Competence in a range of technical methods used in the measurement of selected river processes and systems

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School of People, Environment and Planning

145705_1112_PNTH_I.docx Page 1 of 5 Last Updated: 28/7/10

145.705 Fluvial Geomorphology: Dynamics & Management

Paper Number:

145.705

Paper Title:

Fluvial Geomorphology: Dynamics & Management

Credit Value:

30

Calendar Prescription:

A research-based analysis of process-form relationships within fluvial systems, considering implications for river management.

Pre and co requisites:

Prerequisites: 145.327 or equivalent Corequisites: None.

Semester:

Semesters 1 & 2

Campus:

Palmerston North.

Mode:

Internal.

E-Learning Category:

None

Paper Coordinator and lecturer contact details:

Dr. Ian Fuller, SST3.13

Phone: (06) 350 5799 ext 2851 Email: I.C.Fuller@massey.ac.nz

Timetable:

There are no formally timetabled classes

Learning outcomes:

Students who successfully complete this paper should be able to demonstrate by independent and directed research:

 Critical engagement with literature on a research topic of choice.

 Detailed critical appraisal of selected fluvial processes and their implications for channel dynamics.

 Competence in a range of technical methods used in the measurement of selected river processes and systems.

 Effective communication utilising field research, quantitative analysis and critical data interpretations.

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 The assumptions, limitations and options available for river management / catchment control schemes within selected New Zealand rivers.

Major topics or paper structure:

Research essay: critical literature review Research project: independent research Management report: application of research

Presentation of research and/or management findings

Assessment Proportions:

Internal Assessment 100%

Description of assessment activities:

~3000 word Research essay: 20%

~4000 word Academic paper: 50%

~3000 Management report: 20%

20 minute Presentation: 10%

Due dates / deadlines:

The due dates for assignments (and any other internal assessment components) will be advised at the start of the semester.

Penalties for late assigment submission:

All deadlines are agreed mutually with students.

Assignment turnaround:

Two weeks.

Any specific requirements for passing the paper:

Assignments to be submitted, fulfilling assessment criteria.

Principal Textbook:

Brierley, G.J. & Fryirs, K.A. (2005). Geomorphology and River Management, Blackwell.

Downs, P.W. & Gregory, K.J. (2004). River Channel Management, Arnold.

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PAPER OUTLINES MAY HAVE THE FOLLOWING EXTRA INFORMATION:

Aims:

This paper aims to:

 Develop research expertise in fluvial geomorphology by fostering critical engagement with research literature and independent field- and / or GIS-based project-work written up as a journal article.

 Apply detailed knowledge derived from research in a management context.

 Foster links with external agencies engaged in rivers work (e.g. Regional Councils and CRIs).

 Develop desk-based and field-based research and analytical skills.

 Develop written and verbal communication skills appropriate in a research context.

Learning methods:

Small group discussion, Fieldwork, independent learning, directed learning, formative assessment, “learning by doing”, experiential.

Learning programme or schedule:

February-March: Research essay April-July: Research project

August-October: Management report October: Presentation

Student workload / student time budget:

The notional student workload for a 30 credit paper is 300 hours. This breaks down as follows:

Tutorials: 15 hours

Research essay: 60 hours (literature review and writing)

Research project: 150 hours (fieldwork, data processing, analysis, write-up) Management report: 60 hours (review of management reports, writing) Presentation: 15 hours (preparation of powerpoints)

Mechanisms for feedback and learning support:

Weekly tutorials.

Written review of draft written work.

If you live with the effects of injury, long-term illness or disability which impacts upon your study, you are encouraged to contact the paper coordinator

Additional costs:

Fieldwork may incur expense

Assessment criteria:

Research Essay:

A good essay will exhibit the following characteristics

 Use and cite a wide range of literature, primarily research papers, but also including relevant texts and „grey‟ literature as appropriate.

 Critically evaluate the literature on the topic.

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 Demonstrate good planning with a clear structure, headings as appropriate, and a logical argument based firmly on the literature cited.

 Pay attention to correct grammar and spelling, and correct use of professional terminology as appropriate.

 Use correct SI units, and correct abbreviations.

 Make good use of figures and tables in the text, with full and appropriate titles on each figure and table, irrelevant material is omitted, sources are given.

 Cite references acceptably, correctly and consistently in the text as well as in the reference list.

Academic Paper

The paper must follow a conventional scientific paper in format, e.g. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms.The format should include the following:

Abstract: A summary (one paragraph) summarising the content of the whole paper

Introduction: Provide background information to the research topic and give a relevant summary of appropriate literature. Aims and objectives should also be clearly stated in a paragraph towards the end of this section.

Study site: Provide a brief overview of the study location.

Methods: Briefly describe the methods used, explaining why they were used and any problems faced.

Results: Present the results via tables, graphs and figures and describe findings in the text. Statistical analyses should be included in this section, where appropriate.

Discussion: This is a two-stage process whereby results are described by a) focussing on the relationships between the different variables measured and b) by discussing results in relation to published literature.

Conclusion: Summarise the major findings and suggest future avenues for research.

References: Lists all the references used. This should be dominated by journal articles and supplemented by text books (not the other way around).

Cite using an appropriate and consistent system throughout (e.g.

Harvard). Only include those references in your bibliography that you specifically cite in the body of your text. NO MORE THAN 10% OF YOUR REFERENCES MAY BE FROM THE WORLD WIDE WEB (not including e-journals).

Appendix: Include raw data and log sheets as appropriate.

Management Report

The report should include the following:

Contents page

Introduction: A brief (one or two paragraph) background to the study, including identification of the „problem‟.

Exec. Summary: A one-page (max) overview of the report as a whole.

Catchment(s): Contextualise the area considered using maps, describing geology, topography, climate.

Research context: Summarise research findings underpinning the report.

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Discussion: Management issue discussed in full and with reference to key management texts.

Recommendations: How should the site be managed effectively in the light of research findings and management literature?

Conclusions

Acknowledgements References

Appendices

Presentation

The presentation will draw together research and management work completed.

A good presentation will:

 Provide a clear outline of the talk

 Make effective use of Powerpoint

 Make good use of illustrative material

 Summarise data effectively

 Be presented clearly

 Keep to time (20 minutes)

Recommended and additional readings:

Reading will be driven by student interests.

Reference to the University Grievance Procedures and Student Contract:

The Student Contract outlines the terms that govern the University – Student relationship and the University has Grievance Procedures to ensure students receive a quality education and do not sustain academic disadvantage. Further information can be obtained from the University Calendar, Students‟

Associations or the Paper Coordinator.

Reference to the allowances for Aegrotat and Impaired Performance:

Students who have been affected by illness, injury, bereavement, or other critical personal circumstance may apply for Aegrotat or Impaired Performance

consideration in relation to final examinations, and to internal assessment and other compulsory elements that occur at a fixed time and place as defined in the paper outline. For further information see the Calendar Regulations at www.massey.ac.nz, and Student Guidelines for Making AEG/IP applications