Programme/Approved Electives for 2020/21
None
Available as a Free Standing Elective
No
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. Climate change means that many coastal environments will experience significant change over the next century, hence our need to understand physical and biological process, and how they impact on landforms in the coastal environment, is more critical than ever. 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. Key themes of the module are bought together in the final weeks via a series of case studies focusing on location-specific examples. The final part of this module, addressed predominately through the coursework, highlights the need for sustainable management of the coastline.
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 consider the vulnerable nature of the coastal environment within the context of climate changes and future sea-level rise, and highlight the need for long-term sustainable management of the coastline.
Talis Aspire Reading ListAny reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/esc-30027/lists
Intended Learning Outcomes
describe in detail, explain and provide examples of, the way in which different coastal processes can affect the coastal environment over a range of spatial and temporal scales: 2critically evaluate the links between form and process in the coastal environment over a range of spatial and temporal scales: 2engage with, present and analyse 'real world' sea-level data from the Permanent Service for Mean Sea Level: 1interpret, evaluate and present material in clear, concise and professional way: 1make evidence-informed judgement on the future management of a selected area of coastline around the world: 1
24 hrs active learning sessions (e.g., flipped classroom approaches, in-class discussions, small group work and activities, coursework workshops, and computer-based practial sessions)56 hrs researching and preparing course work poster (including interaction with open-access scientific data). 70 hrs guided independent study (including research for take away, open-book, timed-constrained essay).
Description of Module Assessment
1: Poster Presentation weighted 50%Scientific posterStudents individually complete an A3 poster, which requires engagement with, and presentation and analyses of, open-access sea-level data (annual tide gauge records), available from the Permanent Service for Mean Sea Level.
2: Open Book Assessment weighted 50%Take away, open-book, timed constrained essayStudents have a two-week period in which to complete an essay of up to 2000 words. Students select ONE essay title from a list of SIX. Essay titles are unseen until the time of their release. Students can make use of any resources available to them (e.g., class notes, journal literature text books etc). Essays are required to be accompanied by a reference list. Examples of the types of essay question students will encounter will be provided throughout the module.