Module overview
To critically examine current knowledge of the application of River Restoration techniques and their transferability to the UK and worldwide. As many river restoration projects are done to improve the status of fisheries, the costs and benefits of techniques from the perspective of fish populations will be considered.
To critically review and evaluate the philosophies, policies and methods available for river restoration.
To enable the student to find, review, interpret, critically evaluate and present arguments for alternative river restoration approaches and methodologies.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- planning, conducting, and reporting on environmental investigations, including the use of secondary data
- referencing work in an appropriate manner
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- recognising and using subject-specific theories, paradigms, concepts and principles
- applying knowledge and understanding to complex and multidimensional problems in familiar and unfamiliar contexts
- analysing, synthesising and summarising information critically, including prior research
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- identifying individual and collective goals and responsibilities and performing in a manner appropriate to these roles
- developing an adaptable and flexible approach to study and work
- using the internet critically as a means of communication and a source of information
- receiving and responding to a variety of information sources (eg textual, numerical, verbal, graphical)
- developing the skills necessary for self-managed and lifelong learning (eg working independently, time management and organisation skills)
- evaluating performance as an individual and a team member
- recognising and respecting the views and opinions of other team members
- identifying and working towards targets for personal, academic and career development
- communicating appropriately to a variety of audiences in written, verbal and graphical forms
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- issues concerning the availability and sustainability of resources, for example, the different value sets relating to the Earth's resources as commodities and/or heritage
- the terminology, nomenclature and classification systems used in environmental science
- methods of acquiring, interpreting and analysing environmental science information with a critical understanding of the appropriate contexts for their use
- the processes which shape the natural world at different temporal and spatial scales and their influence on and by human activities
- the need for both a multi-disciplinary and an interdisciplinary approach in advancing knowledge and understanding of Earth systems, drawing, as appropriate, from the natural and the social science
- the contribution of environmental science to debate on environmental issues and how knowledge of these forms the basis for informed concern about the Earth and its people
- the applicability of environmental science to the world of work
- the contribution of environmental science to the development of knowledge of the world we live in
Syllabus
• Introduction to Rivers and how they operate.
• Restoration of instream habitat.
• Restoration of spawning habitat.
• Restoration of geomorphological processes and river planform.
• Restoration of riparian zones and the creation / restoration of wetland habitat.
• Restoration at the catchment scale.
• Setting the Scene: an introduction to the EU Water Framework Directive.
• Mitigating the impacts of habitat fragmentation - fish passage.
• Case studies.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
The theoretical background of the course will be presented through lectures (including those given by invited guest speakers); group discussion; individual presentation; field visits; and distance learning. Students will be given directed learning on a week-by-week basis which will be supported by weekly lectures / discussions ran by the module coordinator or supporting staff. The students will see examples of restoration techniques during two dedicated field visits.
Directed reading, assignments, private study.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Revision | 30 |
| Completion of assessment task | 20 |
| Seminar | 9 |
| Fieldwork | 5 |
| Wider reading or practice | 40 |
| Lecture | 22 |
| Follow-up work | 12 |
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 12 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Journal Articles
WWF (Scotland) (2000). Farming and Watercourse Management..
Assessment
Formative
This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.
Group Debate
- Assessment Type: Formative
- Feedback: Feedback given from tutors and peers on this formative exercise at the end of the session
- Final Assessment: No
- Group Work: Yes
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Continuous Assessment | 40% |
| Final Assessment | 60% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Set Task | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Set Task | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External