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ESC-30158 - Module Specification
School of Life Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2025/26 Last Updated: 04 December 2025

ESC-30158 - Geomorphology: Earth Surface Processes and Landscapes
Coordinator: Victoria Milner
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 6
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 734414

Programme/Approved Electives for 2025/26

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2025/26

Earth’s spectacular landscapes are impressive and fascinating. They also provide a record of past environmental change and reveal the interconnected hydrological, atmospheric and terrestrial processes that are changing the planet’s surface right now. Focusing on case studies, such as fluvial, glacial and coastal geomorphology, we will learn about landforms and the processes that create them. In addition, we will examines sediment transfers from source to sinks at local and global scales. Lastly, we will explore landscape as an integral part of the global environmental system.

Aims
This module examine a range of different environments (e.g., fluvial, coastal and glacial) and the links between geomorphic form and process over a range of spatial and temporal scales. The module also explores how different landscape are an integral part of the global environmental system and considers the vulnerable nature of these environments within the context of climate change.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Describe in detail and explain how different geomorphic processes can affect different geomorphic environments over a range of spatial and temporal scales.: 1
Interpret hydraulic and sedimentological data to understand fluvial geomorphic processes in different habitats.: 1
Make evidence-informed judgements on the future management of a selected area of coastline around the world based on an assessment of the available quantitative data and research at the forefront of the discipline.: 2
Interpret data and present key findings in a geomorphic environment in the form of a research poster.: 2

Study hours

Active learning:
24 hours scheduled, in person class activity.
36 hours structured engagement with online resources and directed research.
Independent study:
36 hours research and completion of the research poster.
36 hours research and completion of the technical report.
18 hours flexible independent study time.

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Report weighted 60%
A Fluvial Geomorphology Technical Report
A fluvial geomorphology technical report that describes the hydraulic and sedimentary characteristics of pools and riffles (which are two key habitats within river systems). Students will be given a secondary data set comprising velocity, water depth, discharge and sedimentary data and will be expected to interpret the data to form their technical report. The technical report will be structured as a scientific paper and be a maximum of 2000 words, including figures and tables, but excluding the reference list. The technical report will describe in detail the different fluvial geomorphic processes responsible for the hydraulic and sedimentary characteristics of pools and riffles.

2: Poster weighted 40%
Research Poster
Students work with quantitative tide-gauge data from the Permanent Service for Mean Sea Level (PSMSL), alongside research at the forefront of the discipline, to assess and evaluate the future vulnerability of their chosen area of coastline from the risk of rising sea levels. Students present their work in the form of an individual research poster (A3) submitted electronically.

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 04 December 2025