This module involves exploring the nature and dynamics of water and river systems in the landscape. The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the fundamentals of catchment hydrology and water resource management. The module is project focused and involves the design of an appropriate research strategy for the assessment of a specified river basin or series of river basins within a river basin district. The objective of this research approach is to develop knowledge and skills in the baseline evaluation of river basin systems and to explore the nature and interrelatedness of geomorphological, biogeographical and hydrological components. The module requires students to carry out both a desk-top study and field investigation and provides exposure to a range of fieldwork and/or desk based techniques for collecting and managing data relevant to catchment hydrology and water resource management.
This is a basic to intermediate level module. The module is directed towards students of environmental management, environmental science, sustainable development, bio-resource management and allied disciplines.
River Basins & Hydrology
- The nature and classification of river basin systems in the landscape;- Catchment hydrology, ecology, geology and topography;- Fluvial geomorphology, erosion, weathering and landform evolution;- The policies and practice of river management with climate change;- How to define appropriate objectives for a baseline assessment of a river system;- Defining the scope, parameters and dynamics of catchment hydrology for river basin assessment;- How to select appropriate field work approaches and mechanisms for assessing catchment processes;- The implementation of data collection strategies in river basin studies;- The use of appropriate mathematical, statistical and other techniques in data analysis and classification;- How to summarise findings and present results and conclusions, both in writing and orally;- Development of skills in the use of published data sources, the use of college and other libraries, as well as the introduction of computer systems to record, analyse and present data.
A variety of teaching methods will be used including lectures, tutorials, presentation sessions, discussion groups and field trips. Comment and feedback will be provided to students throughout the course of their field, assignment, laboratory, class and group related work.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Other Assessment(s) | 100 |