MASTER OF DISASTER MANAGEMENT CURRICULUM

MASTER OF DISASTER MANAGEMENT CURRICULUM

THE FACULTY OF HEALTH AND MEDICAL SCIENCES UNIVERSITY OF COPENHAGEN CURRICULUM OF THE MASTER OF DISASTER MANAGEMENT Applicable to students enrolling in one or more of the below components of the Master of Disaster Management (MDMa) as of 1 September 2012 The programme is delivered in accordance with Ministerial order no LBK 695 of 22 June 2011 on universities (Universitetsloven) Ministerial order no. BEK 1188 of 07 December 2009 on continuing education programmes (Bekendtgørelse om deltidsuddannelse) Ministerial order no. BEK 1187 07 December 2009 on Masters Programmes (Bekendtgørelse om masteruddannelser ved universiteterne)

Contents: Chapter 1 Degree and title Chapter 2 Admission requirements: Educational background Chapter 3 Admission requirements: Professional experience Chapter 4 Programme objectives and competence profile Chapter 5 Programme content Chapter 6 Written assignments and Master s thesis Chapter 7 Credit transfer Chapter 8 Duration of the programme Chapter 9 Language of instruction Chapter 10 Other requirements

Chapter 1: Degree and title The Master of Disaster Management (MDMa) is one-year programme totalling 60 ECTS credits. Graduates of the Master s programme are awarded the title Master of Disaster Management Danish title Master i Katastrofehåndtering. Chapter 2: Admission requirements: Educational background To apply for the Master of Disaster Management, applicants should meet the following minimum requirements: 1) a Bachelor s degree or equivalent qualification in the field of health sciences, social sciences or another relevant field from a recognised higher education institution 2) proof of proficiency :International Language Testing System (IELTS/Academic) or the Test of as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The minimum acceptable score for the IELTS is 6; the minimum acceptable score for the TOEFL is 550 on the paper test, 213 on the computerized test, or 79-80 on the internet-based test or equivalent. 3) Applicants who do not meet the requirements stipulated in subsections 1) - 2) above but who are deemed to have acquired academic competences at a commensurate level may be admitted to the programme based on an individual assessment of their qualifications and experience. Applicants may be required to complete supplementary tests to gain admission. Chapter 3: Admission requirements: Professional experience To apply for the Master of Disaster Management, applicants should have a minimum of 2 years of professional experience following completion of their first degree. Chapter 4: Programme aim and competence profile 1) Programme Aim The Master of Disaster Management provides research-based, postgraduate, cross-disciplinary training in the field of disaster management with the aim of fostering professionals who can formulate effective responses to complex practice and policy issues and thereby substantially reduce disaster losses. 2) Competence Profile On completion of the programme, graduates will be able to analyze disasters in a political, economical, environmental, social and cultural context evaluate the vulnerability of communities and regions to disaster situations at national as well as international level participate in planning, managing and evaluating response to disasters based on evidence based and inter-disciplinary research

design, carry out and co-ordinate research projects and evidence-based interventions and evaluate the effects of these interventions. Chapter 5: Programme content The master comprises the initial core module, a research design module, a compulsory module a number of optional courses and a thesis. Semester Module ECTS credits 1 st semester Core course 1 Core course 2 Research Design 10 10 5 2 nd semester Disaster Management and Coordination Optional courses (See annex) 5 10 Thesis 20 Optional courses can be completed in the form of taught courses at the University of Copenhagen or abroad and/or a placement/internship in Denmark or abroad. Modules are delivered face-toface, through blended learning or e-learning. The mode of delivery is specified in the individual module descriptions. 1. Mandatory Modules course title: Core Course 1: Introduction to Disaster Management Theories and Risk Reduction ECTS: 0 Semester: 1 Imparted in: Course admission requirements: Teaching and study methods: A combination of lectures, group work, case-studies, presentations and discussions in plenary. The main emphasis will be on participatory approaches. Mandatory elements: Course participation requirements: Not mandatory

exam title: Introduction to Disaster Management Theories and Risk Reduction ECTS: 10 Semester: 1 Exam language: Exam registration requirements: To achieve the maximum grade of 12, the student shall be able to: Exam form: Grade scale: External or internal examiner: Exam aids allowed: Discuss key concepts, theories, and principles relevant to disaster management and risk reduction Demonstrate knowledge of methods and tools for risk analysis and risk evaluation, including methods for identification and analysis of hazards and vulnerabilities Apply tools used for teambuilding and stress management and demonstrate knowledge about intercultural communication Identify and formulate a relevant and realistic research question 4-hour written exam 7-step grade scale External All On completion of programme course title: Core Course 2: Introduction to Disaster Response and Recovery ECTS: 0 Semester: 1 Imparted in: Course admission requirements: Teaching and study methods: Mandatory elements: Course participation requirements: A combination of lectures, group work, case-studies, presentations and discussions in plenary. The main emphasis will be on participatory approaches. Not mandatory exam title: Introduction to Disaster Response and Recovery ECTS: 10 Semester: 1 Exam language: Exam registration requirements: To achieve the maximum grade of Discuss key concepts within response from a 12, the student shall be able to: systems perspective. Discuss general theories, tools and challenges for information management within Disaster Management in order to evaluate and optimise

Exam form: Grade scale: External or internal examiner: Exam aids allowed: Response. Understand and discuss key concepts within Recovery from a systems perspective Demonstrate knowledge of general models for how to carry out recovery activities 48-hour written assignment 7-step grade scale External All Before completion of programme course title: Course in Research Design ECTS: 0 Semester: 1 Imparted in: Objective: At the end of this course the individual student should be able to: Identify and formulate a relevant and realistic research question within international health Identify and formulate relevant objectives (main and specific) Choose appropriate study methods (qualitative/quantitative/literature review) Search relevant scientific literature Discuss limitations and ethical issues related to the proposed study Write a consistent and clear synopsis as a preparation for a Master Thesis Give short presentations on a proposed study, highlighting objectives, methods, ethical issues, limitations, etc Course admission requirements: Teaching and study methods: This course consists of daily 5-hour seminars (lectures and workshop sessions) and individual preparation and study time. All lectures and workshop sessions are moderated by faculty staff members. Students are expected to contribute actively to classes through own presentations and feedback to colleagues. Mandatory elements: Course participation requirements: Not mandatory exam title: Research Design ECTS: 5 Semester: 1 Exam language:

Exam registration requirements: To achieve the maximum grade of 12, the student shall be able to: Exam form Grade scale: External or internal examiner: Exam aids allowed: Identify and formulate a relevant and realistic research question within international health Identify and formulate relevant objectives (main and specific) Choose appropriate study methods (qualitative/quantitative/literature review) Search relevant scientific literature Discuss limitations and ethical issues related to the proposed study Write a consistent and clear synopsis as a preparation for a Master Thesis Give short presentations on a proposed study, highlighting objectives, methods, ethical issues, limitations, etc Course assignment (max 2500 words excl. annexes) Pass/fail Internal All On completion of the programme course title: Course in Disaster Management and Coordination ECTS: 0 Semester: 2 Imparted in: Objective: On completion of the course, students will be able to: Course admission requirements: Teaching and study methods: analyze and discuss theoretical and practical aspects of disaster management with a view to DDR, response and recovery apply appropriate practical leadership and management tools in disaster response plan and evaluate complex disaster response operations The course is based on interdisciplinary teaching and problemoriented learning and seeks to draw on students' own experience as a resource. Lectures, group work, case studies. Exercises and simulations are important components. In addition, a personal diary is used as a pedagogical tool where students write down their personal reflections on what they have learned each day. At the end of the course the diaries will be used to sum up the topics covered during the course. Mandatory elements: Course participation requirements:

Not mandatory exam title: Disaster Management and Coordination ECTS: 5 Semester: 2 Exam language: Exam registration requirements: To achieve the maximum grade of 12, the student shall be able to: analyze and discuss theoretical and practical aspects of disaster management with a view to DDR, response and recovery apply appropriate practical leadership and management tools in disaster response plan and evaluate complex disaster response operations Exam form: Grade scale: External or internal examiner: Exam aids allowed: 48-hour written assignment 7-step grade scale Internal All On completion of the programme

course title: Thesis supervision ECTS: 0 Semester: 2 Imparted in: Course admission requirements: Teaching and study methods: Mandatory elements: Course participation requirements: Supervision according to thesis guidelines Not mandatory exam title: Thesis ECTS: 20 Semester: 2 Exam language: Exam registration requirements: Participants must have completed the Research Design module To achieve the maximum grade of On completion of the thesis, students should be able to: 12, the student shall be able to: transform a relevant issue into a research question, identifying the nature of the problem, as well as the process needed to solve it; choose appropriate research methods; collect necessary data/information and critically analyse, review and interpret one's own research and the relevant literature; present well-argued and referenced recommendations as to future practice(s) in the given field; where relevant, include feedback and practical policy implications for local authorities (if research is based on local data) to contribute to improvements at the local level give a short thesis presentation, highlighting aims, main findings, conclusion and possible recommendations - as well as discussing critical questions and remarks regarding the findings and conclusions; provide critical and constructive feedback to fellow students on their theses. Exam form Participation in oral presentation of thesis project plan according to thesis guidelines and a written report Grade scale: 7-step grade scale External or internal examiner: External Exam aids allowed: All Completion of the programme 2. Optional courses

The Board of Studies aims at offering a range of relevant courses in the course of one year. 1) Optional courses are described in an annex published annually by April of any year. 2) Assessment of optional courses takes place in accordance with 15 of the General Curriculum Provisions at the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen a) Learning objectives: Cf. Annex b) Course content: Cf. Annex c) Workload in ECTS Cf. Annex d) Teaching and learning methods Cf. Annex e) Semester Cf. Annex f) Prerequisites Cf. Annex Chapter 6: Written assignments and Master s thesis Cf. General Curriculum provisions of the Faculty of Health Sciences. Chapter 7: Credit transfer Cf. General Curriculum provisions of the Faculty of Health Sciences. Chapter 8: Duration of the programme The MDMa is a full-time one-year programme of study totalling 60 ECTS credits. The programme may be completed on a part-time basis over a maximum period of three years. Chapter 9: Language of instruction is the language of instruction for the Master of Disaster Management. Cf. also Chapter 2: Entry Requirements. Chapter 10: Other requirements a) Board of Studies and Board of External Examiners

Board of Studies: Board of Studies for the Master of International Health and the Master of Disaster Management. Board of External Examiners: Board of External Examiners for the Master of International Health and the Master of Disaster Management. b) Regulations pursuant to the Ministerial Order on Examinations and the Ministerial Order on the Grading Scale and other Forms of Assessment at Universities. cf. General Curriculum provisions of the Faculty of Health Sciences. c) Exemptions The Board of Studies may, in exceptional cases, offer an exemption from rules contained in the curriculum that have been laid down by the University alone.

ANNEX ELECTIVE COURSES 2012/2013 a) Title b) Learning objectives c) Content d) Workload in ECTS e) Teaching and learning methods f) Semester g) Prerequisites h) Examination form and grading