This module involves exploring the nature and dynamics of water and river systems in the landscape. The aim of this module is to build on the student’s earlier exposure to hydrology and river basin management and deepen knowledge and understanding of catchment geomorphological, biogeographical and hydrological processes. This module addresses the policy and practices of river management at a national and European level. Drainage basins capture precipitation falling within their boundaries and channel it through a complex transport network which is intimately associated with and characterised by the nature of the landscape. This module examines the biophysical characteristics of the river basin and how these factors control the dynamics of water flow, the nature of flooding, the challenges associated with climate change, and the most appropriate strategies for water resource and river basin management.
This is an intermediate to advanced level module. The module is directed towards students of environmental management, environmental science, sustainable development, bio-resource management and allied disciplines.
- The nature and characterisation of river basin systems in the landscape;
- Components of the river basin system, including: land-use, geology, ecology, vegetation, soils and topography;
- River basin structure and dynamics driven by: precipitation, climate, erosion, weathering, sediment transport, channel morphology, floodplain development and basin sedimentation systems;
- River basin management in theory and practice;
- The theory and context of research design;
- How to define the domain of research in assessing the status of a large complex natural landscape unit;
- The role of glacial ice in shaping the landscape and river basin catchments;
- The nature of surface water, ground water and coastal waters;
- Fluvial geomorphology, hillslope hydrological processes and landform evolution;
- Morphometric analysis of river basins and catchment water budgets;
- The interaction of stream channels with coastal / marine waters and the coastal environment;
- EU/National water legislation and regulations;
- River basin management theory, river basin management plans, flood control, conservation and restoration;
- 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 class based assignments and/or field trips.
Comment and feedback will be provided to students throughout the course of their assignment, laboratory, class, field and group related work.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Other Assessment(s) | 100 |