Module GEOG3191: SEA-LEVEL CHANGE AND COASTAL EVOLUTION

Department: Geography

GEOG3191: SEA-LEVEL CHANGE AND COASTAL EVOLUTION

Prerequisites

• Any Level 1 or Level 2 GEOG module

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• This third year elective module examines global, regional and local-scale changes in sea-level from the last glacial maximum to the present, predictions for the future, how coasts have developed, how they operate and how they may develop in the future

Content

• Driving mechanisms
• Relative sea-level change
• Coastal processes
• Rapid events - including storm surges, earthquakes and tsunami
• Future sea-level change - current knowledge, hazards and management
• The instrumental era of sea-level measurement
• Coastal responses to sea-level change and coastal management
• Project work

Learning Outcomes

• On successful completion of the module students are expected to be able to:
• Comprehend the spatial and temporal variability in contemporary coastal processes, knowing the linkages between wave, wind and tidal processes, terrestrial and marine sediment supply and coastal morphology
• Comprehend and evaluate the patterns and processes controlling long-term coastal evolution and relative sea-level change, including the methodology of data collection and analysis
• Describe and explain the causes and importance of rapid events in coastal change
• Evaluate the evidence of historic sea-level change, and the significance of the past in molding the present
• Assess the human / physical interface through emphasis on issues surrounding future climate and sea-level rise

• Identify and evaluate and from the scientific literature the type of evidence that records coastal response to changes in sea-level, sediment supply and energy
• Analyse and interpret historical sea-level change data
• Undertake original research in sea-level change science

• Examination and analysis of quantitative data sources
• Students are expected to define their own research problem, produce their own research findings, design and illustrate a poster displaying their work, defend this presentation orally, and write a scientific abstract of the work
• Present a critical synthesis of a particular project
• Work as a team in the development of a group poster which links directly to an individual poster presentation combining to form the summative assessment
• Review previous work, assess its quality

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

• This module uses a range of teaching, learning and assessment techniques
• Much of the module is lecture-based, where students will learn about the processes of sea-level change, but also issues and debates at the cutting edge of research.
• Students complete data analysis practicals linked to topical issues in sea-level research which provide data analysis skills relevant to the summative research projects.
• Students complete a group research project at an advanced level which allows them to investigate a debate or specific topic in sea-level research and engage with the opportunities and problems faced by researchers investigating that issue.
• Students are provided with a set of research projects linked to contemporary issues in sea-level research from which they elect one project for analysis
• The project work provides an opportunity for advanced level research
• The module employs formative assessment to help students to develop their project presentation and data management skills, and summative assessment to demonstrate advanced understanding of issues in sea-level science and includes a summative poster presentation which develops written and oral presentation skills.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Group project presentation to member of staff supervising each group project. Feedback from staff member on project design, content and initial analysis

■ 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