This is an archived handbook for a previous year. The current undergraduate and postgraduate handbooks can be viewed using the links above.

Undergraduate Handbook 2010-2011 (archived)

Module GEOG2521: FLUVIAL SYSTEMS

Department: Geography

GEOG2521: FLUVIAL SYSTEMS

Type	Level	Credits	Availability	Module Cap	Location
Open	2	20	Available in 2010/2011	None.	Durham

Pre-requisites

Any Level 1 module in Physical Geography or other appropriate evidence

Corequisites

None

Excluded Combinations

None

Aims

To provide an overview of fluvial systems and understand water and sediment processes operating at a variety of spatial and temporal scales

Content

1 - Catchment processes:
Hillslope hydrology
Hillslope and channel coupling
Drainage and networks
Catchment sediment budgets and sediment yields
2 - River channels:
Channel morphology
Channel flow
Sediment transport
Sedimentation
3 - Records of fluvial activity:
Rivers in the geological record
Response of rivers to environmental change
Reconstructing river system evolution
Fluvial archives of past environments
4 - River management and engineering:
Basic principles
Erosion and sedimentation in floods
Channel restoration
Sediment problems in aquatic ecosystems

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge

Students are expected to be able to: Demonstrate knowledge of the main processes governing flow and sediment transfer 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 / past river activity

Key Skills

Assess and interpret material presented in lectures and practicals
Extract patterns from data and observations
Understand appropriate numerical analysis and presentation techniques
Perform simple calculations in both lectures and practicals
Present logical written arguments
Abstract information from multiple sources
Oral presentation of key theories and ideas

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	17	weekly	10 x 1 hour; 6 x 1.5 hour; 1 x 2 hour	21
Practicals	9	3 per 4 weeks	Variable in length (0.5 to 2 hours) depending on objective. Total of 9 hours	9
Preparation and Reading				170
Total				200

Summative Assessment

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

Formative Assessment

Formative assessment and feedback is provided by the first two practicals undertaken in the catchment block of lectures In line with Board of Studies policy for all Level 2 optional modules, formative feedback is also provided on summative coursework

Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University.