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CVEN40880

Academic Year 2026/2027

Ocean & Coastal Hydrodynamics (CVEN40880)

Subject:
Civil Engineering
College:
Engineering & Architecture
School:
Civil Engineering
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Md Salauddin
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module introduces students to the fundamental principles and engineering applications of ocean and coastal hydrodynamics. Students develop an understanding of the principal processes governing coastal waters, including waves, tides, wind forcing, storm surges and nearshore wave transformation. The module examines coastal hazards and the application of conventional, nature-based and hybrid measures for coastal protection, with particular reference to Irish coastal environments. Students also develop practical skills in analysing metocean and bathymetric data and applying numerical wave modelling to assess wave transformation and coastal conditions. Emphasis is placed on interpreting hydrodynamic processes and modelling results in support of coastal engineering analysis and design.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of the module, students should be able to:

1. Explain the principal physical processes governing ocean and coastal hydrodynamics, including waves, tides, wind forcing, storm surges and nearshore circulation.

2. Apply linear wave theory and wave statistics to determine wave properties, energy, celerity and representative design conditions in deep, transitional and shallow water.

3. Analyse the transformation of waves from offshore to nearshore waters, including shoaling, refraction, diffraction, breaking and energy dissipation.

4. Assess coastal hydrodynamic conditions and associated hazards.

5. Apply established coastal engineering methods to the preliminary assessment and design of breakwaters, seawalls and related coastal structures.

6. Develop and evaluate a coastal hydrodynamic model, including the preparation of bathymetry, computational grids, boundary conditions, metocean inputs, model execution and validation.

7. Evaluate conventional, nature-based and hybrid coastal protection measures with reference to their hydrodynamic performance and suitability for particular coastal settings.

8. Apply coastal hydrodynamic principles to Irish coastal conditions.

Indicative Module Content:

- Wind, waves, tides and coastal currents;
- Water levels, storm surges and tides;
- Coastal circulation and hydrodynamic forcing.
- Wave Mechanics and Transformation
- Nearshore wave transformation and energy dissipation.
- Breakwaters, seawalls, revetments and groynes;
- Wave run-up, overtopping, armour stability and scour.
- Nature-Based Coastal Protection Approaches
- Coastal Hydrodynamic Modelling

UNESCO highlights a set of key competencies that support individuals in their development and support society in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UCD has adapted these competencies and is combining them with others to form a general framework of learning competencies. This module will help you develop the competencies below to the levels specified. 
Learning Competency Additional Information Level

Critical Thinking

 The ability to question norms, practices and opinions; to reflect on one’s own values, perceptions and actions. Expert

Systems Thinking

 The ability to recognize and understand relationships; to analyse complex systems; to think of how systems are embedded within different domains and different scales; and to deal with uncertainty. Expert

Strategic

 The ability to collectively develop and implement innovative actions that further sustainability at the local level and further afield. Competent

Integrated Problem Solving

 The overarching ability to apply different problem-solving frameworks to complex sustainability problems and develop viable, inclusive and equitable solution options that promote sustainable development, integrating the competencies in this list. Expert

Digital Literacy and Judgement

 The ability to access, evaluate, create and communicate information in digital environments; to engage critically, ethically and responsibly with digital technologies and digital information; to understand their opportunities, limitations, risks and impact on individual’s digital identities; and to exercise informed judgement in digital participation and decision-making. Competent

The United Nations identified seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as core to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and UCD contributes in general to SDG 4 Quality Education. Further SDGs explored within this module if relevant are listed below. A scale of 1 - 5 indicates the extent to which the SDG is covered.


Goal Name Description Coverage

Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all 1

Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation 1

Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable 3

Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts 3

Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development 2
 

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Autonomous Student Learning

84
Lectures

36
Total

120

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures
Group Work
Student Presentations

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade Component repeat (in-module) Offered
Individual Project: Individual Project Week 7, Week 8, Week 9, Week 10, Week 11 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
40
 No
Exam (In-person): Two-hour in-person exam at the end of the trimester. End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
60
 No

As part of UCD's student support, under the Additional Consideration policy, extensions may be available for the following assessments in the module: Assignment (including essay/poster), Portfolio, Reflective Assignment, Report(s), and Individual Project.


Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Thurs 11:00 - 12:50
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