Semester-wise Syllabus for an MSc in Disaster Management

Semester 1: Foundations of Disaster Management

1. Introduction to Disaster Management

   • Concepts: Hazards, vulnerabilities, risks, and disasters

   • Disaster cycle (mitigation, preparedness, response, recovery)

   • Global frameworks (Sendai Framework, UNDRR, Hyogo Protocol)

2. Geophysical & Hydrological Hazards

   • Earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, floods, landslides

   • Early warning systems and GIS applications

3. Climate Change and Disasters

   • Impact of climate change on disaster frequency/severity

   • Adaptation vs. mitigation strategies

4. Research Methods in Disaster Studies

   • Qualitative & quantitative data collection

   • Risk assessment methodologies (Hazard Vulnerability Capacity Assessment)

5. Practical/Fieldwork

   • GIS mapping (QGIS/ArcGIS) for hazard zones

   • Case study analysis (e.g., 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami)

Semester 2: Risk Reduction & Emergency Response

1. Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR)

   • Community-based DRR strategies

   • Infrastructure resilience (building codes, retrofitting)

2. Emergency Response & Logistics

   • Incident Command System (ICS)

   • Relief coordination (Shelter, food, medical aid)

3. Public Health in Disasters

   • Epidemic management (e.g., COVID-19, Ebola)

   • Mental health and psychosocial support

4. Disaster Policies & Governance

   • National/International laws (NDMA, SDGs)

   • Role of NGOs, UN agencies (UNOCHA, Red Cross)

5. Practical Training

   • Simulation exercises (mock drills)

   • CPR/first aid certification

Semester 3: Advanced Topics & Specializations

1. Technological & Man-Made Disasters

   • Industrial accidents (Bhopal Gas Tragedy), nuclear risks

   • Cybersecurity in disaster management

2. Urban Disaster Management

   • Mega-city risks (fire, terrorism, urban floods)

   • Smart technologies for resilience

3. Electives (Choose 1–2)

   • Humanitarian Assistance: Refugee crises, conflict zones

   • Environmental Disasters: Wildfires, droughts

   • Corporate Disaster Resilience: Business continuity planning

4. Project Management

   • Proposal writing, budgeting, monitoring & evaluation

5. Internship/Fieldwork

   • 4–6 weeks with agencies (NDRF, UNDP, local NGOs)

Semester 4: Research & Capstone

1. Disaster Recovery & Rehabilitation

   • Livelihood restoration, trauma counseling

   • Long-term reconstruction (case: Nepal Earthquake 2015)

2. Global Perspectives

   • Comparative studies (Japan’s tsunami vs. Haiti earthquake)

   • Climate migration and displacement

3. Dissertation/Research Project

   • Original research (e.g., flood risk modeling, policy gaps)

   • Data tools: Remote sensing, SPSS for disaster data

4. Workshops

   • Crisis communication (media management)

   • Leadership in disaster scenarios