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DEM500 - Community-Based Disaster Risk Management (Cbdrm)

2026

Sector

Higher Education

Discipline

Humanitarian, Emergency and Disaster Management

Credit Points

Unit Level

500

Equivalent Units

Prerequisites

Incompatible

Coerequisites

Assumed Knowledge

Unit Description

This unit provides a detailed exploration of Community-Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM), a participatory and empowering approach that places local communities at the forefront of understanding, analysing, and reducing disaster risks. Recognising that communities are often the first responders and possess invaluable local knowledge, this unit delves into the principles, processes, and practical tools necessary to effectively implement CBDRM initiatives.

Unit Learning Outcomes

1.	Critically analyse the core principles, theoretical underpinnings, historical evolution, and key terminologies of Community Based Disaster Risk Management.
2.	Analyse the role of local/indigenous knowledge alongside scientific data in understanding and addressing disaster risk within specific community contexts.
3.	Justify the use of appropriate participatory tools and methods for conducting comprehensive community-based disaster risk management.
4.	Critique the importance of psychosocial well-being, social capital, collective efficacy, and community cohesion as critical components of community resilience to disasters.
5.	Evaluate the influence of social dynamics - including power relations, culture, gender, age, disability, ethnicity, socio-economic status, and governance structures - on the effectiveness and equity of CBDRM/CBDRR initiatives.

Assessment Overview

	Assessment Task	Value (of total mark)	Related Learning Outcome/s
1.	Online Discussions (4 X 200 words)	20%	1,2,3
2.	Presentations (2 x 10 mins)	30%	1,2,4,5
3.	Written Assessment - Final Report (3000 words)	50%	3,4,5

Unit Availability

Year	Semester	Att Mode	Location	Learning Method	Timetable*
2026	Semester 2	Internal	Casuarina Campus	OLR	View
2026	Semester 2	External	External Studies	OLR	View

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OLR: Internet access is required for this unit as students are required to access study materials provided on-line through Learnline. Please log into Learnline on the first day of each teaching period. For more information about Learnline, please click here.

Critical Dates

Important Dates for Students

Fee Information:
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