2008/09 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

GEOG2890 Water Resources

10 creditsClass Size: 150

Module manager: Dr Lee Brown
Email: l.brown@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2008/09

Pre-requisite qualifications

GEOG1210 or equivalent

This module is approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module aims to develop understanding in the field of water resources management, an area which is becoming increasingly important within environmental science with the recent introduction of the EU Water Framework Directive. The module provides an introductory overview of the relationships between human society, natural environmental systems and water resources at national and international scales. Subsequent lectures develop understanding of natural aquatic systems through an examination of the hydrological cycle, rivers and floodplain development, floods/low flows and water quality. A mid semester group practical allows students to develop skills in biological monitoring of water quality; these are widely used by environmental consultants and the Environment Agency. A Yorkshire Water guest speaker then discusses aspects of contemporary catchment management, and then the importance of groundwater is covered. The module finishes by examining the importance of the Water Framework Directive and its wide reaching consequences for water resource managers.

Objectives

On completion of this module, students should have gained:

1) An appreciation of the advantages and limitations of a variety of approaches to water resource management
2) An understanding of some of the regulatory and information constraints on water management
3) An enlarged experience of case studies ranging from national to global scale
4] Increased skills in analysis, group work, report writing and oral presentations.

Skills outcomes
A Knowledge and Understanding
A1 The dynamic nature of geographical thought and practice and the inter-relationships between the discipline and the physical and natural sciences, the social sciences and humanities
A2 The diversity of global environments and the operation of, and inter-relationships between physical and biological systems over a wide range of spatial and temporal scales
A3 Patterns and processes of environmental change and their inter-relationships with human activities
A10 The contribution of geography to development of environmental political, economic and cultural agendas, policies and practices

B Cognitive skills
B1 Abstraction and synthesis of information from a variety of sources
B2 Assessment and critical evaluation of the merits of contrasting theories, explanations, policies
B3 Critical analysis and interpretation of data and text
B4 Developing reasoned arguments
B5 Solving problems and making reasoned decisions

C Practical/professional skills
C1 Plan, design, execute and report geographical research both individually and as part of a team
C4 Collect, interpret and synthesise different types of quantitative and qualitative geographical data

D Key skills
D1 Learn in familiar and unfamiliar situations
D2 Communicate effectively (in writing, verbally and through graphical presentations)
D3 Apply numerical and computational skills to geographical information
D4 Use information technology effectively (including use of spreadsheet, database and word processing programmes; Internet and e-mail)
D5 Identify, retrieve, sort and exchange geographical information using a wide range of sources
D6 Work as part of a team and to recognise and respect the viewpoints of others
D7 Manage time and organise work effectively

Syllabus

1. Introduction and national/international water resources
2. Hydrological processes
3. Water supply
4. Water quality and biological monitoring
5. Workshop: data analysis practical (groups of 3-4)
6. Coping with extremes (floods and droughts)
7. Reading week
8. Guest Speaker - Yorkshire Water (catchment management)
9. Groundwater
10. Water Framework Directive
11. Revision session

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Workshop	1	1.00	1.00
Lecture	9	1.00	9.00
Private study hours			90.00
Total Contact hours			10.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			100.00

Private study

40 hours - Reading to support and supplement individual lectures
10 hours - Reading, research and preparation for assessed practical work
40 hours - Revision and preparation for examination

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Informal question/answer sessions built into lectures
Workshop provides opportunity for one-one contact time with lecturers
Feedback from workshop provided by end week 8 so any required improvements can be implemented before the end of the module

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Group Project	750 words individual contribution	30.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		30.00

Students work in groups of 3/4. Write up is expected to be between 2,000-2,500 words maximum (i.e. 3-4 students; 750 words each max). The assessment comprises a series of short answer questions for which students are expected to read published literature to develop answers.

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)	1 hr 30 mins	70.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		70.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 29/04/2009

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