This course will enable the student to 1) understand the scope and impact of natural hazards and disasters; 2) recognize the differences between hazards and disasters; and 3) understand how the expanding human footprint is leading to an increase in natural disasters. The laboratory sessions utilize geospatial technologies (Geographic Information Systems/GIS and remote sensing software) enabling students to develop mapping and modeling expertise and apply it to the study of diverse geological and atmospheric hazards including earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, floods, storms, wildfires, and climate change.