The Science of Natural Disasters

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The Science of Natural Disasters ... Disasters,” is to provide students with a basic understanding of the Earth's natural ... Patrick L. Abbott's Natural Disasters.
The Science of Natural Disasters (New Science Elective for AY 2013-14)

Course Description (Summary Draft) Offered as a college-level, introductory, earth-science course in conjunction with SUNY Oneonta, the primary goal of Poly’s new elective, “The Science of Natural Disasters,” is to provide students with a basic understanding of the Earth’s natural systems and how these systems interact with human activities. The course poses this central question to students: “What are the hazards and effects of natural disasters, and why do they occur where they do?” Students will engage in an overview of natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods, tsunamis, mass movement, meteorite impact, and severe weather (including hurricanes and longer-term climate change). Through the use of various national and internal data sources, as well as local and national case studies, students will also learn about the geological and meteorological processes responsible for producing these disasters. Laboratory sessions will provide hands-on experience in the application of the scientific method. In addition, this course will demonstrate how science can influence personal decisions and public policy. The primary textbook for the course will be Patrick L. Abbott’s Natural Disasters. Learning outcomes for students will include understanding the methods that scientists use to explore and explain natural phenomena via observation, hypothesis development, measurement, data collection, experimentation, evaluation of evidence, and employment of mathematical analyses.