None

Masselink, G & MG Hughes (2004) An Introduction to Coastal Processes and Geomorphology (Hodder Arnold)
French, PW (2001) Coastal Defences: Processes, Problems and Solutions (Routledge)
Kay, R & J Alder (2005) Coastal Planning and Management (Spon Press)
Beatley, T et al (2002 ? 2nd Ed) An Introduction to Coastal Zone Management (Island Press)

Standard lecture rooms with light projector facilities.
University Library
Sciences Learning Resource Centre

Coasts are under increasing pressure from a combination of a continually changing physical environment within a context of future sea level rise and flood hazards plus increasing demand by society for a whole range of resources they offer - space for housing and industry, recreation and tourism, biotic resources and nature conservation and energy provision. Balancing and managing competing uses to enable sustained development and continued use of resources is crucial. This module examines the physical characteristics and geomorphological processes operating within the coastal zone - rocky and sandy shorelines, beach processes, sand dunes, estuaries and marshes. Only by understanding the physical attributes of these environments, their vulnerabilities, sensitivities and resilience can they be appropriately managed. Sessions will then investigate nature of coastal hazards and the impacts that human development can have on susceptible coastlines and the range of traditional hard and soft engineering management options. Finally, principles of integrated coastal zone management will be explored including regulations and policies e.g. shore line management planning which will enable sustainable coastal development for the future. Whilst principally, the module will take a UK context it will draw on practices from other developed and developing countries.

The module will be delivered through a combination of lectures, workshops and directed reading.

Ten, 2 hour weekly lectures (20 hours) will provide the main knowledge framework for the module delivering keys concepts, issues and case studies and provide a foundation for student independent study.

Four 1 hour (optional) assessment preparation and feedback sessions.

The remaining 126 hours of independent study will consist of a 2 hour examination plus directed study.

Essay - 50% - 1250-1500 word - Learning outcomes 1, 4, 5

Examination - 50% - 2 hours duration - Learning outcomes 2, 3, 4, 5

Additional Assessment Details:

The ESSAY will require students to demonstrate understanding of the physical geography of a specific coastal morpho-dynamic landform. Intermediate level students will submit this essay in week 8 of the module.

The EXAMINATION for intermediate level students will consist of two sections of equal weighting. Section A will be an UNSEEN short answer format assessing the students understanding of the attributes and principles of integrated coastal zone management. In Section B students will be required to write a SEEN essay on specific coastal problems / challenge / issue. The SEEN essay titles will be given out early in the module and students will be able to bring into the examination a one A4-side plan and a bibliography.

Formative Assessment:
Student will be given formative learning during the lectures / workshops that will cumulatively build throughout the module. The students will also be given the opportunity to submit an essay plan for the seen part of the examination on which feedback will be given.