Course syllabus for Environmental risk assessment

Course syllabus adopted 2020-02-10 by Head of Programme (or corresponding).

Overview

  • Swedish nameMiljöriskanalys
  • CodeTEK675
  • Credits7.5 Credits
  • OwnerMPTSE
  • Education cycleSecond-cycle
  • Main field of studyEnergy and Environmental Systems and Technology
  • DepartmentTECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT AND ECONOMICS
  • GradingTH - Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3), Fail

Course round 1

  • Teaching language English
  • Application code 28113
  • Maximum participants60
  • Block schedule
  • Open for exchange studentsYes

Credit distribution

0119 Examination 7.5 c
Grading: TH		 7.5 c
  • 17 Mar 2021 pm J
  • 08 Jun 2021 pm J
  • 20 Aug 2021 am J

In programmes

Examiner

Go to coursepage (Opens in new tab)

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

Basic courses in mathematics and/or statistics equivalent to 15 credits as well as applied environmental science and/or sustainable development equivalent to 7.5 credits.

Aim

The aim of the course is for the students to become knowledgeable about environmental risks and be able to apply environmental risk assessment.

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

  1. Explain the concept of risk according to the following definitions and perspectives:
    a. risk as function of probability and consequence
    b. risk ratios
    c. risk perception
    d. the relational theory of risk
    e. existential risks 
  2. Describe a number of important historical and contemporary environmental risks
  3. Construct conceptual models in risks analysis by applying the following terminology:
    a. source
    b. stressor
    c. pathways 
    d. endpoint/receptor
  4. Describe and apply the following methods for environmental risk assessment:
    a. risk ranking
    b. probabilistic risk assessment using fault trees
    c. risk assessment of chemicals, including exposure assessment, effect assessment and risk characterization
  5. Apply the following uncertainty analysis methods:
    a. scenario analysis
    b. Monte Carlo simulations
  6. c. weight-of-evidence

Content

This course provides a broad introduction to environmental risks and environmental risk assessment that covers: · Historical and contemporary environmental risks · Existential risks · Conceptual models in risk assessment · Risk ranking · Probabilistic risk assessment · Risk assessment of chemicals · Uncertainty analysis · Social science perspectives on risk

Organisation

The course is given by the division of Environmental Systems Analysis at the department of Technology Management and Economics. The course consists of a written exam, lectures, literature seminars and exercises. Lecture handouts and other information can be found at the course's webpage.

Literature

The course literature consists of a selection of relevant book chapters, reports and articles in the environmental risk assessment field. All are available via Chalmers' library and/or have open internet access.

Examination including compulsory elements

A written exam (not on computer) covers the course literature and the lectures. The maximum points possible on the written exam is 50. In addition, 1 bonus point is given for each of the following learning activates if completed correctly: 2 literature seminars and 2 exercises. The maximum number of points on the whole course is thus 54. Fail is given for <25 points, 3 is given for 25-35 points, 4 is given for 35-45 points and 5 is given for >45 points.