Overview

The principal component of this module is a week-long field course at the Newborough-Cenfi estuary-barrier complex which takes place in September (prior to the start of Year 3). The field course is centred on a macrotidal estuary and adjacent coastal area and it is designed to teach students the essentials of field techniques in shallow water oceanography and intertidal geophysics and micropalaeontology. Students gain practical experience of measurements of estuarine and foreshore dynamics, sediment transport, surficial sediment thickness and structure, foraminifera ecology, and Quaternary stratigraphy. They gain experience of data collection from small boats. All of the data collection requires team effort. The acquired dataset enables students to test hypotheses and synthesise processes on time scales of seconds to 10(3) years, and to produce an integrated model of Holocene coastal evolution. There are associated practicals in Menai Bridge and Bangor.

Assessment Strategy

Threshold - (D minus grade) Ability to collect and present data with basic awareness of precision and accuracy; basic knowledge of the coastal barrier and estuarine systems gained from the field course; basic ability to test hypotheses and to integrate information; basic ability to integrate data on a range of time scales.

Good - (B grade) Ability to collect and present data with clear awareness of precision and accuracy; good knowledge of the coastal barrier and estuarine systems gained from the field course; clear ability to test hypotheses and to integrate information; good evidence of ability to integrate data on a range of time scales.

Excellent - (A grade) Ability to collect and present data with developed awareness of precision, accuracy and matters of data quality assurance; excellent knowledge of the coastal barrier and estuarine systems gained from the field course and from wider reading; developed ability to test hypotheses and to integrate information; good evidence of creative ability to integrate data on a range of time scales.

Learning Outcomes

• Analyse and synthesise field and laboratory data and information critically

• Analyse data and integrate several lines of evidence, to formulate and test hypotheses on estuarine sedimentary processes and coastal barrier morphodynamics and evolution

• Identify individual and collective goals and responsibilities in a research group and collaborate within the group to maximise output

• Show an appreciation of a complex field measurement programme in a hazardous environment in a responsible and safe manner with due attention to risk assessment, health and safety regulations, and environmental impacts

• Understand and utilise the strengths of an interdisciplinary, holistic approach to investigating a depositional sedimentary environment and facies

• Understand the morphodynamics of a coastal barrier and estuarine system on a range of temporal and spatial scales with particular reference to human activities