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

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)

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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 case study developmental / planning workshops (4 hours) on accessing and interpreting data sources and feedback.

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

Case study report - 50% - 1500-1750 word equivalence - Learning outcomes 1, 2, 4, 5, 6

Examination - 50% - 2 hours duration - Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 5, 6

Additional Assessment Details:

The CASE STUDY will consist of a project running through the duration of the module with students applying the knowledge gained in the lecture programme to a real UK shoreline context. Students will be expected to capture and analyse a variety of data resources and create an evaluative assessment / plan.

For the EXAMINATION honours students will be required to write TWO essays - one on specific coastal problems / challenge / issue. The second essay will examine the broader merits of coastal zone management policy and the issues of sustainable coastal development. The examination will be a SEEN examination with titles given out early in the module and students will be able to bring into the examination a one A4-side plan and a bibliography for each essay.

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.