Foundations of Risk Analysis and Risk Science (RIS505)

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

Course teacher(s)

Course coordinator:

Roger Flage

Head of Department:

Tore Markeset

Method 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.

Open for

Course open to all Master students at TEK/NAT and Faculty of Social Sciences.

Course assessment

There must be an early dialogue between the course supervisor, the student union representative and the students. The purpose is feedback from the students for changes and adjustments in the course for the current semester.In addition, a digital subject evaluation must be carried out at least every three years. Its purpose is to gather the students experiences with the course.

Literature