Psychosocial responses to natural disasters, climate change and pandemic outbreaks
Postgraduate course
- ECTS credits
- 5
- Teaching semesters
- Autumn
- Course code
- PSY382
- Number of semesters
- 1
- Teaching language
- English
- Resources
- Schedule
Course description
Objectives and Content
Societal security depends partly on how members of a society view the capability of systems and structures in their community and state to care for them in an emergency or disaster. In Nordic countries where we live in modern welfare states, inhabitants have high expectations of being cared for, both in terms of medical and psychosocial assistance in times of crisis
Aim:
This course will provide a cross national, Nordic, and international perspective on research and practice-based experiences that will help students prepare for psychosocial assistance in future disasters
Learning Outcomes
After completing the conference and seminar, students should achieve the following learning outcomes defined as knowledge, skills, and general competencies:
Knowledge
Student ..
- can describe how diverse natural disasters and pandemics affect human psychosocial health
- can search for and cite Nordic and international research on psychological care of those affected by disasters
- can explain common psychosocial health concerns associated with an increase in natural disasters and pandemics
Skills
Student ..
- can identify and explain natural grief and stress reactions in children and adult survivors of catastrophic events
- can provide psychosocial support and basic preventive measures that can curb adverse late effects
- can disseminate knowledge about the psychosocial consequences of natural disasters and pandemics
- can retrieve updated information and research findings on disaster response and prevention through literature searches
- can identify relevant research groups and centers if faced with a disaster situation that requires rapid collaboration across borders
General competencies
Student..
- is familiar with how psychological first aid is applied in the wake of disasters
- can identify ways to access relevant Nordic and international research in disaster psychology
- can raise awareness in the general population about disaster preparedness and reactions
Full-time/Part-time
ECTS Credits
Level of Study
Semester of Instruction
Place of Instruction
Recommended Previous Knowledge
Access to the Course
Teaching and learning methods
The education will be intensive over 3 days (0900-1500) and consist of three main topics:
- Psychosocial issues and disaster preparedness following natural disasters/climate change/pandemic
- A cross-national case study approach to disaster preparedness and risk perception
- A written case report and response to the cases of about 5000 words to be submitted after the conference/seminar