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ESC-30164 - Module Specification
School of Life Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2026/27 Last Updated: 16 September 2026

ESC-30164 - River Conservation & Management
Coordinator: Victoria Milner
Lecture Time:
Level: Level 6
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 734414

Programme/Approved Electives for 2026/27

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2026/27

In this module, you will learn about scientifically sound and environmentally sensitive river management. We will also explore the historical development of river management from using hard engineering approaches to the present environmentally sensitive and economically sustainable development approaches used within river catchment planning. You will also critique varying river management approaches and examine habitat models based on the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of river systems. This module will teach you industry standard techniques to prepare you for a career in the water and conservation sector.

Aims
The aim of this module is to provide a summary of the scientific knowledge of river systems and focuses on scientifically sound and environmentally sensitive river management. This module will examine the historical development of river management to the present environmentally sensitive and economically sustainable development approaches used within river catchment planning. This module will critique varying river management approaches and examine habitat models based on the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of river systems.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Make evidence-informed judgements on the success of a river rehabilitation scheme based on the available hydrological and biological data: 1
Interpret and evaluate data, and present key findings on a river rehabilitation scheme in the form of a research poster: 1
Identify and interpret channel geomorphic units, artificial features, and marginal and bank features to understand the habitat quality of a watercourse: 2
Calculate a range of indices, including the Habitat Quality Assessment (HQA) Score and a Habitat Modification Score (HMS) as a basis for choosing different river restoration measures for varying watercourses: 2

Study hours

Active learning:
24 hours of scheduled, in person class activity and fieldwork.
26 hours of structured engagement with online resources and directed research.
Independent study:
54 hours independent study relating to the research report assessment
46 hours independent study relating to poster assessment

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Poster weighted 40%
A research poster assessing the success of a river restoration scheme.
Students will use hydrological, geomorphic, biological and any other types of available data to assess the success of a river restoration project in the UK, Europe or an international setting. Students will explore whether any pre and/or post monitoring of a river restoration scheme was conducted, and consider spatial and temporal scales of monitoring practices.

2: Research Report weighted 60%
An analysis of the physical habitat characteristics and river restoration options within the Trent catchment
A fluvial geomorphology research report that describes the hydraulic and sedimentary characteristics of pools and riffles, which are two key habitats within river systems. Students will investigate velocity, water depth 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 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: 16 September 2026