Course syllabus for Risk assessment and decision support

Course syllabus adopted 2021-02-26 by Head of Programme (or corresponding).

Overview

  • Swedish nameRiskbedömning och beslutsstöd
  • CodeBOM125
  • Credits7.5 Credits
  • OwnerMPIEE
  • Education cycleSecond-cycle
  • Main field of studyCivil and Environmental Engineering
  • DepartmentARCHITECTURE AND CIVIL ENGINEERING
  • GradingTH - Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3), Fail

Course round 1

  • Teaching language English
  • Application code 27122
  • Block schedule
  • Open for exchange studentsYes

Credit distribution

0108 Examination 7.5 c
Grading: TH		0 c0 c7.5 c0 c0 c0 c

In programmes

Examiner

Eligibility

General entry requirements for Master's level (second cycle)
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.

Specific entry requirements

English 6 (or by other approved means with the equivalent proficiency level)
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.

Course specific prerequisites

BSc in Civil Engineering or equivalent.

Aim

The overall aim of the course is to give the students an advanced understanding of risk assessment and decision analysis in infrastructure and environmental engineering projects. In doing so, the focus of the course is on the use of risk assessment and risk-based decision analysis tools for selecting efficient and sustainable actions for reducing and controlling risks.

Learning outcomes (after completion of the course the student should be able to)

  • Estimate risk levels using risk assessment methods in order to evaluate analysed systems.
  • Evaluate and critically review risk reduction measures by using decision analysis methods in combination with risk assessments.
  • Analyse and evaluate uncertainties in risk calculations and decision analysis outcomes.
  • Identify and demonstrate strengths and limitations of methods for risk assessment and decision analysis.
  • In written report and oral presentation, clearly present and thoroughly evaluate and discuss results of risk assessments and decision analyses in infrastructure and environmental engineering projects.

Content

The following key topics are included in the course: (i) basic concepts and theory related to the risk management and decision-making processes, (ii) estimation of risk levels and risk reduction using risk assessment tools, e.g. logic models, (iii) evaluation of risk reduction measures using decision analysis methods (cost-benefit analysis and multi-criteria analysis) in combination with risk assessment results, and (v) statistic inference and uncertainty modelling.

Organisation

The course is structured around a set of lectures and exercises and a comprehensive project assignment that aims to give the participants a deeper understanding of how to apply risk assessment and decision analysis tools on real world problems. The students get practical hands-on experience of a number of tools and models for estimating risk levels, evaluating alternative actions and modelling uncertainties.

Literature

  • Scientific publications
  • Excerpts from reports, e.g.:
    • Dodgson J.S., Spackman M., Pearman A. & Phillips L.D. (2009). Multi-criteria analysis: a manual. Department for Communities and Local Government: London.
  • Risk management standards
  • Excerpts from books and reports, e.g.:
    • Aven T. (2003). Foundations of risk analysis a knowledge and decision-oriented perspective, Wiley, Chichester.
    • Burgman M. (2005). Risks and Decisions for Conservation and Environmental Management, Cambridge University Press.
    • Rausand M. & Høyland A. (2004). System reliability theory: models, statistical methods and applications, 2nd ed., Wiley-Interscience.

Examination including compulsory elements

Course examination consist of a project assignment, participation in compulsory workshops/exercises and a written exam.

The course examiner may assess individual students in other ways than what is stated above if there are special reasons for doing so, for example if a student has a decision from Chalmers on educational support due to disability.