BSc Geography with International Study / Course details

Hydrological systems such as river catchments represent a fundamental component of our landscapes. The environmental and hydrological processes which operate in river catchments influence important ecosystem services such as water supply, the provision of high water quality, and high (flood) and low flow regulation. The effective management of these systems is dependent on our scientific understanding of these processes and their dynamics. This course covers the key principles of hydrology and catchment systems and introduces key principles for monitoring and managing catchment systems.

• develop students’ understanding of catchment hydrology and hydrological processes.
• acquaint students with processes of runoff generation and river flow regimes.
• develop an understanding of the key issues associated with hydrological systems, including flooding and water quality.
• describe and explain the strategies used to manage hydrological systems such as river catchments.
• prepare students to undertake an investigation involving river catchment and hydrological processes, including the development of a range of lab- and computer- based practical skills.
 

• Catchment Hydrology and Hydrological Processes
• Measurement and Monitoring
• Runoff Production & River Flow
• Flooding
• Water Quality: Sediments and Solutes
• Catchment Management
 

Lectures (20 hours)
Seminars including lab practicals, computer practicals and workshops (10 hours)
All on campus, synchronous

• describe and explain the dynamic nature of hydrological systems
• describe and explain the interactions among the components of the hydrological cycle
• describe and explain the key runoff generation process for water, with understanding of how different pathways relate to river flow regimes
• describe and explain the major issues relating to water quality

• demonstrate critical scientific insight into contemporary issues of water management in river catchments
• critically judge and evaluate scientific evidence
• abstract and synthesise ideas and information
   

• describe and explain the range of methods employed by catchment researchers and managers to evaluate hydrological processes and water quality.
• demonstrate, describe and explain a range of practical skills for interpreting and analysing hydrological processes, including laboratory skills and the ability to manipulate and analyse environmental datasets
• effectively and clearly present data
   

• demonstrate reading, learning and independent study skills
• develop a reasoned, well-structured argument in written form
   

Assessment task                      Length                   How and when feed is provided                  Weighting
 

Coursework-river flow report      2,000 words          Individual feed provided on submissions           50%
                                                                                 via Grademark, 15 days after
                                                                                 submission.  Cohort feedback provided
                                                                                 in class
                                                                
On-campus, unseen, 
open-book exam                      1.5 hours                Academic Advisor meetings                               50%

Formative Feedback:

There is no formal formative assessment. Formative feedback is provided via in-class discussion, question and answer sessions, and office hours.
 

Key Texts:
• Davie, T., & Quinn, N. W. (2019). Fundamentals of hydrology. Third Edition. Routledge: London.
• Holden, J. (2017) Chapter 18 Catchment Hydrology. In Holden, J. (Ed) An Introduction to Physical Geography and the Environment, Fourth Edition, Pearson: Harlow, 465-492. 
• Gregory, K. (2000) Drainage Basins in Hancock, P. and Skinner B.J. (eds) The Oxford Companion to the Earth. OUP: Oxford
• Shaw, E.M., Beven, K.J., Chappell, N.A. & Lamb, R. (2010) Hydrology in Practice. Fourth Edition. Spon press: Abingdon. 
• Robinson, M and Ward, R. C. (2017) Hydrology: Principles and Processes. IWA Publishing

Key Journals:
Journal of Hydrology, Hydrology and Earth System Science, Journal of Environment Management, Environmental Science and Policy, Environmental Science and Technology, Environmental Pollution, Science of the Total Environment, Water Air and Soil Pollution.