GV1D-Hydrology

Module Provider: Geography and Environmental Science
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Jess Neumann
Email: j.l.neumann@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
This is the elementary hydrology course, providing the basis for more advanced courses and for understanding other aspects of physical geography.

Aims:
To provide an introduction to hydrology, including a study of the most important hydrological processes operating in the environment, and to hydrological ways of thinking. The module should provide a basis for more advanced hydrology courses.

Assessable learning outcomes:
On completion of this module it is expected that a student will be able to:

- Describe and explain the most important aspects of how the hydrological environment functions
- Outline and explain some of the principal characteristics of hydrological processes.

Additional outcomes:
Numeracy and IT skills will be developed through calculations necessary for the assessed practical, and via computer aided learning procedures.

Outline content:
An appreciation of hydrological processes is important for many areas of physical geography, such as geomorphology, soil geochemistry, geochemical cycles, pollutant transport, water resources and urban and rural development. The hydrology lectures will cover the water balance and hydrological cycle, the drainage basin, surface and unsaturated zone processes, runoff processes, groundwater processes, measuring and monitoring hydrological processes, floods, drought, water pollution and some impacts of climatic change.

Students will be expected to follow up the lectures with their own reading, using both conventional and internet sources.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Seven hours of interactive lectures supported by on-demand learning on Blackboard, plus a field practical and two hours of workshops.Ìý