Foundations of Risk Analysis and Risk Science (RIS505)
This course covers fundamental issues related to risk analysis and risk science, with emphasis on basic concepts and principles. Risk analysis and science here includes risk assessment, risk characterization, risk perception, risk communication, risk management, risk governance and policy relating to risk.
Course description for study year 2025-2026
Facts
Course code
RIS505
Version
1
Credits (ECTS)
10
Semester tution start
Autumn
Number of semesters
1
Exam semester
Autumn
Language of instruction
English
Time table
Content
This course covers fundamental issues related to risk analysis and risk science, with emphasis on basic concepts and principles. Risk analysis and science here includes risk assessment, risk characterization, risk perception, risk communication, risk management, risk governance and policy relating to risk. More specific topics include: What is risk analysis and risk science? The distinction between applied risk analysis and generic (fundamental) risk analysis. The risk concept. Risk metrics and characterizations. Risk, uncertainties and knowledge. Surprises and the unforeseen (black swans). The probability (likelihood) concept. Related concepts like hazards, threats, opportunities, vulnerabilities, resilience, safety, security and risk source. Basic risk assessment and management principles, approaches and methods. Theories of risk perception and communication.
Learning outcome
After completing the course the student shall:
Knowledge
- have in-depth knowledge of central concepts, principles, methods and models of risk analysis and risk science, covering risk assessment, risk characterization, risk perception, risk communication, risk management, risk governance and policy relating to risk.
Skills
- be able to identify state of the art concepts, principles, methods and models of risk analysis and risk science.
- be able to use basic concepts, principles, methods and models in risk analysis and risk science settings.
- be able to support the tackling of risk problems using contemporary risk analysis and science.
General competence
- having a risk science perspective on current societal risk issues and problems.
Required prerequisite knowledge
None
Exam
| Form of assessment | Weight | Duration | Marks | Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written exam | 1/1 | 4 Hours | Letter grades | Approved, basic calculator |
Digital exam (Inspera).
Course teacher(s)
Course coordinator:
Roger FlageCourse teacher:
Ingrid Glette-IversenHead of Department:
Tore MarkesetMethod of work
2 hours teaching per week. Student-active methodology is a key element in the pedagogical work form. The course is based on the use of pre-recorded videos reflecting basic curriculum and discussion of key issues related to this curriculum in the teaching.
Overlapping courses
| Course | Reduction (SP) |
|---|---|
| Risk analysis and risk management (RIS500_1) | 10 |
| Foundations of risk analysis and risk science (RAG500_1) | 10 |
| Risk Based Management (SAM510_1) | 5 |
Open for
Course open to all Master students at TEK/NAT and Faculty of Social Sciences.
Admission requirements
Must meet the admission requirements of one of the study programmes the course is open for.
Course assessment
The faculty decides whether early dialogue should be conducted in all or selected groups of courses offered by the faculty. The purpose is to gather feedback from students for making changes and adjustments to the course during the current semester. In addition, a digital evaluation, students’ course evaluation, must be conducted at least once every three years. Its purpose is to collect students` experiences with the course.
