Module Identifier GG30220  
Module Title MODELLING IN FLUVIAL GEOMORPHOLOGY  
Academic Year 2006/2007  
Co-ordinator Mr Joseph Michael Wheaton  
Semester Semester 2  
Course delivery Lecture   10 x 2 hours  
  Practical   10 x 1 hours  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Assessment 10 in-class practical workshop projects  40%
Semester Assessment 1,500 word modelling project  40%
Semester Assessment 2,500 word essay  20%
Supplementary Assessment Resubmission of failed coursework components (Modelling project, 2500 word report, and/or workshop projects) 

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:



Aims

The aim of this module is to introduce students to a range of modelling techniques used in fluvial geomorphology and how they can be used to better understand process dynamics in rivers and river basins.

Brief description

The module will provide students with the theoretical foundation necessary to interpret and assess fluvial models used in research as well as in practice (e.g. by consultancies and agencies). Students will learn how to distinguish between 'reasonable' and 'unreasonable' questions of such models. The students will leave with practical experience from running their own simulations using 'off-the-shelf' fluvial models. Within each theme, the conceptual and theoretical underpinnings of that type model will be explored; their application with case studies will be demonstrated, their limitations addressed; and the concepts will be grounded with real-world applications and empirical field evidence.

Content

The following themes will be investigated in this module

Module Skills

Problem_solving A problem based learning approach will be taken within the workshops, students will undertake the self-paced, self-taught e-learning workshops with guidance notes, attempting to solve problems based upon materials covered within the previous lecture.  
Research skills Undertaken during independent reading and in the problem based learning workshops.  
Communication Verbal: None Written: Reports presented from the workshops and essay  
Improving own Learning and Performance Independent reading from reading list; independent development of modelling skills  
Team work Students may choose to work in small groups for some workshops.  
Information Technology Industry-standard, 'off-the-shelf' software and models will be used in the workshops and modelling project (requires access to PC, all software used will be provided). Detailed guidance provided.  
Application of Number Most workshops will involve numeric problem solving. All derivations in lectures will start from very basic first principles.  
Personal Development and Career planning Increased confidence in undertaking analytical tasks, working with real data (workshops and modelling project) and making practical interpretations. Internship opportunities will be arranged for those interested and demonstrating potential.  
Subject Specific Skills Successful students will leave the course with the beginnings of a highly marketable modelling skill in today¿s workplace.  

Reading Lists

Books
** Recommended Text
Darby, S.E. and Van De Wiel, M.J. (2003) Models in Fluvial Geomorphology. In: Tools in Fluvial Geomorphology (eds. Kondolf, G.M. and Piegay, H.) pp 503-537. John Wiley and Sons, Chichester
Kondolf, G.M. and Piegay, H. (eds) Tools in Fluvial Geomorphology 503-537. John Wiley and Sons, Chichester

Journals
Coulthard, T. (2001) Hydrological Processes Landscape evolution models: a software review. 15 (1), 165-173..
Dennis, I., Macklin, M.G., Coulthard, T. and Brewer, P.A. (2003) Hydrological Processes The impact of the October-November 2000 floods on contaminant dispersal in the River Swale catchment, North Yorkshire, UK. 17 (8), 1641-1657..

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6