Living On The Edge: Processes, Places and Pressures in Coastal Environments

Overview

Britain’s coastlines are dynamic landscapes shaped by time, energy, natural processes and human activity. In today’s climate of extreme weather, environmental degradation and socioeconomic instability, it is increasingly important to consider the factors that create and reshape coastal areas, as well as current pressures, solutions and future possibilities for ‘life on the edge’.

This wide-ranging course will draw upon geographical, historical, sociological and ecological perspectives and will be of interest to learners who wish to develop a deeper understanding of how coastal environments in Wales and the UK have been formed, are managed, and change over time. In ‘Living On The Edge: Processes, Places and Pressures in Coastal Environments’, we will discuss waves and tidal systems; coastal landforms and the processes of erosion and deposition that create them; the social history of Britain’s coastal towns; current challenges facing coastal environments and communities, as well as conservation efforts and sustainability in coastal areas. By the end of this course, learners will have the necessary skills and knowledge to describe and interpret the coastal environments around them and be able to view familiar places from a new perspective.

Programme

Learners will develop their understanding of the geological factors, biological factors, energy inputs and human influences that shape the interface between land and sea in a series of pre-recorded online lectures to enable students to study at home, at their own pace, and participate in an online community of fellow learners. Lectures will explain concepts and explore a number of relevant UK case studies. Lecture topics will include:

1. Beside the seaside: A short history of UK coastlines
2. Waves, tides and tidal systems
3. Understanding sediment sources, characteristics, and transportation
4. Erosional processes and landforms
5. Depositional processes and landforms
6. Estuaries and tidal forms
7. Pressures, challenges and solutions for coastal sustainability: Part 1
8. Pressures, challenges and solutions for coastal sustainability: Part 2

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe and illustrate the main erosional and depositional landforms that occur in the UK2
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the main energy inputs and physical processes that shape coastal landforms in the UK
3. Describe and interpret a fieldwork location (virtual or in-person), and discuss the key factors in its formation
4. Critically analyse debates surrounding different methods and approaches of coastal management and conservation in the UK

Assessments

• Presentation - 30%
• Essay - 50%
• Written Assignment - 20%

Reading Suggestions

Reading suggestions will be offered throughout the course. 

Entry Requirements

This course is for everyone. No previous experience is needed and there are no formal entry requirements. 

What Do I Need?

• Internet access.
• Access to a laptop or computer with a web camera and microphone; the use of headphones might also benefit.
• Use of the Chrome web browser where possible.