VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.

701-0565-00L 3 Credits BSC , MSC D-USYS , D-ERDW , D-BAUG
You're viewing possible stale or outdated data. Please check the latest semester for more up-to-date information.

Fundamentals of Natural Hazards Management

Grundzüge des Naturgefahrenmanagements

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. em. Dr. Hans Rudolf Heinimann, Prof. em. Dr. Simon Löw, Dr. Bernhard Krummenacher
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:36:14

Abstract

Risks to life and human assets result when settlement areas and infrastructure overlap regions where natural hazard processes occur. This course utilizes case studies to teach how a future natural hazards-specialist should analyze, assess and manage risks.

Objective

Concepts will be explained step-by-step through a set of case studies, and applied in lab by the students. The following principal steps are used when coping with natural hazard-risks. At each step, students will learn and apply the following skills: Risk analysis - What can happen? -Characterize the processes and environmental measures that lead to a natural hazard and integrate modeling results of these processes. - Identify threats to human life and assets exposed to natural hazards and estimate possible drawbacks or damages. Risk assessment - What are the acceptable levels of risk? - Apply principles to determine acceptable risks to human life and assets in order to identify locations which should receive added protection. - Explain causes for conflicts between risk perception and risk analysis. Risk management - What steps should be taken to manage risks? - Explain how various hazard mitigation approaches reduce risk. - Describe hazard scenarios as a base for adequate dimensioning of control measures. - Identify the best alternative from a set of thinkable measures based on an evaluation scheme. - Explain the principles of risk-governance.

Content

Die Vorlesung besteht aus folgenden Blöcken: 1) Einführung ins Vorgehenskonzept (1W) 2) Risikoanalyse (6W + Exkursion) mit: - Systemabgrenzung - Gefahrenbeurteilung - Expositions- und Folgenanalyse 3) Risikobewertung (2W) 4) Risikomanagement (2W + Exkursion) 5) Abschlussbesprechung (1W)

General Information

Language
German
Levels
BSC , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
graded semester performance

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Grundzüge des Naturgefahrenmanagements
Zusätzlich zwei obligatorische, ganztägige Exkursionen.
  • Mon 10:15-13:00 (HG E 1.2)
3 h weekly

Offered In