Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

Australia, as many other countries, is a coastal focused nation with approximately 80% of the population living within 50 km of the coast. The coast also plays a key role in Australia's economy by providing a conduit for a range of direct economic activity as well as being a major draw for domestic and international tourism. The pressures placed on the coast resulting from the coastal population density and development result in coastal areas being at high risk for a number of hazards, including inundation, erosion, and water quality deterioration, all of which will be exacerbated by climate change and rising sea levels. In this unit students will gain an understanding of the processes that result in a range of coastal hazards, with an emphasis on coastal change and water quality. The unit is spread across three central themes; coastal change, coastal and estuarine water quality, and planning and regulatory framework to manage and adapt to coastal hazards. A key component of the unit will be examining case studies where a range of remediation and adaptation strategies have been applied to address coastal change and poor water quality. Through these case studies students will learn how to assess costal vulnerability including an understanding of the data required to make such an assessment and the various strategies to minimize it through intervention and/or adaptation.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Non-standard teaching periodUWA (Perth)Face to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Honours core unit in Marine Science [Bachelor of Science (Honours)]
  • Honours option in Marine Science [Bachelor of Science (Honours)]
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) describe the different physical and biogeochemical processes that lead to coastal hazards, specific to different coastal environments; (2) critically assess the range of mitigation approaches, summarise their suitability to address specific coastal hazards, and recommend adaptation strategies for example case study sites; (3) describe the planning and regulatory framework relevant to coastal hazard mitigation, including requirements for intervention and/or adaptation options; and (4) analyse data to assess the severity of coastal hazards, in relation to both coastal erosion issues and water quality deterioration.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) quizzes and (2) final project. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Dr Jeff Hansen
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
71590 Master of Oceanography
or 72530 Master of Environmental Science
or 62540 Master of Ocean Leadership
or HON-MARSC Marine Science
or 62570 Master of Offshore and Coastal Engineering
Advisable prior study
ENVT4422 Research Methods in Environmental Science
Contact hours
2 x 4 hour blocks of contact hours per week for six weeks
up to 2 x one day fieldtrips
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.