Programme/Approved Electives for 2021/22
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-40040/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: 1evaluate the links between form and process in the coastal environment over a range of spatial and temporal scales: 1make evidence-informed judgement on the future management of a selected area of coastline around the world based on an assessment of the available data and research at the forefront of the discipline: 2interpret and evaluate data, and present key findings in the form of a professional report: 2,32,3communicate complex scientific ideas to a variety of audiences:
26 hrs active learning sessions (e.g., flipped classroom approaches, in-class discussions, small group work and activities, coursework tutorials and computer-based practical sessions)64 hrs guided independent study (including engagement with asynchronous learning materials, follow up reading and research, and preparation for KLE exercises). 60 hours researching, preparing and writing up consultancy report and presentation
Description of Module Assessment
1: Online Tasks weighted 40%KLE ExercisesStudents will complete two, 1-hr online exercises via the KLE (20% weighting each exercise). These exercises will require students to interpret data and images, and draw on ideas and concepts developed through asynchronous learning materials and in-class discussions and exercises.
2: Research Report weighted 50%Consultancy-Style ReportStudents use a variety of data sources and research at the forefront of the discipline to carry out an assessment of a chosen area of coastline in order to understand the baseline conditions, and risk from rising sea levels, prior to revision of existing coastal management plans. Students are required to provide a qualitative assessment of the long-term viability of coastal management plans based on their analyses. Students write up their findings as a consultancy style report with executive summary (3000 words total, 2800 for main report plus 200 for executive summary).
3: Presentation weighted 10%Presentation of consultancy reportStudents present the key findings of their consultancy report via Powerpoint (with voice over), sway or poster. Equivalent to 10 mins presentation time or ~750 words.