MODULE SPECIFICATION TEMPLATE
MODULE DETAILS
Module title
Module code
Credit value
Level
Mark the box to the right of the
appropriate level with an ‘X’
Water in the Landscape
GY212
10 points
Level 4
Level 5 X Level 6
Level 0 (for modules at foundation level)
Level 7
Level 8
Entry criteria for registration on this module
Pre-requisites
GY111
Specify in terms of module codes or
equivalent
Co-requisite modules
Specify in terms of module codes or
equivalent
Module delivery
Mode of delivery
Taught
Other
Pattern of delivery
Weekly
When module is delivered
X
Semester 1
Other
X
Distance
Placement
Block
Other
Semester 2
Online
Throughout year
Brief description of module This module provides students with an
content and/ or aims
understanding of processes acting on and near the
Overview (max 80 words)
Module team/ author/
coordinator(s)
School
Site/ campus where
delivered
surface of the Earth. The module is delivered in
three sections. Firstly, surface and subsurface
hydrological processes are reviewed, focusing on
how these different pathways determine the
quantity and quality of water moving over/through
hillslopes and into channels. Secondly, hillslope
denudation processes by water are examined,
focussing on mass wasting and erosion, and
highlighting the linkages between hillslope
hydrology and catchment geomorphology. Thirdly,
moving down the hillslope and into channels, the
module then explores fluvial systems, with
particular emphasis on flow hydraulics, sediment
transport and the formation of different river
channel patterns
Professor Phil Ashworth
Environment & Technology
Moulsecoomb
Course(s) for which module is appropriate and status on that course
Course
Module descriptor template: updated Aug 2014
Status (mandatory/ compulsory/
optional)
BA (Hons) Geography, BSc (Hons) Earth &
Ocean Science, BSc (Hons)
Environmental Hazards, BSc (Hons)
Environmental Sciences, BSc (Hons)
Geography, BSc (Hons) Geography &
Geology
Optional
MODULE AIMS, ASSESSMENT AND SUPPORT
Aims
To develop student understanding of the
important concepts that govern earth surface
evolution by water.
Learning outcomes
At the successful completion of the module,
students will:
1. Understand the nature of hydrology, the
behaviour of river catchments and the
approaches to quantifying hydrological
processes;
2. Understand how hillslopes evolve over time;
3. Be able to apply basic hydraulic equations
and understand how rivers work;
4. Understand the linkages between hydrology,
rivers and sediment movement;
5. Be able to use hydrology and fluvial
geomorphology skills to answer practical,
real-world problems
Be able to develop a logical argument by means
of appropriately referenced written work.
Content
This module provides students with an
understanding of water-driven landscape
processes acting on and near the surface of the
Earth. The module is delivered in three
sections. Firstly, surface and subsurface
hydrological processes are reviewed, focusing
on how these different pathways determine the
quantity and quality of water moving
over/through hillslopes and into channels.
Secondly, hillslope denudation processes by
water are examined, focussing on mass wasting
and erosion, and highlighting the linkages
between hillslope hydrology and catchment
geomorphology. Thirdly, moving down the
hillslope and into channels, the module then
explores fluvial systems, with particular
emphasis on flow hydraulics, sediment transport
and the formation of different river channel
patterns.
Module descriptor template: updated Aug 2014
Fallenmark, M. And Rockstrom J. (2004)
Balancing water for humans and nature. The
new approach in ecohydrology. Earthscan.
Learning support
Holden, J. (ed) (2009) An introduction to
physical geography and the environment
(2/e), Pearson.
Knighton, A.D. (1998). Fluvial Forms and
Processes (2/e). Arnold.
Robert, A. (2003) River Processes: An
Introduction to Fluvial Dynamics, Arnold.
A comprehensive reading list of the latest
journal articles is posted on StudentCentral at
the start of the module.
Teaching and learning activities
Details of teaching and
learning activities
Normal contact time of 2 hours per week plus 4
hours directed study and assessment. Delivered
as a series of lectures combined with two
practicals. Students to write-up one of the
practicals.
Allocation of study hours (indicative)
Study hours
Where 10 credits = 100 learning hours
SCHEDULED
This is an indication of the number of hours students can expect to
spend in scheduled teaching activities including lectures, seminars,
tutorials, project supervision, demonstrations, practical classes and
workshops, supervised time in workshops/ studios, fieldwork, and
external visits.
28
GUIDED INDEPENDENT
STUDY
All students are expected to undertake guided independent study
which includes wider reading/ practice, follow-up work, the
completion of assessment tasks, and revisions.
72
PLACEMENT
The placement is a specific type of learning away from the University.
It includes work-based learning and study that occurs overseas.
TOTAL STUDY HOURS
100
Assessment tasks
Details of assessment on
this module
Types of assessment
Standard report (50%) (LO 1-6)
Standard examination (50%) (LO 1-4)
task1
% weighting
Indicative list of summative assessment tasks which lead to the award of credit or which are required for
progression.
(or indicate if
component is
pass/fail)
WRITTEN
Written exam
50
COURSEWORK
Written assignment/ essay, report, dissertation, portfolio, project
output, set exercise
50
1 Set exercises, which assess the application of knowledge or analytical, problem-solving or evaluative skills, are included
under the type of assessment most appropriate to the particular task.
Module descriptor template: updated Aug 2014
PRACTICAL
Oral assessment and presentation, practical skills assessment, set
exercise
EXAMINATION INFORMATION
Area examination board
Geography & Geology
Refer to University for guidance in completing the following sections
External examiners
Name
Position and institution
Date appointed
Date tenure
ends
Dr Ian Candy (or
successor)
QUALITY ASSURANCE
Date of first approval
2011
Only complete where this is not the
first version
Date of last revision
Only complete where this is not the
first version
Date of approval for this
version
(KIS amended March 16)
Version number
1.1
Modules replaced
GY210
Specify codes of modules for which
this is a replacement
Available as free-standing module?
Module descriptor template: updated Aug 2014
Yes
No