Understanding and Communicating Risk

Course Description

"Understanding and Communicating Risk" is an innovative and highly relevant course offered by the National University of Singapore's LRF Institute for the Public Understanding of Risk. This introductory-level course is designed to equip learners with essential skills in risk perception, risk assessment, and risk communication. In today's complex world, where risks are ever-present and constantly evolving, this course provides invaluable insights into how individuals perceive and understand risks in their daily lives, and how to effectively communicate risk information to facilitate better decision-making.

What students will learn

  • Interpret risk information for informed decision-making and risk management in everyday situations
  • Master the language and metrics of risk assessment for accurate stakeholder communication
  • Understand the factors shaping people's risk perceptions
  • Develop creative and engaging risk communication techniques and strategies
  • Gain insights into global risk perceptions based on the latest research
  • Learn methods for gathering information about public risk perceptions
  • Apply key lessons from decades of risk communication research and experience
  • Design and evaluate effective risk communications
  • Understand risk perception and communication in health, climate, and technology sectors

Pre-requisites

This course has no specific prerequisites, making it accessible to a wide range of learners. However, a general interest in risk management, communication, and social sciences would be beneficial.

Course Content

  • Key concepts of risk, uncertainty, and cumulative risk
  • Metrics of risk assessment and risk identification
  • Factors shaping public perceptions of risk
  • Strategies and techniques for effective risk communication
  • Best practices in risk communication
  • Risk perception and communication in public health
  • Climate and environmental risk perception and communication
  • Risk perception and communication in technology
  • Practical application through case studies and real-world exercises

Who this course is for

This course is ideal for professionals, practitioners, researchers, and tertiary students involved or interested in risk communication. It is particularly suitable for those working in or studying fields such as:

  • Public health
  • Environmental science
  • Technology and innovation
  • Marketing and communications
  • Public policy and governance
  • Business and finance
  • Emergency management and disaster response

Real-world Applications

  • Public health officials can improve vaccine uptake by effectively communicating risks and benefits
  • Environmental scientists can better convey the urgency of climate change to policymakers and the public
  • Technology companies can address public concerns about new innovations more effectively
  • Marketing professionals can create more impactful campaigns by understanding risk perceptions
  • Policy advisors can develop more effective risk mitigation strategies
  • Business leaders can make more informed decisions about potential risks and opportunities
  • Emergency managers can improve public response to natural disasters through better risk communication

Syllabus

Week 1: Key concepts

  • Introduction to risk, uncertainty, cumulative risk
  • Key metrics of risk assessment and identification of risks

Week 2: Risk perceptions

  • Factors that shape public perceptions of risk

Week 3: Risk communication

  • Strategies, techniques, and applications for best practices

Week 4: Health

  • Risk perception and communication in the field of public health

Week 5: Climate & environment

  • Risk perception and communication relating to climate change, natural hazards, and environmental pollution

Week 6: Technology

  • Applications of risk perceptions and communications concepts to cases of new and established technologies

Week 7: Individual project

By enrolling in this course, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of risk perception and communication, equipping you with invaluable skills for navigating and influencing our risk-laden world. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your professional toolkit and make a real impact in your field!