MARINE AND COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Ms L Philip

Pre-requisites

GG 3547 available only to candidates for Honours in BSc Marine and Coastal Resource Management.

Overview

Personal research supported by formal introduction to research methods (in associated course) and by regular supervision.

Structure

Submission of dissertation (including original work) on topic approved by Head of Geography and Environment.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Mr D R Green

Pre-requisites

MR 1514 and GG 2510. Entry to other students in Programme Year 4 is at the discretion of the course coordinator.

Co-requisites

None

Notes

This course cannot be included in a graduating curriculum with MR 3510 (Level 3 version).

Overview

This course focuses primarily on an examination of hydrography, navigation, and hydrographic survey. It is designed to provide a bridge between geography, coastal and marine studies, digital mapping and hydrographic surveying. In so doing, it provides an opportunity to introduce the student to a skilled area which may form the basis for a future career. More specifically the course will:

• Provide a basic introduction to hydrography and hydrographic surveying
• Provide a brief overview of the history of hydrographic surveying
• Develop an appreciation of the links between geography, cartography, digital mapping and charting, oceanography, marine and coastal studies, surveying, technology, and hydrography
• Examine some of the many different surveying technologies currently in use and some of the recent developments
• Examine the role of the surveying technologies in various different environmental applications
• Develop an appreciation of the concepts of coordinates, measurement, underwater acoustics, positioning, sounding and marine law
• Gain an appreciation of some of the different sources of hydrographic data and information
• Develop some practical experience using hydrographic charts and tide tables for navigation

Structure

12 x 2-hour sessions, to include a combination of class-based lectures, seminars, tutorials, practicals, videos, field trips, and site visits. Students will be expected to take part in discussion sessions both in the class and in the field.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 100% coursework: (a) two written exercises (critique (25%) / paper (50%) and (b) practical exercise (25%).

Formative Assessment

Practical exercises provide opportunities for formative assessment.

Feedback

Feedback on the formative assessment will be provided in class and/or via MyAberdeen. Students will receive individual, written feedback on their summative coursework using our standard comments sheets.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Mr D R Green and Dr N Spedding

Pre-requisites

At least two of: MR 2502, MR 2505, GG 2003, GG 2004, GG 2504, GG 2505. Available only to students in Programme Year 4.

Notes

To develop a wider knowledge, understanding, and appreciation for past, present, and future issues that face coastal communities around the world.

Overview

A selection of the most important past, present and future coastal and marine issues facing society around the world will be explored by staff and students. Some typical examples might be: the impact of sea level rise and climate change on coastal communities around the world; coastal disasters such as hurricanes and tsunami on coastal settlements eg, New Orleans, Indonesia; current technologies for monitoring, mapping and modelling the marine and coastal environment; renewable energies such as wind and wave power and their impact on the environment; the environmental impact of offshore gas and oil exploration activities and the development of future unmanned platforms; tools for the effective management of the coast eg, Marine Spatial Planning (MSP); implementing European legislation eg, the Water Framework Directive; the role of coastal fora in management of the UK coast; capacity building in ICZM; the sustainable coast; the role of European funding projects in the future of coastal management; implementing a spatial data infrastructure (SDI) for data collection and sharing; linking science and policy, etc.

Structure

Introductory lectures to guide independent study, plus seminars (four in total) with student presentations. Additional sessions may be arranged and guest speakers brought in to support some topics.

Assessment

1st Attempt: In-course assessment: 3 short essays/reports (60%) and 1 seminar presentation (40%).

Resit: No resit possible.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr D.R Green

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Overview

• Topography of the ocean basins


• The oceans and atmosphere as a system


• Impact of climate change


• Marine resources and their management


• Coastal and marine environments


• Overfishing and pollution


• Marine protected areas focus on the Galapagos National Park

Structure

11 x 1-hour lectures, supported by 11 x 1-hours follow-up sessions, plus one field trip.

Assessment

1st Attempt: coursework (50%): one written report (34%) and one short presentation (16%)and exam (50%): MCQ + short answers.

Resit: original coursework carried forward, 50%, plus exam, 50%.

Formative Assessment

Students complete an in-course quiz (on fisheries) and a short-answer exercise (on marine ecosystems); peer assessment of presentations.  However, with just 12 weeks of teaching, to include two summative assessments, it is difficult to arrange stand-alone formative assessment.  It makes more sense to consider feedback/feedforward in terms of onwards progression: e.g., students write just  one coursework report which is summatively assessed, but comments provided on this should help students to improve their performance next time: e.g., in the follow-up second half-session course.

Feedback

Students receive individual, written feedback on their coursework using standard  comments sheets. Individual comments are supported by in-class feedback.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr D.R Green

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Overview

To introduce the student to the theory, practice and application of the geospatial technologies to coastal and marine environments. The course will include development of an appreciation of the role for spatial and temporal data and information in coastal and marine studies as a means to enhance knowledge and understanding of the coastal and marine environment. Students will develop a practical working knowledge of the use of e.g. environmental databases, remote sensing (including introductory techniques of digital image processing (DIP), Geographical Information Systems (GIS), Global Positioning Systems (GPS), digital mapping, cartography and hydrographic charts, and online Internet-based GIS, Information, and Decision Support Systems (DSS) for a range of coastal and marine applications. A number of examples will be given in class, through tutorial exercises, practicals and lectures.

The lectures will include some or all of the following subject areas:

• A contextual setting for the role of data and information in coastal and marine studies


• Requirements for Monitoring, Mapping and Modelling of coastal and marine environment


• Introduction to the Geospatial Technologies


• Introduction to Databases and Information Systems


• Introduction to Remote Sensing


• Introduction to Digital Image Processing


• Introduction to Geographical Information Systems and Spatial Analysis


• Introduction to Mobile Field Data Collection including GPS


• Coastal and Marine Applications of the Geospatial Technologies

• Introductory Digital Image Processing


• Introductory GIS (Geographical Information Systems)


• Data and Information Resources e.g. online Internet examples e.g. image catalogues and mapping.

Structure

12 x 2hr lectures/tutorials/practical/fieldtrip.  

Assessment

1st Attempt: Coursework (100%).

Formative Assessment

Students complete an in-mid-term quiz.  However, with just 12 weeks of teaching, to include two summative assessments, it is difficult to arrange stand-alone formative assessment.  It makes more sense to consider feedback/feedforward in terms of onwards progression: e.g., students write just  one coursework report which is summatively assessed, but comments provided on this should help students to improve their performance next time: e.g., in the follow-up Level 2 courses.

Feedback

Students receive individual, written feedback on their coursework using standard  comments sheets. Individual comments are supported by in-class feedback.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr D R Green

Pre-requisites

Available only to BSc Marine and Coastal Resource Management students in Programme Year 2 or above.

Overview

An introductory overview of civil, coastal and offshore engineering, as applicable to coastal management. This will include the foundations of coastal engineering such as an understanding of: coastal design and design considerations, synthesis, simplification and systems, engineering time, jargon and terminology, and data sources and requirements. Basic coverage of topics such as water waves, wave generation, wave analysis, wave transformation, and wave models will be provided. In addition, attention will be given to tides, currents, storm surges, and climate change including sea level rise, as well as coastal sediment transport, coastal shore processes, coastal geomorphology, and an introduction to coastal management. Coastal design, the design of structures, and shore protection (sediment movement, groynes, seawalls, breakwaters, beach nourishment), harbour and marina design will all be briefly examined. Coverage may also include reference to some or all of the following: regulations and legislation affecting civil engineering works with emphasis on coastal locations; features of energy generation with emphasis on renewable resources; principles and techniques of slope and cliff stability, sea defences and riverbank protection work; deposition and dredging in estuaries and coastal locations; issues regarding the design and construction of harbours and marinas; Design, construction and environmental impact of footpaths, tracks and dirt roads in coastal locations. Some time will also be spent on problem-solving.

Structure

1 two-hour session per week, plus reading, private study, research projects, student presentations, peer group review, workshops and informal discussion, plus a local field visit.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Coursework (100%)

Formative Assessment

Informal in-class discussions are an integral part of the course. There is no stand-alone, formal formative assessment. However, feedback on summative assessments should help students to improve their subsequent performances within the course and for subsequent courses. See box below.

Feedback

Students receive individual, written feedback on their coursework using standard comments sheets. Individual comments are supported by in-class feedback.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr D R Green

Pre-requisites

None. Available only to students in Programme Year 2.

Overview

This course focuses primarily on an examination of the ecology of the coastal strip, namely the intertidal zone, rather than the marine environment. It is designed to provide a bridge between geography and ecology/zoology. In so doing, it also provides an opportunity to examine the relationships between the hydrological catchment, the marine environment, and the coastal zone. More specifically the course will:

Develop an understanding of the ecology and diversity of cliffs, rocky and sandy shores, and estuary environments.

Examine the physical processes that affect the abundance and distribution of coastal ecology.

Adopt an ecosystem approach to the management of coastal environments used to sustain and protect coastal areas from environmental impacts.

Consider fieldwork activities to develop skills in species identification and some of the modern methods of shore survey.

Make use of environmental databases

Examine the role of the geospatial technologies such as GIS, remote sensing, GPS, mobile data collection, and the internet in studying the coastal environment.

Structure

1 two-hour timetabled slot per week. The course will be taught through a combination of class-based lectures, seminars, tutorials, practicals, and field trips. Students will be expected to take part in discussion sessions both in the class and in the field. Students are encouraged to make use of the QML and the internet to enhance their knowledge and understanding of coastal ecology.

Assessment

1st Attempt: Coursework (100%)

Formative Assessment

Informal in-class discussions are an integral part of the course. The mid-term quiz provides formal formative assessment. Also, feedback on summative assessments should help students to improve their subsequent performances within the course and for subsequent courses. See box below.

Feedback

Students receive individual, written feedback on their coursework using standard comments sheets. Individual comments are supported by in-class feedback.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Mr D Green

Pre-requisites

MR 2510 and MR 2511. Entry to other students in Programme Year 3 or 4 is at the discretion of the course coordinator.

Co-requisites

None.

Overview

This course adopts a multi-disciplinary approach to the problems of integrated coastal (zone) management. The focus is mainly on coursework with some student-based learning and therefore offers a range of vital skills for employment. This course aims to familiarise students with the resource-based conflicts arising in coastal areas and to introduce the mechanisms (legal, policy, scientific, and economic) available to resolve them. Topics considered include the history of ICZM, the role of the European Union in ICZM, the principles of ICZM, the role of various regulatory bodies, pressures on the coast, coastal policy at the federal/national, regional and local scales, capacity building, and approaches to coastal zone management in the UK, Europe, North America, Australia, and other parts of the world. The module defines the coastal zone and asks why there is the need for coastal management. The terms coastal management, coastal area management (CAM), coastal zone management (CZM), integrated coastal zone management (ICZM), are defined together with marine or maritime spatial planning (MSP) or coastal and marine spatial planning (CMSP) and the relationships between the two. The role of ICZM in the sustainable management of the coast is discussed along with the need for an integrated approach, and the development of an ICZM framework. The desire for links between science and policy are examined, as well as the need for communication and stakeholder involvement through, e.g., the coastal fora in the UK. ICZM indicators are also examined to evaluate and assess the effectiveness of ICZM in practice. Additionally, the role of engineering in coastal management, climate change and coastal adaptation are also considered along with information systems and marine and coastal atlases. Examples and case studies are drawn from around the world are used to illustrate e.g. Europe, UK, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand as well as other countries. The module also draws upon the role of a number of EU projects in ICZM.

Structure

12 x 2-hour sessions, to include a mixture of lectures, seminars and workshops, plus directed reading.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 100% continuous assessment: (a) two short written exercises (critique, 25%) and paper (25%) plus (b) a project and presentation (50%).

Resit: Resubmission of failed coursework components, with mark for those components to be capped at CAS 9.

Formative Assessment

There is no stand-alone, formal formative assessment. However, feedback on summative assessments will help students to improve their subsequent performances within the course and for related second half-session courses.

Feedback

Students will receive individual, written feedback on their coursework using our standard comments sheets.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Mr D R Green

Pre-requisites

MR 1514 and GG 2510. Entry to other students in Programme Years 3 or 4 is at the discretion of the course coordinator.

Co-requisites

None

Notes

This course cannot be included in a graduating curriculum with MR 4510 (Level 4 version).

Overview

This course focuses primarily on an examination of hydrography, navigation, and hydrographic survey. It is designed to provide a bridge between geography, coastal and marine studies, digital mapping and hydrographic surveying. In so doing, it provides an opportunity to introduce the student to a skilled area which may form the basis for a future career. More specifically the course will:

• Provide a basic introduction to hydrography and hydrographic surveying
• Provide a brief overview of the history of hydrographic surveying
• Develop an appreciation of the links between geography, cartography, digital mapping and charting, oceanography, marine and coastal studies, surveying, technology, and hydrography
• Examine some of the many different surveying technologies currently in use and some of the recent developments
• Examine the role of the surveying technologies in various different environmental applications
• Develop an appreciation of the concepts of coordinates, measurement, underwater acoustics, positioning, sounding and marine law
• Gain an appreciation of some of the different sources of hydrographic data and information
• Develop some practical experience using hydrographic charts and tide tables for navigation.

Structure

12 x 2-hour sessions, to include a combination of class-based lectures, seminars, tutorials, practicals, videos, field trips, and site visits. Students will be expected to take part in discussion sessions both in the class and in the field.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 100% coursework: (a) two written exercises (critique (25%) / paper (50%) and (b) practical exercise (25%).

Resit: Resubmission of failed coursework components, with mark for those components to be capped at CAS 9.

Formative Assessment

Practical exercises provide opportunities for formative assessment.

Feedback

Feedback on the formative assessment will be provided in class and/or via MyAberdeen. Students will receive individual, written feedback on their summative coursework using our standard comments sheets.