Course content

A main issue is the term "risk" related to the understanding of risk, risk communication, decisions, ethics and acceptance criterion. Economical issues related to safety are discussed as well. Another part deals with society’s framework and regimes for safety management and organisational perspectives on safety management in companies. Safety management strategies deals with coping with changes related to the framework given by authorities and the market, as well as adjustments to changes in technological, economical and political terms for safety management. This links to a review of important theoretical positions in safety science, e.g. resilence engineering. Furthermore, the course enlightens risk management in dynamical, complex socio-technical systems, vulnerability analysis and emergency handling. Threats related to intentional and malicious acts (security) are included. Human, technological and organisational aspects of information security are described. The scope of the course is broad: from natural disaters, major accidents in industry and transportation, to ICT safety and security.

Learning outcome

The course will give a scientific basis for understanding important risk issues in society and business, and how safety subjects are organised and handled. The course will give knowledge and reflected critical attitudes to safety management apporaches. Understanding through analyses, reasoning and discussions are given special attention. The students will we trained for satefty management roles in industry and in public administration.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures and case-based problemsolving in groups. Portfolio assessment is the basis for the grade in the course. The portfolio includes a final written exam (60%) and term papers/exercises (40%). The results for the parts are given in %-scores, while the entire portfolio is assigned a letter grade. If there is a re-sit examination, the examination form may change from written to oral.

Compulsory assignments

• Exercises

Recommended previous knowledge

The subject is compulsory for students at the section of Safety, Health and Environment. Reserved students at SHE.

Course materials

Given at the start of the course.

Credit reductions