School of Physical and Geographical Sciences  
 
 
ESC-30027 Coastal Environments  
Co-ordinator: Dr Katie Szkornik    Room: WSF28, Tel:33614  
Teaching Team:  
Lecture Time: See Timetable...  
Level: 3 Credits: 15 Study Hours: 150  
School Office:
 
 
 
Programme/Approved Electives for
Applied Environmental Science Major (Level 3)
Applied Environmental Science Minor (Level 3)
Geography Major (Level 3)
Geography Minor (Level 3)
Geography Single Honours (Level 3)
Geology Major (Level 3)
Geology Major (Level 3)
Geoscience Single Honours (Level 3)
Physical Geography Major (Level 3)
Physical Geography Minor (Level 3)
Available as a Free Standing Elective
No
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for this module.
Barred Combinations
Not Applicable
Description

The coastal zone is a highly dynamic and diverse environment. It contains a wide variety of
geomorphic landforms and is influenced by numerous processes which operate over a range of temporal and spatial scales. This module explores the processes that drive coastal morphological changes, such as sea-level change, tides and ocean waves, discusses the nature of a range of coastal landforms and examines the links between form and process at a variety of temporal and spatial scales. The final part of this module, addressed predominately through the major coursework assignment, deals with the issue of coastal zone management. The module includes both lectures, which incorporate examples of active research in the areas covered, and practical activities, which seek to reinforce the material covered in lectures and through the guided reading.
Aims
This module aims to examine a range of coastal processes and landforms and highlight the links between form and process in the coastal environment over a range of spatial and temporal scales. In particular, this module aims to highlight the vulnerable nature of the coastal environment within the context of current global warming debates and with regards to future sea-level rise.
Intended Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and understanding of the links between form and processes in the coastal environment over a range of spatial and temporal scales [1, 3]
Ability to critically analyse, interpret and evaluate material in a clear and concise way and to make judgments on the management of selected coastlines around the World [2]
Awareness of the dynamic, plural and contested nature of the subject area, and the role played by geographers in advancing knowledge and understanding. [1,2,3]
Study hours
Lectures/practicals 20 hours
Assessment preparation (in-class test) 30 hours
Researching and preparing course work poster 45 hours
Guided independent study (including exam revision) 55 hours
Description of Module Assessment
001: Exercise weighted 20%
Short answer in-class exercise
002: Exercise weighted 30%
individual poster, presented conference style
003: 2 Hour Unseen Exam weighted 50%
2 hour unseen examination, 2 questions from 6
Version: (1.06B) Updated: 03/Mar/2013

This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.