Coasts and Rivers: from Natural Processes to Urban Environments

This course explores coastal and fluvial geomorphic processes and how they interact with urban environments. Understanding these processes is essential for effective resource and environmental management, as well as for building resilient settlements. Core topics will include river and coastal geomorphology; hydrology and hydrodynamics; flooding from coastal, fluvial and pluvial sources; catchment processes; river mouth environments; sea level rise; theoretical and numerical modelling; human use of coasts and rivers; and laboratory and research methods in coastal and river science. Examples will be drawn from New Zealand, the Pacific, and worldwide.

30 points

Entry subject to approval of the Head of Department.

GEOG437

Alpine Environments

Alpine environments are harsh and dynamic, yet they can also be foci of human activity. In order to make decisions about activity and infrastructure in these environments people first need to understand how physical processes in these environments interact. For example, avalanche hazard is a result of complex interactions between snow accumulation, weather conditions, topography, and human activity. Future water storage will be influenced by long-term climate trends, topography, infrastructure and demand for water. Therefore in addition to understanding physical processes, to manage resources and activities in alpine environments, people also need an understanding of cultural values, and various policies and legislation that help govern development and activities.

15 points

Entry subject to approval of the Head of School

GEOG408 and GEOG410

Global Change Biology

This course will address selected major issues concerning the role of biological processes in the Earth System and the impact on these of human activities (global change). Discussion will include carbon and nutrient cycling in terrestrial and marine ecosystems, the impacts of past and future climate change on biota, the significance of biodiversity loss on ecosystem processes and strategies to mitigate climate change.

15 points

Subject to approval of the Head of School.

BIOL479

Unravelling Environmental Histories

Recent geological histories of Canterbury will be investigated via a lab-based collaborative research project utilizing palaeontological data along with sedimentological and chemical records. It is recommended for all students interested in palaeontology, environmental science or Quaternary sciences.

15 points

Subject to the approval of Head of School