ESC-40040 - Module Specification
School of Geography, Geology and the Environment
Faculty of Natural Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2020/21

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

Not available to those students who have selected module ESC-30027 (Coastal Environments) as a Level-6 option module

Description for 2020/21

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 sealevel 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.

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.

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: 3
critically evaluate the links between form and process in the coastal environment over a range of temporal and spatial scales: 3
engage with, present and analyse 'real world' sea-level data from the Permanent Service for Mean Sea Level: 1
interpret, evaluate and present material in a clear, concise and professional way: 1,3
make evidenced-informed judgement on the future management of a selected area of coastline around the world: 1
summarise complex issues, make sound judgments and communicate conclusions clearly to an audience of peers, via an oral presentation: 2

Study hours

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)
60 hrs researching and preparing course work poster and accompnaying narrative (including interaction with open-access scientific data).
66 hrs guided independent study (including research for take away, open-book, timed constrained essay).

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment