| Delivery Type | Delivery length / details |
|---|---|
| Lecture | 10 x 2 hours |
| Practical | 10 x 1 hours |
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| 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 CA component. | 100% |
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
* Describe and critically evaluate the operation and application of a range of model types used in fluvial geomorphology
* Select which models are appropriate to use for investigating specific hydraulic/geomorphic problems
* Operate an 'off-the-shelf' fluvial model (e.g. HEC-RAS, ooCAESAR)
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.
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.
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | Most workshops will involve numeric problem solving. All derivations in lectures will start from very basic first principles. |
| 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 |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Subject Specific Skills | Successful students will leave the course with the beginnings of a highly marketable modelling skill in today's workplace. |
| Team work | Students may choose to work in small groups for some workshops. |
This module is at CQFW Level 6