Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2007-2008 (archived)

Module GEOG2521: FLUVIAL SYSTEMS

Department: Geography

GEOG2521: FLUVIAL SYSTEMS

Type Open Level 2 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2007/08 Module Cap None. Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • Any Level 1 module in Geography or other appropriate evidence

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To provide an overview of fluvial systems and understand water and sediment processes operating at a variety of spatial and temporal scales.
  • To prepare students for the skills and knowledge need in third year fluvial option courses and final year dissertation work.

Content

  • 1.
  • Catchment processes: Hillslope hydrology.
  • Hillslope and channel coupling.
  • Drainage and networks.
  • Catchment sediment budgets and sediment yields.
  • 2.
  • Flow and sediment transport: The channel sediment system.
  • Water flow - resistance and turbulence.
  • Erosion, transport and deposition of fluvial sediment.
  • Flow and sediment transfer in complex channel systems.
  • 3.
  • Fluvial sedimentary environments: Bedfroms and basic sedimentary structures.
  • Alluvial channel processes and bar formation.
  • Floodplains.
  • Evolution of fluvial sedimentary systems.
  • 4.
  • River management and engineering: Basic principles.
  • Erosion and sedimentation in floods.
  • Channel restoration.
  • Sediment problems in aquatic ecosystems.
  • 5.
  • Quaternary fluvial history and evolution: Rivers in the geological record.
  • Response of rivers to environmental change.
  • Reconstructing river system evolution.
  • Fluvial archives of Quaternary environments and human history.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Students are expected to be able to: Demonstrate knowledge of the main processes governing flow and sediment transport in alluvial river channels.
  • Explain how basic sedimentary structures can build to form complex alluvial systems.
  • Understand the long-term dynamics of river systems.
  • critically analyse literature on fluvial sediment systems.
  • Identify the key processes that contribute to water and sediment delivery at a catchment scale.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Apply knowledge of fluvial systems to evaluate examples of river management/engineering
Key Skills:

    Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

    • Teaching: Basic facts are explained in the lecture sessions.
    • Concepts introduced in lectures are explored in greater depth in the practicals.
    • Application of concepts are demonstrated in practicals.
    • Independent learning in facilitated by asking students to prepare for the seminar sessions.
    • Assessment: Exam - tests factual knowledge and understanding of concepts.
    • Coursework essay examines deeper understanding of concepts and their practical application and capacity for independent research.

    Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

    Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
    Lectures 16 weekly 10 x 1 hour; 6 x 1.5 hour;1 x 2hour 21
    Practicals 9 3 per 4 weeks 2 x 0.5 hour; 6 x1 hour; 1 x 2 hour 9
    Preparation and Reading 170
    Total 200

    Summative Assessment

    Component: Exam Component Weighting: 67%
    Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
    2-hour unseen exam 100%
    Component: Essay Component Weighting: 33%
    Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
    essay 5 x sides A4 100%

    Formative Assessment:

    In line with Board of Studies policy for all level 2 optional modules, formative assessment is provided through formative feedback on summative coursework.


    Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University