Module Information
Course Delivery
| Delivery Type | Delivery length / details |
|---|---|
| Seminars / Tutorials | 5 x 2 hour (3x introductory seminars, 1x debrief after fieldtrip, 1x group presentation) |
| Other | Fieldtrip (3-4 days equivalent to 30 hours) |
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Individual presentation on a prescribed methodology in fluvial geomorphology (10 minutes) | 10% |
| Semester Assessment | Written handout to accompany individual presentation on a prescribed methodology in fluvial geomorphology (600 words) | 10% |
| Semester Assessment | Group presentation on fieldwork project (20 minutes) | 20% |
| Semester Assessment | Individual fieldwork project report (3000 words) | 60% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Resubmission of failed/non-submitted coursework | 100% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
Conduct a geomorphological assessment of a river reach and identify the primary management issues that need to be addressed.
Select and implement appropriate methodologies for the measurement, sampling and analysis of river system parameters relevant to catchment managers.
Present and interpret data in a rigorous and technically-sound manner, both orally and in the form of a scientific report.
Brief description
This module is based on a 3-4 day residential field course to be held in the first half of Semester one. Before the fieldtrip takes place students will attend three seminars to introduce the themes that will be explored during the field course (e.g. contamination, flood frequency analysis, fluvial morphodynamics). Through this module students will develop skills in the selection and implementation of appropriate methodologies for the measurement, sampling and analysis of fluvial systems, and be able to present and interpret data in a rigorous and technically-sound manner.
Content
- Methodologies and research designs for investigating river systems: o Archive data sources o Reconstructing and extending flood series o Geomorphological mapping o Topographic surveys o Sediment sampling o Use and ground truthing of remote sensing data
- Field course in an upland / piedmont setting examining contemporary fluvial processes, the effects of environmental change on river systems, river system contamination and data gathering.
- Data processing/analysis
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | Manipulation and presentation of results |
| Communication | Reading from a variety of sources, academic, technical, public reports etc./Writing for different audiences, e.g. consultancy reports, academic essay/Group presentations |
| Improving own Learning and Performance | Time management |
| Information Technology | Use of data analysis and GIS packages for presentation and report |
| Personal Development and Career planning | Develop an awareness of what skills are required by employers/Provide practical experience of some skills |
| Problem solving | Problem identification/ Creative solutions/ Lateral thinking/ Evaluation of suitability and applicability of solutions |
| Research skills | Identify research questions/Plan and time manage research/Produce research reports |
| Subject Specific Skills | Training in the use of surveying equipment. |
| Team work | Preparation of group work/Group dynamics - self organization of tasks within the group/Playing an active part in group work |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 7