KE6040 - Coasts and Oceans

You will learn through a combination of lectures, IT practical classes, fieldwork, and self-directed study. Lectures will cover the theory that you will then apply during the IT and field sessions. In addition to timetabled sessions, your independent study will be guided and supported through your engagement with a range of interactive learning resources accessible on-line via the module e-learning portal site, including electronic reading lists.

You will be supported by the provision of lectures, practical classes and fieldwork that will be led by the teaching team. During fieldwork, you will engage in small group activities during which you will benefit from peer interaction and support. During fieldwork and practical classes, you will also interact closely with teaching staff, who will provide formative support and feedback on activities leading up to the assessment task.

You will also be supported by the provision of online resources via the module e-learning portal (Blackboard Ultra). These resources include lectures, practical hand-outs, and an interactive reading list with online access to guided reading. Staff teaching on the module have an ‘open door’ approach during normal working hours and are responsive to communication via e-mail to support your learning.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:
• MLO 1: Develop knowledge and understanding of the key processes operating in marine and coastal environments.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• MLO 2: Work in small groups to undertake field data collection to address an applied problem.
• MLO 3: Manipulate, analyse, present and interpret data to quantitatively address applied problems in marine and coastal science.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• MLO 4: Develop skills in writing and data visualisation to communicate findings effectively.
• MLO 5: Critically reflect on your findings to evaluate the implications of your work for marine and coastal policy.

Summative:
This module will be assessed through two summative assessments: an exam (50%) and a report (50%).

Oceanography content will be assessed through an open book exam (3 hours) (MLOs 1, 3, 4)

Coastal content will be assessed though a report (1500 words) within which you will work as an individual to address a ‘real world’ problem in coastal science. Addressing the problem will require data analysis and interpretation alongside written text to communicate your findings. You will then write a discussion of the importance of your findings for marine and coastal policy. (MLOs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)

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Oceans and coasts are complex, dynamic systems that play fundamental roles in Earth's processes. This module explores the interconnected physical, biological, and geological processes that shape these environments. You will investigate a diverse range of issues in marine and coastal science through hands-on experience with data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Through a combination of fieldwork and practical sessions, you will develop key skills in scientific investigation and data analysis. This module provides valuable experience in research methods, data handling, and scientific communication - skills that are highly sought after by employers in environmental and marine sectors.