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Special Topic
Geomorpholoogy - concepts and systemsThis course contains two parts: Part 1 is the first part of ENGE415 (Engineering Geomorphology) and covers general aspects of geomorphology like an overview over geomorphic systems, landform interpretation, fluvial geomorphology and mass movements. It also deals with aspects of geomorphic risk assessment, remediation and mitigation of geomorphic hazards e.g. landslides. Part 2 introduces some more advanced topics of geomorphology like the complex interaction of different geomorphic systems in time or the influence of climate on geomorphology. Applied aspects are concepts of geomorphological mapping and geomorphology and outreach. The course as a whole covers several important aspects and principles of geomorphology and landforms evolution. It provides a basis for various applied tasks and problems in the wide field of geosciences.
Students successfully completing this course will:1. Have a basic understanding of the drivers of and constraints on landform evolution.2. Have an understanding of the concept of geomorphic process systems. 3. Be able to analyse the present geomorphology on a site and deduce its geomorphic history. 4. Be able to infer the likely geomorphic future of the site.5. Be able to report on the likely practical implications of future geomorphic activity at the site. 6. Have a basic knowledge on important theoretical concepts of geomorphology and its importance for palaeoclimatic interpretation.7. Have an insight into the concept of geomorphological mapping and its application.8. Have an understanding of what position geomorphology could have within outreach and education.
Subject to approval of the Head of Department.
Stefan Winkler
Tim Davies
Anderson RS & Anderson SP; Geomorphology ; University Press, 2010.
Burbank, Douglas West. , Anderson, Robert S; Tectonic geomorphology ; 2nd ed; J. Wiley & Sons, 2012.
Panizza, Mario; Environmental geomorphology ; Elsevier, 1996.
Schumm, Stanley Alfred; The fluvial system ; Wiley, 1977.
Summerfield, M. A; Global geomorphology : an introduction to the study of landforms ; Longman Scientific & Technical ; Wiley, 1991.
Recommended PreparationPrior familiarity with geomorphology will be useful but is not required. Acquaintance with physical geology and physical geography, or of analysis of geomorphic processes such as river flow or mass movement, is advised.Field trip/exercise: one day, 16 AugustThis will involve mapping an active geomorphic site in Canterbury, and associated data interpretation and analyses (details & costs to be advised).
Class ScheduleWeek # Week starting Lectures Labs Topics 29 14th July Introduction TRD 30 21st July Geomorphic systems TRD 31 28th July Interpreting landforms TRD 32 4th Aug River Behaviour TRD 33 11th Aug Geomorphic risk assessment TRD Day trip (full day Saturday 16 August)34 18th Aug Summary TRD 37 8th Sept Geomorphology and time SW 38 15th Sept Geomorphology and climate SW 39 22nd Sept Geomorphology and climate/complexity SW 40 29th Sept Geomorphology and complexity SW 41 6th Oct Geomorphology and mapping SW Workshop (1 day, Sat. 11 Oct) student presentations42 13th Oct Geomorphology and outreach/education SWMarks and GradesThe Department of Geological Sciences uses the following scale to convert marks into grades:100 – 90 A+ 75 – 79 B+ 60 – 64 C+89 – 85 A 70 – 74 B 55 – 59 C84 – 80 A- 65 – 69 B- 50 – 54 C- Below 50 D/EThe Department of Geological Sciences reserves the right to adjust this mark/grade conversion, when deemed necessary.Late WorkLate work should be accompanied with a short note explaining why the work is late. The work will be marked and marks will be subtracted for each day the work is late. Days late include week-ends and holidays.Aegrotat ApplicationsIf you feel that illness, injury, bereavement or other critical circumstances has prevented you from completing an item of assessment or affected your performance, you should complete an aegrotat application form, available from the Registry or the Student Health and Counselling Service. This should be within seven days of the due date for the required work or the date of the examination. In the case of illness or injury, medical consultation should normally have taken place shortly before or within 24 hours after the due date for the required work, or the date of the test or examination. For further details on aegrotat applications, please refer to the Enrolment Handbook. You have the right to appeal any decision made, including aegrotat decisions.Missing of TestsIn rare cases a student will not be able to sit a test. In such cases, the student should consult with the course co-ordinator or the Head of Geological Sciences to arrange alternative procedures. This must be done well in advance of the set date for the test, unless the situation is covered by the aegrotat regulations.Reconsideration of Grades• Grades for individual items of coursework may be reassessed, and in the first instance students should speak with the course coordinator. If an agreeable solution cannot be reached students should then speak to the Head of the Geological Sciences Department. Reconsideration should normally be requested within 4 weeks of the test or the return of the item of assessment.• Grade reconsideration for courses as a whole can be obtained by applying to the Registry within 4 weeks of the date of publication of the final results. Students should refer to UC Calendar under general course and examination regulations for details of the appeal process.Academic LiaisonTom Brookman and Tim Stahl currently share the Chairperson role on the Postgraduate Liaison Committee. A student representative is appointed to the Liaison Committee at the start of the semester. Please feel free to talk to Tom, Tim or the student representative about any problems or concerns that you might have.Students with DisabilitiesStudents with disabilities should speak with someone at the Disability Resource Service. Inquire in the first instance at Level 3 Rutherford Building Email: disability@canterbury.ac.nzPolicy on Dishonest PracticePlagiarism, collusion, copying and ghost writing are unacceptable and dishonest practices. • Plagiarism is the presentation of any material (text, data, figures or drawings, on any medium including computer files) from any other source without clear and adequate acknowledgement of the source.• Collusion is the presentation of work performed in conjunction with another person or persons, but submitted as if it has been completed only by the named author(s). • Copying is the use of material (in any medium, including computer files) produced by another person(s) with or without their knowledge and approval.• Ghost writing is the use of another person(s) (with or without payment) to prepare all or part of an item submitted for assessment. In cases where dishonest practice is involved in tests or other work submitted for credit, the student will be referred to the University Proctor. The instructor may choose to not mark the work.
Domestic fee $909.00
International Postgraduate fees
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
For further information see Geological Sciences .