Module: GEO6102-20 River Management

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: James Jeffers

Module Tutor Contact Details: j.jeffers@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

The management of river systems is important for environment and society.  In order to make sound and effective decisions about managing rivers it is first necessary to understand how the river catchment functions.  Adopting an integrated view of catchment systems, the pathways taken by water and sediment through river catchments will be examined.  The hydrologic, geomorphic and sedimentological interactions of erosion, transport and deposition in the slope and fluvial environments will be examined.  These will then be placed into the framework of both natural change as well as human interference and management and then applied to the range of current issues facing rivers such as water resources, erosion and sedimentation, and dealing with the impacts of anthropogenic activities and climate change.  Students will appraise environmental issues and problems facing rivers and apply their knowledge and understanding of environmental processes and systems, explore and critique options for remedies and management, recommend solutions and discuss current policy and regulation. 

2. Outline syllabus: 

The topics covered will be drawn from the following:-

• Hillslope hydrology

• Sediment supply to and transport in rivers

• Water and sediment dynamics in river channels

• Channel form and processes

• System response to environmental change

• Human impacts on river systems

• Hard and soft engineering applications

• River rehabilitation and restoration

• Managing channel erosion and sedimentation

• River flood management

• Urban river regeneration

• Integrated catchment management and water resources

 3. Teaching and learning activities: 

Lectures introducing key themes and ideas will be complemented by fieldwork and laboratory practical work. A variety of geomorphological techniques and methods will be covered, including numerical, mapwork and laboratory skills.  A strong practical and vocational emphasis will be adopted. Using case studies and practical exercises, emphasis will be placed on using theoretical knowledge to solve practical problems.  Fieldwork will provide first-hand experience of fluvial systems, in particular in the recognition and understanding of process-form relationships and an appreciation of management strategies.  Professional practitioners from environmental protection agencies and industry may also be invited as guest speakers.  Preparatory and follow-up reading will be indicated. 

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description:  Practical Report (3,000 words) 

• % Weighting: 60%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Timed Research Essay (2,000 words equivalent) 

• % Weighting: 40%