GV2HY-Hydrological Processes

Module Provider: Geography and Environmental Science
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites: GV1D Hydrology
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Prof Andrew Wade
Email: a.j.wade@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module introduces students to the science and practice of hydrology. More specifically, hydrological processes are described in terms of the physical, chemical and/or biological mechanisms operating, and related to variations in climate, geology, soil and land cover. The hydrological processes are then considered in terms of important management issues, such as flood protection, drought, water supply and over-abstraction, and water quality and aquatic ecology. Topics include: evapotranspiration and irrigation demand; hillslope hydrology and flood generation; soil water processes and water availability; groundwater recharge, groundwater movement and the consequences of over-abstraction; channel flow and flood propagation; ground- and surface-water interactions, and water quality. Practical sessions focus on hydrological measurement and the use of hydrological models.

Aims:

The aims of this module are for students to (a) develop an understanding of the physical principles involved in the storage and movement of surface- and ground-water, and (b) understand how hydrological processes relate to issues of catchment and water resource management. 

Assessable learning outcomes:

At the end of this module, students will be able to: - Describe and explain the processes controlling the storage and transport of water within the unsaturated and saturated zones and river channels; - Critically assess the contribution of hydrological processes to management issues such as flooding, water supply, water quality and aquatic habitat protection; - make hydrological measurements, analyse hydrological data and use simple hydrological modelling software.

Additional outcomes:

Practical work will be used to enhance familiarisation with field work and specialist equipment for making hydrological measurements, and water quality analysis within the School’s laboratories.  Students have found the module highly effective preparation for the Part 2 module, Research Training and their dissertation since it introduces and develops understanding around hypothesis and research question formation, and the exploration of these through field and laboratory-based work and critical thinking in a carefully structured and guided manner, designed to build confidence in these essential skills for Geographers and Environmental Scientists. 

This module will help develop skills around critical thinking, field and laboratory work, data analysis and computer-based modelling in a structured and guided manner to build confidence. These are key skills that will help your employability following your degree

Outline content:

The module will consist of 14 hours of lectures, 10 hours of practical classes and two two-hour revision sessions, one at the end of the autumn term and one in the summer term before the exam. The lectures in this module are designed to develop a new depth of understanding of hydrological processes and build on the material covered in the Part I modules Climatology and Hydrology. The hydrological processes are considered in terms of important water management issues, such as flooding, water s upply, water quality and aquatic habitat protection. Case studies and examples of the latest research are included and there will be opportunities to learn practical aspects of hydrology in terms of measurement, data analysis and hydrological modelling. Kahoot quizzes and Blackboard on-line multiple choice tests are used for formative assessment.

Global context:
Water sustainability is a global issue and this module will use examples from around the World to illustrate the issues considered.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module will consist of 14 hours of lectures and 10 hours of practical classes, with two 2- hour revision sessions, one at the end of the autumn term and one in the summer term before the exam.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	14
Seminars			2
Practicals classes and workshops	10
Guided independent study:	74
Total hours by term		0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	70
Report	30

Summative assessment- Examinations:

One and a half hours (70% of the total mark). 

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

One practical class report (30% of the total mark).

Formative assessment methods:

There will be an opportunity to receive formative feedback during practical sessions and on a formative practical report, and quizzes and on-line multiple choice tests also available to help check progress. Students are encouraged to ask questions during the lectures and appointments are added to Blackboard to help with any questions.

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 in August / September

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Employability statement

This module will help develop skills around field and laboratory work, data analysis and computer-based modelling in a structured and guided manner to build confidence. These skills are essential for a career in the water resources yet, in addition, emphasis is also placed on critical thinking and how to become confident in dealing with uncertainty in data and decision making based on partial evidence; these are essential skills for all.

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: stout shoes or boots or wellingtons, and a warm, waterproof coat, for the outdoor practical class

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 2 December 2021