GG4256 Coastal Processes and Blue Carbon

Academic year

2026 to 2027 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

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 lives in close proximity to the coastal zone. These environments are highly dynamic and sensitive to external drivers, including long-term climate change and anthropogenic pressures. Coastal ecosystems such as salt marshes and mangroves, however, also offer significant opportunities to mitigate these threats, providing natural coastal defence while storing ‘blue carbon’ (organic carbon sequestered in marine sediments). Understanding these systems is essential for developing effective coastal management strategies, grounded in knowledge of the interactions between human activities and the physical environment. Including practical classes and a field excursion, this module aims to enhance students’ understanding of coastal processes and management, with particular reference to the science and conservation of blue carbon stores.

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

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.