Module GEOG2521: FLUVIAL SYSTEMS

Department: Geography

GEOG2521: FLUVIAL SYSTEMS

Prerequisites

• Any Level 1 module in Physical 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

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

• 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

• Apply knowledge of fluvial systems to evaluate examples of river management / engineering / past river activity

• 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

Summative Assessment

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

■ 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