GV1D-Hydrology

Module Provider: Geography and Environmental Science
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Jess Neumann
Email: j.l.neumann@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
This is the elementary hydrology course, providing the basis for more advanced courses and for understanding other aspects of physical geography.

Aims:
To provide an introduction to hydrology, including a study of the most important hydrological processes operating in the environment, and to hydrological ways of thinking. The module should provide a basis for more advanced hydrology courses.

Assessable learning outcomes:
On completion of this module it is expected that a student will be able to:

- Describe and explain the most important aspects of how the hydrological environment functions
- Outline and explain some of the principal characteristics of hydrological processes.

Additional outcomes:
Numeracy and IT skills will be developed through calculations necessary for the assessed practical, and via computer aided learning procedures.

Outline content:
An appreciation of hydrological processes is important for many areas of physical geography, such as geomorphology, soil geochemistry, geochemical cycles, pollutant transport, water resources and urban and rural development. The hydrology lectures will cover the water balance and hydrological cycle, the drainage basin, surface and unsaturated zone processes, runoff processes, groundwater processes, measuring and monitoring hydrological processes, floods, drought, water pollution and some impacts of climatic change.

Students will be expected to follow up the lectures with their own reading, using both conventional and internet sources.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Twenty hours of lectures and a practical

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		20
Practicals classes and workshops		2
Guided independent study:		78
Total hours by term		100
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	70
Report	30

Summative assessment- Examinations:
One and a half hours

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
Students will submit a 1500 word practical report and sit a 1.5 hour exam

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:
Re-examination or resubmission of coursework in August/September

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 2 December 2021