This module will introduce you to the necessary theory for the specification of design waves, wave transformation processes, surf zone processes.  Tides, tidal motion, principles of tide analysis, tidal harmonics, tide distortion in estuaries, impacts of climate change will also be introduced.  You will also be introduced to coastal sediment transport processes, coastal morphology, long-term shoreline predictions, and the basics of physical and numerical modelling for complex coastal engineering problems 

LO1. Systematically understand key aspects the specification of design waves, wave transformation and long-term wave statistics 

LO2. Systematically understand the estuarine environment functions, the basic components and interaction with engineering work;  

LO3. Systematically comprehend tide motion, tide harmonics, tidal distortion in the estuaries;  

LO4. Demonstrate the understanding of coastal sediment transport and coastal morphology and evaluate environmental impact;  

LO5. Demonstrate the ability to carry out appropriate calculations for engineering designs 

LO6. Demonstrate awareness of using physical and computer models to solve engineering problems 

The module will be delivered through mainly face-to-face on campus classes (lectures, tutorials, feedback/discussion sessions), aided by the online teaching & learning materials and recorded lectures. These are used to introduce principles of the complex coastal and estuarine processes for the design of engineering structures for coastal defences and renewable energy.  

Students are expected to attend the classes and attempt all of the tutorial sheets issued throughout the module to broaden their understanding of relevant engineering problems. Students are given guided study to help them prepare for the examination, and research seminars to broaden their understanding of coastal engineering research, and meet the learning outcomes. 

• Communication and presentation 

• Synthesis and creativity 

• Numerical modelling methods 

• Awareness of sustainability and emerging concerns such as the climate emergency 

• Independence of mind, self-discipline, self-motivation and independent learning 

Summative Assessment 

The module is assessed through a formal examination (all questions compulsory) scheduled during the Spring semester examination period (LO1-6). 

Formative Assessment 

Formative assessment is provided through the provision of tutorial questions, and sessions tutorials which are delivered throughout the semester.  

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE: 

There is a potential for re-assessment in this module which may result in a 100% written assessment during the August Resit period (LO1-6). 

Opportunities for re-assessment is only permitted provided for students who have not failed more credit than in the resit rule adopted by their programme.  If the amount of credit failed is more than permitted by the relevant resit rule, it be permitted to repeat study for the students who are within the threshold set for the Repeat rule adopted by your programme.  Students will be notified of their eligibility to resit/repeat any modules after the Examining Board in the Summer period. 

All resit assessments will be held in the Resit Examination period, prior to the start of the following academic session. 

Waves: 

• Design wave specification: characteristics of wind waves and swell, concept of a random sea, overview of design processes, time and frequency domain parameters, Rayleigh distribution, energy and directional spectra, long-term wave statistics 

• Wave transformation processes: refraction, shoaling and diffraction of monochromatic waves and directional spectra, generalised equations for refraction and diffraction, refraction-diffraction models, wave breaking 

Tides 

• Estuary descriptions: The estuarine environment and terminology, interactive estuarine system and effects of engineering work, estuarine geometry, concept of dynamic equilibrium 

• Tides and tidal analysis: Water level fluctuations, tidal motion, equilibrium theory, harmonic analysis, tidal prediction, tidal distortion in estuary  

Coastal Morphology 

• Coastal sediment transport processes: Coastal sediments, sediment transport under waves and currents, longshore transport 

• Coastal morphology: Beach profiles, beach plan shape, near-shore morphology, long-term prediction (one-line model). 

Coastal Modelling* 

• Introduction to physical hydraulic modelling (scales and design), computer modelling (numerical techniques and model applications) (*delivered via a research seminar)