Module OSX-3005:
Coastal Water Processes

Module Facts

Run by School of Ocean Sciences

20 Credits or 10 ECTS Credits

Semester 1

Organiser: Dr David Assinder

Overall aims and purpose

The purpose of this module is to examine the principal processes affecting contaminants and pollutants in the coastal environment. It details the inputs, behaviour and effects of various types of wastes found in the marine environment, their transfer from catchment to coast, their dispersion due to ocean mixing and circulation and considers the implications for coastal water use and management.

Course content

This module comprises a survey of the inputs, behaviour and effects associated with waste disposal to coastal waters. It examines in detail the nature of pollution and how pollution damage is assessed by considering the main types of contaminants/pollutants, their sources, environmental behaviour and possible effects. e.g. nutrients, metals, oil, POPs, radioactivity. A detailed 'Catchment to Coast’ case study using the Conwy Estuary highlights the problems caused by nutrients, bacteria, viruses and toxins and considers the implications for management of water quality. The physical processes which aid in dispersion of waste are considered with the use of models for practical application.

Assessment Criteria

threshold

Equivalent to 40% Pass mark (D-)

Basic appreciation of contaminant/pollutant inputs and effects in coastal waters and implications for water quality. Basic understanding of the dispersion of contaminants/pollutants in coastal waters. Basic ability to manage your own learning and to make use of the referred research articles. Attendance at practical sessions.

good

Equivalent to 60-70% (B range)

Able to appreciate contaminant/pollutant inputs and effects in coastal waters and implications for water quality. Understanding of the dispersion of contaminants/pollutants in coastal waters. Demonstrate management of own learning and use of referred research articles. Attendance at practical sessions and perform practical work and analysis of data in a competent manner.

excellent

Equivalent to >70% (A range)

Considerable appreciation of contaminant/pollutant inputs and effects in coastal waters and implications for water quality. Thorough understanding of the dispersion of contaminants/pollutants in coastal waters. Thorough demonstration of ability to manage your own learning and to make use of referred research articles. Attendance at practical sessions and carry out experimental work carefully in an enquiring manner - performing additional experiments/tests to answer questions raised.

Learning outcomes

  1. Be able to demonstrate an awareness of how water quality is controlled by a regulatory framework

  2. Be able to demonstrate an understanding of, and critically appraise, the inputs, behaviour and effects associated with waste disposal to coastal waters

  3. Be able to successfully model contaminant/pollution dispersion in coastal waters.

  4. Be able to demonstrate an understand and critically appraise the particular problems caused by nutrients, bacteria, viruses and toxins using a 'Catchment to Coast’ case study of the Conwy Estuary

  5. Be able to make accurate and precise chemical measurements, be able to interpret and discuss data and write a scientific report.

  6. Be able to manage your own learning and to make use of referred research articles.

Assessment Methods

Type Name Description Weight
COURSEWORK Pollutant dispersion assignment

A 1000 word assignment including some mathematical outputs

 10
COURSEWORK Fish Farm practical report

A 2000 word report summarizing the fish farm practical

 30
EXAM Examination 60

Teaching and Learning Strategy

Hours
Private study

Students should consult the Talis reading list for the module for wider reading around the topic. In particular, the list contains a number of news items which act as 'case studies' of current issues in coastal water processes. These are ideal to demonstrate further reading in the subject and an awareness of current issues.

 174
Lecture

Two lectures per week, one hour each, in every four weeks out of five.

 16
Practical classes and workshops

Three practicals - two four hour and one two hour.

 10

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
  • 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

Subject specific skills

Intellectual skills (knowledge and understanding) associated with subject specific theories, paradigms, concepts and principles in coastal water processes

Practical skills associated with laboratory situations and including the ability to plan, implement, analyse and report investigations safely and ethically in studies of coastal waters

Communication skills associated with a range of media and targeted at a range of audiences to communicate issues regarding coastal waters

Personal and professional skills associated with the identification of individual needs and requirements and including adaptability and flexibility in both independent and team working during the module.

Resources

Courses including this module

Compulsory in courses:

Optional in courses: