GG4256 Coastal Processes

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

30

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 10

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Availability restrictions

A ballot system will be in place for this module

Planned timetable

Thurs 12-3

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Prof W E N Austin

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Prof William Austin

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

The majority of the world's population live in close proximity to the coastal zone. Coastal processes are highly dynamic and sensitive to external drivers, including long-term climate change and anthropogenic activities. Understanding these systems is important for developing appropriate coastal management strategies. Coasts (and coastal processes) therefore represent an excellent opportunity to study the interactions between humans and their physical environment. The module aims to enhance students' understanding of environment-shaping processes and to offer advanced field-based training in the coastal environment. Including practical classes and an obligatory, reasonably priced, weekend field excursion, it encourages students to think about the ways in which process knowledge can inform coastal management.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS 'GG2011 AND GG2012' OR 'SD2001 AND SD2002' OR 'GG2013, GG2014 AND SD2100' OR 'SD2005, SD2006 AND SD2100'.

Anti-requisites

YOU CANNOT TAKE THIS MODULE IF YOU PASS GG3067 OR TAKE GG3067,YOU CANNOT TAKE THIS MODULE IF YOU PASS GG3271 OR TAKE GG3271

Assessment pattern

100% coursework

Re-assessment

100% coursework

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

1hr Lectures (X8 weeks), 2hr Lab Practical (X8 weeks), 3hr Lab Practical (X2 weeks), 1x3 day optional field course

Scheduled learning hours

46

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

250

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • Critically assess the role of physical and human processes in shaping the coastline.
  • Demonstrate an appreciation of the wide range of coastal processes and distinguish the characteristics of key processes and their association with certain coastal environments.
  • formalise their understanding about a coastal system into a conceptual model and apply this in a real world setting
  • think critically about complex subjects and critique peer-review literature along with the ability to explain complicated ideas to a lay audience through writing.