To provide an understanding of the philosophy and terminology concerning the idea of risk.
To provide an understanding of the nature of human perception and experience of risk.
To recognise situations where potential loss occurs and how humans respond to these situations.
To understand the general principles and practical techniques of risk identification, assessment, analysis and control.

Teaching Methods:

Distance Education via Blackboard and email

Assessment:

Four Individual Assignments (worth 100%)

On successful completion of this unit the student should have the:

Ability to apply knowledge of basic engineering management fundamentals.
Ability to communicate effectively, not only with engineers but also with the community at large.
In-depth technical competence in at least one engineering discipline.
Ability to understand problem identification, formulation and solution.
Ability to utilise a systems approach to design and operational performance.
Ability to function effectively as an individual in a project team, have the capacity to be a leader or manager as well as an effective team member.
Understanding of the social, cultural, global and environmental responsibilities of the professional engineer, and the need for sustainable development.
Understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities and have a commitment to uphold these responsibilities.
Expectation of the need to undertake lifelong learning, and capacity to do so.

Risk terminology and system modelling: Nature and origin of uncertainty. Historical overview of risk, phenomenology of risk and application of the scientific method. Risk measurement, risk diagrams and analysis of risk related data; recording of data. Concepts of causation; objectivity and subjectivity related to risk occurrence. Types of risk: voluntary and involuntary.
Human perception of risk: Human response to uncertainty and risk, terminology and concepts. Social cognition, perception; personal and social attribution with regard to risk; attitudes and attitude change; motivation; theory of cognitive dissonance.
Risk analysis and use of modelling: Application of risk estimation, psychological, energy damage and generalised time sequence models to occurrence investigation.
Risk estimation and loss rate concept: Sources of risk data - probability, failure and reliability.
Fault tree and event trees analysis: Techniques and applications. Failure modes and effects analysis and HAZOPS (Hazard and Operability Studies). Priority Planning Matrixes.

Selected papers and course notes.

Viner, D, Accident Analysis and Risk Control, VJR Delphi, Melbourne, 1994.

Selected papers and study notes

Viner, D, Accident Analysis and Risk Control, VJR Delphi, Melbourne, 1994.