Course overview
The aim of this course is to introduce the diversity of coastal environments and to provide an understanding of the dynamic ecological and physical processes in order to facilitate their effective and sustainable management. This course introduces the diversity of coastal habitats, looking at their formation, biota and ecosystem dynamics. It outlines the key physical, biological, geological and anthropogenic processes impacting coastal environments. The diverse threats to coastal environments are developed and their synergies highlighted, leading to discussions of holistic coastal management.
Course learning outcomes
- Understand the key biological, physical and geological processes affecting coastal environments.
- Interpret the dynamic nature of coastal environments.
- Recognise the distinguishing features of coastal biota and relate these organisms to their niches.
- Evaluate past and proposed human intervention in coastal processes and their impacts on the coastal zone.
- Apply multi-disciplinary knowledge to propose effective and holistic management options for coastal environments.