2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue
CIVE5596M Engineering in Emergencies - MSc
15 creditsClass Size: 50
Module manager: Professor Barbara Evans
Email: b.e.evans@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2024/25
This module is mutually exclusive with
| CIVE5595M | Engineering in Emergencies - MEng |
This module is approved as an Elective
Module summary
This module is about engineering responses to complex emergencies. The module has a particular focus on appropriate engineering interventions to provide minimum sanitary services and water but will also cover the interaction between engineering, medical services, security and food provision. It will examine the international context within which complex-emergency response is organised and also explore the transition from emergency response to development with a particular focus on post-conflict situations.Objectives
This module aims to enable students to participate effectively as part of a team in a complex emergency such as a natural disaster or major refugee movement. It aims to equip students with state-of-the-art information and knowledge relating to the effective provision of water and sanitation in emergency contexts. It will provide students with an understanding of the global context of emergencies and conflicts, the international institutional response and the standards and protocols that govern interventions in emergency settings.Learning outcomes
Upon completion of the module students will:
1. Understand the nature, prevalence and significance of emergencies, complex emergencies and conflicts globally;
2. Evaluate and assess the public-health dimensions of emergencies and identify critical interventions to minimise the impact and risk of a critical environmental or public-health incident; (AHEP 4 Learning Outcome M7);
3. Apply a comprehensive knowledge of the international institutional framework for emergency response for solving complex public health problems; (AHEP 5 Learning Outcome M5);
4. Be aware of the international standards and protocols relating to shelter, water and sanitation in emergency situations and be able to interpret these in terms of practical interventions on the ground; (AHEP 4 Learning Outcome M5);
5. Apply a comprehensive knowledge of a range of successful infrastructure and management approaches to design engineering solutions which can be used to deliver shelter, safe water and sanitation in emergencies (AHEP 4 Learning Outcome M5);
6. Be able to monitor and evaluation emergency responses in terms of their effectiveness in optimising public health outcomes;
7. Have an awareness of state-of-the-art knowledge and knowledge sources relating to emergencies, post-conflict situations and the emergency-development transition;
8. Select and critically evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to solve a complex real-life emergency situation (AHEP 4 Learning Outcomes M4).
This module contributes to AHEP 4 Learning Outcomes M4, M5 and M7.
Skills outcomes
Academic:
a). The ability to plan time, prioritise tasks and organise academic and personal commitments effectively;
b). An ability to extract and evaluate pertinent data and to apply engineering analysis techniques in the solution of engineering in emergency problems.
Digital:
c). The ability to find, evaluate, organise and share information across a variety of formats, ensuring the reliability and integrity both of the sources used;
d). The ability to use digital technology and techniques to create digital items, and the willingness to engage with new practices and perspectives to solve problems, make decisions and answer questions.
Enterprise:
e). The ability to search for, evaluate and use appropriate and relevant information sources to help strengthen the quality of academic work and independent research.
Sustainability Skills:
f). Understands and evaluates multiple outcomes; their own visions for the future; applies the precautionary principle; assesses the consequences of actions; deals with risks and changes; uses scenario planning;
g). Applies different problem-solving frameworks to complex sustainable development problems; develops viable, inclusive and equitable solutions; utilises appropriate competencies to solve problems; develops innovative and creative solutions.
Work ready:
h). The ability to prioritise, work efficiently and productively and to manage your time well in order to meet deadlines;
i). The ability to take a logical approach to solving problems; resolving issues by tackling from different angles, using both analytical and creative skills. The ability to understand, interpret, analyse and manipulate numerical data;
j). The ability to gather information from a range of sources, analyse, and interpret data to aid understanding and anticipate problems. To use reasoning and judgement to identify needs, make decisions, solve problems, and respond with actions.
Syllabus
Definition of emergencies, complex emergencies, conflict and post-conflict scenarios; global prevalence of emergencies/complex emergencies; typical conditions in emergency situations; assessing the public health risks associated with emergencies; the international institutional framework for emergency responses; international standards and protocols for emergency responses (the SPHERE guidelines); Effective delivery approaches for water and sanitation in emergencies; monitoring and evaluation of emergency responses; references and resources in emergencies; coordinating with other sectors (health, education, shelter, security); best practice and innovation in humanitarian aid.
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| On-line Learning | 1 | 2.00 | 2.00 |
| Consultation | 8 | 1.00 | 7.50 |
| Group learning | 1 | 5.00 | 5.00 |
| Lecture | 6 | 3.00 | 18.00 |
| Seminar | 2 | 3.00 | 6.00 |
| Private study hours | 111.50 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 38.50 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150.00 | ||
Private study
The assignment for this course is to assess a case study of a real-life emergency situation and design and appropriate engineering response. The assignment will be carried out in two parts, the first part in a group to facilitate group work and collective decision making, and the second part as an individual producing a report and set of recommendations. This will require extensive critical background reading on the specific case study as well as the general technical literature.Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Project | Design of a water, sanitation and hygiene intervention for a complex emergency | 80.00 |
| Group Project | Analysis of needs in a complex emergency | 20.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100.00 | |
Resitting students are required to resubmit the 'Design of a water, sanitation and hygiene intervention for a complex emergency' including a reflective account focussing on group work (100%)
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 20/05/2024
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