Advances in Managing Rivers and Catchments
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| GEOG4088 | Geography | 4 | 10 | Autumn UK |
- Code
- GEOG4088
- School
- Geography
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 10
- Semesters
- Autumn UK
Summary
- Key river and catchment processes
- Impacts of anthropogenic (ie. climate, land-use) change on rivers and catchments
- Current and historic river/catchment management practises
- Tools and techniques for monitoring and mapping rivers and catchments
- Modelling rivers and catchments to test management scenarios
Target Students
Students on the MSc Environmental Leadership and Management programmes. Also open to Geography PGR students (eg. MRes), as well as 3rd and 4th year Env Sci/Nat Sci students.
Classes
Teaching will take place primarily through lectures and/or seminars.
Assessment
- 100% Coursework: 2,500 words
Assessed by end of autumn semester
Educational Aims
This module aims to introduce students to river and catchment processes, their need for management in light of anthropogenic impacts, and common techniques (i.e. in-situ monitoring GIS/remote sensing) for providing the evidence needed for effective river/catchment management. The module covers past mismanagement of river environments and explains how changes in our understanding of rivers and the increasing adoption of modern management strategies and technologies are advancing our ability to manage rivers in a sustainable manner.Learning Outcomes
a. Knowledge and Understanding. The student will be able to:
- Appreciate the importance of understanding fundamental river and catchment processes (ie. physico-chemical and biological phenomena) for informed management
- Outline current and common anthropogenic issues facing rivers and catchments
- Explain the role of technology in developing management strategies for addressing these problems
b. Intellectual Skills. The student will be able to:
- Critically evaluate current threats to rivers/catchments and uncertainty in climate and land-use projections
- Understand the complexities of river management practises, past management failures and the advantages of holistic management/restoration approaches
- Appreciate the importance of balancing the needs of human society and river ecosystems when developing river and catchment management strategies
c. Professional Practical Skills. The student will be able to:
- Appreciate the different types of evidence (ie. data) required for informed decision making in river/catchment management
- Understand the advantages and limitations of river/catchment modelling approaches for testing river management strategies
d. Transferable Skills. The student will be able to:
- Synthesise complex issues in river/catchment management
- Present academic-level information to lay audiences
- Balance their time to meet competing deadlines
Conveners
Last updated 07/01/2025.