module are focused on the assessment task. The students will demonstrate the understanding they have gained by solving a challenge problem, communicated through an individual report and a related presentation.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Lecture - A series of ‘master class’ lectures from mainly senior UoL teaching staff, with the overall focus to provide students with an extensive range of discipline-based methods and approaches to both the quantification and qualitative assessment of Risk and Uncertainty.

Project - A report and a presentation related to a challenge problem set up by the academic staff. The problem will contain qualitative and quantitative aspects, and students will be required to provide a solution that takes both aspects into account, but with emphasis on their own background. A number of academics from the Institute for Risk will be available to provide ongoing guidance and support towards completing this task (assessed-based tutorials).


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 30
A series of ‘master class’ lectures from mainly senior UoL teaching staff, with the overall focus to provide students with an extensive range of discipline-based methods and approaches to both the quantification and qualitative assessment of Risk and Uncertainty.
        20
A report and a presentation related to a challenge problem set up by the academic staff. The problem will contain qualitative and quantitative aspects, and students will be required to provide a solution that takes both aspects into account, but with emphasis on their own background. A number of academics from the Institute for Risk will be available to provide ongoing guidance and support towards completing this task (assessed-based tutorials).
50
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 100
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Coursework  max. 3000 words  End of Semester 1  50  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Solution to a risk challenge posed by academic staff (individual report). 
Coursework  max. 10 minutes  End of Semester 1   50  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Individual presentation Notes (applying to all assessments) The report associated to solving the risk challenge gives students the opportunity to extend their understanding of decision-making under Risk and Uncertainty beyond the confines of their background/experience/interests, to highlight links and shared approaches with other discipline areas and application contexts. The presentation prepares students for their research project to be delivered in the later stages of the MSc. The focus in this module is subject-specific, differentiating it from ENGG599: ‘Research Skills and Project Planning’ which is more generic in nature. 

Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.
Explanation of Reading List: