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GEO306: Sustainable Rivers: Science and Management

Module Title	Sustainable Rivers: Science and Management
Module Code	GEO306
Module Tutor	Michael Grenfell
School	Natural and Social Sciences
CAT Points	15
Level of Study	6
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
Restrictions	None
Brief Description	This module assesses the controls on catchment hydrology and the processes that determine river form at different spatiotemporal scales. It explores the use of this underpinning science for effective and sustainable river and water management and restoration/rehabilitation in a range of contexts and environments.
Indicative Syllabus	Sustainable management of fluvial and hydrological systems requires an appropriate scientific framework. This module develops an understanding of fluvial and hydrological processes at a variety of spatiotemporal scales and applies this science to river and catchment management in the UK, Europe and the US. Human impacts upon the fluvial system are considered in the context of longer-term fluvial response related to climatic oscillations over the Holocene. Contemporary channel management issues relating to flow and sediment supply changes are also considered. The module also demonstrates how river restoration, engineering and conservation needs to be underpinned by geomorphological principles for them to be sustainable. Current European (EU Water Framework Directive) and International legislation relating to the management of fluvial systems and to the conservation of instream ecosystems is introduced.
Learning Outcomes	i. Knowledge and understanding On completion of the module students should be able to demonstrate that they: a) have an awareness of the main controls within the hydrological cycle and fluvial systems at different spatiotemporal scales; b) possess a critical understanding of the inter-relationships between pure and applied fluvial research and the importance of a knowledge of fluvial geomorphology as a basis for managing rivers; c) comprehend the notion of landscape sensitivity with reference to the nature of channel response to artificial or human-induced changes; d) have an understanding of the way in which hydrological and fluvial systems respond to human-induced and climatic change; e) understand how rivers function and how this science can underpin sustainable catchment management. ii. Skills On completion of the module students should be able to demonstrate they: a) can apply their understanding of hydrological and geomorphological processes to a self-selected river research topic; b) can identify and conduct in depth analysis of important issues in the applied study of fluvial systems; c) critically evaluate research literature; d) can recognise the importance of and integrate material from other sources, such as fieldwork and practitioner inputs; e) have developed problem-solving skills in a catchment management context.
Learning and Teaching Activities	Staff/student contact: 24% (36 hrs; lectures, seminars, fieldwork) Student private study: 76% (84 hrs)
Assessment (For further details see the Module Guide)	001: 20% Coursework: Group work (Group Report): 1000 words or equivalent 002: 80% Coursework: Standard: 3000 words or equivalent
Special Assessment Requirements	None
Indicative Resources	The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.

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