Module OSX-2006:
Tides, Waves, Marine Energy

Module Facts

Run by School of Ocean Sciences

20.000 Credits or 10.000 ECTS Credits

Semester 1

Organiser: Prof Yueng-Djern Lenn

Overall aims and purpose

This module builds on the introduction to chemical and physical oceanography in the first year module OSX1005 Introducing the Oceans.

The module aims to:

  1. explain the physical principles that govern the tides in continental shelf sea and coastal waters;

  2. explore the origin of surface waves and explain their transformation and dissipation as they enter shallow coastal waters.

  3. develop understanding of how waves and tides may be used to generate marine renewable energy

  4. provide experience with MATLAB signal processing of oceanographic data to identify waves and tides.

Course content

Physical oceanography:

Topics relating to the tides will be the speed of shallow water waves, the effect of wave reflection and the Earth's rotation, amphidromic systems, tidal friction, and an explanation of the tides around the UK.

Topics related to surface waves will be wave generation by wind/storms, the propagation of wave energy in deep and shallow water, wave transformation and refraction in coastal waters, wave diffraction, wave breaking and the classification of breaking waves, breakpoint bars on beaches.

Topics related to marine renewable energy will include and introduction to how renewable energy is generated offshore from winds, tides and waves, how marine energy resource is evaluated and a discussion of devices used in the generation of marine energy, and their deployment.

Assessment Criteria

good

Good understanding of knowledge (subject-specific theories, concepts and principles) of the processes of tidal and wave dynamics based on the taught programme. Good ability to solve numerical problems using appropriate techniques, and to interpret results Good understanding of how marine energy resource is evaluated from waves and tidal currents, common devices used in the generation of energy and their deployment, and an appreciation to apply these ideas to new locations and marine conditions.

excellent

Thorough understanding of knowledge (subject-specific theories, concepts and principles) of the processes of tidal and wave dynamics based on the taught programme. Thorough ability to define and solve numerical problems using appropriate techniques, and to interpret the results. Good understanding of how marine energy resource is evaluated from waves and tidal currents, common devices used in the generation of energy and their deployment and skilled application of these ideas to new locations and marine conditions.

threshold

Basic ability to master some simple laboratory techniques associated with the chemical analysis of sea water. Basic understanding of knowledge (subject-specific theories, concepts and principles) of the processes of tidal and wave dynamics based on the taught programme. Basic ability to solve numerical problems using appropriate techniques and to interpret the results. A basic appreciation of how marine energy resource is evaluated from waves and tidal currents, common devices used in the generation of energy and their deployment.

Learning outcomes

  1. An understanding of the way that the real tide works in the oceans and shelf seas, including the effects of reflection off the coast, earth rotation and friction (learning outcome 3)

  2. An understanding of the surface wave generation by wind events, of the principles that govern wave energy propagation, and of the transformation/dissipation of waves in the coastal zone (learning outcome 4)

  3. Skill in using the MATLAB computer programming language to analyse oceanographic data (learning outcome 5)

  4. Introduction to how waves and tides may be used to generate marine renewable energy.

Assessment Methods

Type Name Description Weight
COURSEWORK MATLAB: Signal processing pracs 1 & 2 YDL 15.00
CLASS TEST Tides online test MG 15.00
EXAM Exam 40.00
CLASS TEST Waves online test MA 15.00
CLASS TEST Marine Energy online test 15.00

Teaching and Learning Strategy

Hours
Private study

enter code hereOn-line tests (coursework)

Set texts together with handouts, other recommended reading and internet resources will be integrated into the assessments.

 173
Lecture

12 lectures, duration 1 hour, twice per week

 12
Practical classes and workshops

5 practical sessions of 3 hours duration

 15

Transferable skills

  • Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
  • Numeracy - Proficiency in using numbers at appropriate levels of accuracy
  • Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software
  • Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
  • Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives
  • Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
  • Inter-personal - Able to question, actively listen, examine given answers and interact sentistevely with others
  • Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.
  • Safety-Consciousness - Having an awareness of your immediate environment, and confidence in adhering to health and safety regulations
  • Presentation - Able to clearly present information and explanations to an audience. Through the written or oral mode of communication accurately and concisely.
  • Teamwork - Able to constructively cooperate with others on a common task, and/or be part of a day-to-day working team
  • Self-awareness & Reflectivity - Having an awareness of your own strengths, weaknesses, aims and objectives. Able to regularly review, evaluate and reflect upon the performance of yourself and others

Resources

Reading list

Neill, S.P. and Hashemi, M.R. 2018. Fundamentals of Ocean Renewable Energy: Generating Electricity from the Sea. Academic Press, 336p.

Pre- and Co-requisite Modules

Courses including this module

Compulsory in courses:

Optional in courses: