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Spatial Analysis and Modelling for Flood Risk Management - ENV00100M

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

Module summary

This module considers the issue of flooding from a hand-on computer spatial analysis and modelling perspective.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2023-24

Module aims

Flooding is a globally important natural hazard that is growing more intense and/or frequent due to the combined impacts of climate change, intensification of agriculture, and urban spread. This module aims to deliver core understanding of the causes and impacts of flooding as well as some management strategies for addressing the problem. Real-world problems associated with flood risk provide a platform to introduce participants to spatial analysis using GIS software and mathematical modelling and then to explore the use and application of these methodologies for considering environmental solutions. The training in spatial analysis and modelling delivers key employability skills that are applicable for a range of environmental careers including environmental consultancy.

Module learning outcomes

Successful participants will be able to:

Evaluate the nature, causes and consequences of flooding and how these might change in the future.

Analyse the nature of spatial data types, and use the basic GIS functionality available in GIS software suites.

Critically appreciate the processes involved in developing, testing and using models for environmental applications.

Apply some approaches to assessing and managing risks from flooding.

Perform a basic spatial analysis of environmental data using ArcGIS and combine this with basic modelling to develop solutions to a flooding problem

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Special assessment rules

None

Additional assessment information

Reassessment essay will based around flood modelling scenario E.g. Given [list of datasets] a modeller is requested to make prediction of [x]. They have access to [y,z] software. Write an essay on how they could use these datasets and software platforms to achieve their aims. Answers should refer to the tools that have been practiced throughout the module.

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Module feedback

Standard departmental feedback form in standard departmental feedback period.

Indicative reading

Bevan, K.J, Rainfall-Runoff Modelling: The Primer, 2nd Edition, Wiley-Blackwell

De Smith, Michael John (2013). 4th ed.Geospatial analysis : a comprehensive guide to principles, techniques and software tools

Neteler, M, Miasova, H. (2010) 3rd ed. Open source GIS : a GRASS GIS approach


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.