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GEOG30370

Academic Year 2024/2025

River Catchment Management (GEOG30370)

Subject:
Geography
College:
Social Sciences & Law
School:
Geography
Level:
3 (Degree)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Jonathan Turner
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
Module Type:
Fieldwork Module
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module focuses on the challenges facing contemporary integrated catchment management objectives in the context of dynamic fluvial systems. Students will explore contemporary management themes such as flooding, erosion, pollution and river restoration, and the the different tools and techniques employed by river managers, engineers and fluvial geomorphologists to tackle such challenges The module includes a Saturday field trip (date tba) with a maximum charge of 25 euro per student.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this module the student should:
(1) be familiar with river management hazard and resource perspectives;
(2) demonstrate an understanding of the key challenges facing sustainable, integrated river catchment management in Ireland and abroad;
(3) be able to appraise the principal tools and techniques employed in river catchment management;
(4) demonstrate an understanding of the key policies and legislation governing catchment management (with emphasis on the European Union);
(6) demonstrate skills in critical thinking, reading, writing and oral presentations.

Indicative Module Content:

Flood risk management
River pollution
Channel change
Sediment management
River conservation and restoration
River amenity and ecosystem services
River catchment legislation (e.g. EU Water Framework Directive and EU Floods Directive)

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Autonomous Student Learning

72

Lectures

20

Field Trip/External Visits

8

Total

100


Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Key teaching and learning approaches used in the module are: lectures; enquiry & problem-based learning; critical reading and writing; fieldtrip.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

This module adopts an earth systems approach to understanding river catchment management challenges and students would therefore greatly benefit from having some background in physical geography, earth science, aquatic biology/ecology or a related discipline.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Additional Information:
Pre-requisites: one of the modules listed.


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Group Work Assignment: Group project presentation covering a self-selected topic in depth. Week 11 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
50
No
Exam (In-person): End-of-trimester, one hour exam. Students answer one question from a choice of two. Questions cover broad themes from the module. End of trimester
Duration:
1 hr(s)
Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
50
No

Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring Yes - 2 Hour
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?

Feedback will be provided to individuals and class groups, post assessment

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11 Thurs 12:00 - 13:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 12 Thurs 12:00 - 14:50