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Water Environments - ENV00042I

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  • Department: Environment and Geography
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: I
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25
    • See module specification for other years: 2023-24

Module summary

This module will study the processes that determine the movement and storage of water and sediment from source to sink. It will investigate the geomorphology and sedimentary processes within different hydrological and coastal systems.

Related modules

Pre-requisite modules:
Core Skills in physical Geography (Yr 1)

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2024-25

Module aims

This module will provide students with the necessary knowledge and investigative skills to make informed judgements on hydrological and coastal processes and environments. It will equip students with the theory and concepts related to geomorphology and allow the students to test their understanding through practical work. The module will also engage students in topical, scientific research within the field of hydrology and coastal geomorphology through recommended reading of peer-reviewed scientific papers.

The module provides fundamental knowledge of Physical Geography vital for environmental graduates. The fieldtrip will allow students to apply their knowledge, a skill vital for future employment.

Module learning outcomes

  • An ability to critically evaluate the physical processes operating within hydrological and coastal systems on a range of temporal and spatial scales

  • An ability to analyse the reasons for changes in these environments and to apply this knowledge to the present and future

  • An ability to effectively and fluently present original thoughts and concepts based on the relevant literature in written contexts

  • An ability to access relevant scientific information and data from a variety of different sources and extend the knowledge gained in the lectures through reading

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Module feedback

Students will receive feedback on the formative assessment prior to the summative submission date. Feedback on the summative work will comply with the university regulations.

Indicative reading

Charlton, R. (2008) Fundamentals of fluvial geomorphology / Ro Charlton. London:, Routledge.

Haslett, S.K. (2009) Coastal systems / Simon K. Haslett. 2nd ed. New York;, Routledge.

Holden, J. (2008) An introduction to physical geography and the environment / edited by Joseph Holden. 2nd ed. Harlow, England:, Pearson Prentice Hall.

Masselink, G. (2003) Introduction to coastal processes and geomorphology / Gerhard Masselink and Michael G. Hughes. London:, Arnold.

Woodroffe, C.D. (2002) Coasts: form, process, and evolution / Colin D. Woodroffe. Cambridge:, Cambridge University Press.

Bridge, J.S. (2008) Earth surface processes, landforms and sediment deposits / John Bridge and Robert Demicco. Cambridge:, Cambridge University Press.


Vincent, W.S (2018) Lakes: A very short introduction Oxford: Oxford University Press


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.