Module GEOG3451: HYDROLOGY: RUNOFF, SEDIMENT AND SOLUTE DYNAMICS

Department: Geography

GEOG3451: HYDROLOGY: RUNOFF, SEDIMENT AND SOLUTE DYNAMICS

Prerequisites

• Any Level 1 or level 2 GEOG module.

Corequisites

• NONE

Excluded Combination of Modules

• Specialized Aspects of Environmental Sciences 1 & 2 the Specialized Aspect - Managing the River Environment

Aims

• To provide students with a detailed conceptual understanding of the processes governing runoff, sediment and solute transfer in river catchments; the methods used to monitor these processes and appropriate management techniques
• To provide advanced understanding of hydrological processes at Level 3

Content

• Indicative Content
• Integrated catchment systems and management
• Soil moisture and runoff generation
• Monitoring runoff
• Water quality
• Monitoring water quality
• Managing water quality
• Soil erosion
• Sediment delivery
• Monitoring sediment transfer
• Managing sediment systems

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate a high level of understanding of how catchment management strategies can influence runoff, sediment and solute dynamics and apply this to a range of environments
• Understand linkages between runoff and sediment transfer in river catchments
• Describe and critically evaluate the measurements involved in producing a catchment water budget and evaluate methods of monitoring hydrological processes
• Display knowledge of river catchment management techniques

• Execute basic water quality determinations in the laboratory
• Be able to carry out flow determinations and discharge gauging
• Apply techniques to measure soil loss and erosion
• Parameterise simple hydrological models
• How to perform hydrological measurements
• Familiarity and use of hydrological modelling techniques

• IT, statistical manipulation and understanding of appropriate numerical analysis and presentation techniques
• How to work in a laboratory environment,
• How to work in a field environment,
• Project writing and oral presentation skills
• Solve problems by working with others
• Be responsible for the management of project work

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

• The course will have two strands:
• 1) A lecture-based component covering the concepts underpinning key topics
• 2) A fieldwork component either designed as an intensive UK field weekend run in the week before the start of term OR a series of local field trips to local gauging and monitoring sites for regular data collection. Data generated and samples collected will be processed in the lab and analysed in a series of practical exercises
• Basic facts will be explained and key concepts introduced in the lecture component. The fieldwork and pactical exercises allow students to explore concepts in more detail and develop the subject and key skills listed above
• The assessment relates directly to these two aspects. The examination is to test student understanding of basic facts and knowledge. The practical exercises will help students develop research skills and demonstrate mastery of both subject skills and key skills

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

This will be provided by question and answer session in the lectures; discussion on the field days and through oral feedback during practical sessions. One practical will be submitted for formative feedback.

■ 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