ESC-30027 - Module Specification
School of Geography, Geology and the Environment
Faculty of Natural Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

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.

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: 1,2
1
make 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: 1
interpret and evaluate data, and present key findings in the form of a research poster: summarise and evaluate, using evidence from the recent research literature, the contrasting theories and debates surrounding the formation and evolution of specific landforms in the coastal environment: 2

Study hours

60 hrs active learning sessions (e.g., interactive lectures, in-class discussions, small group work and activities, coursework workshops, computer-based practical sessions and directed study).
90 hrs researching and prepairing coursework assessments and independent study.

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment