Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

Introduction
This 20-credit module is a wide ranging introduction all aspects of hydrosystems. The module covers the hydrological cycle, the groundwater regime and the river regime. Fundamental processes, how processes are measured with instrumentation, and how data is analysed and quantified are introduced. The methods introduced underpin the whole MSc. The module integrates with CEG8501: Quantitative Methods in Engineering to build a skillset for modelling and water management.

Outline Of Syllabus

Hydrosystems
•       River Basin Management, Catchments Overview and case studies
•       Rainfall and Evaporation
•       Soil Water
•       Rivers and Flow
•       Runoff and Metrics
•       Sediment and Water Quality
•       Flow gauging
Groundwater
•       Definitions, Darcy’s Law, Aquifer Characteristics
•       Groundwater / surface water interaction
Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulics
•       Fluid properties, Basic principles of fluid flow, Ideal Fluid Approximation
•       Hydrostatics
•       The Fundamental Equations: Conservation of Mass, Energy and Momentum
•       Flow Measurement
•       Fluids Practical
•       Properties of Fluids and Behaviour of Real Liquids
•       Steady Flow in Pipes
•       Uniform Channel Flow and Channel Design
•       Rapidly Varied Flow

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

Outcome.
You will understand hydrological, groundwater and hydraulic processes. (M16)
You will understand instrumentation used to monitor processes. (M4, M13)
The formulae and theory required for the remainder of the MSc will be fully introduced. The role of hydrosystems for water management will be shown throughout the module. (M1, M2, M4)

Intended Skill Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
1.Apply appropriate quantitative science and engineering principles and tools to the analysis of simple practical problems using the ideal fluid approximation. (M1, M2, M3, M4)
2.Analyse experimental results and determine their strength and validity. (M2, M3)
3.Carry out experiments safely. (M9, M12)
4.Use laboratory equipment to generate data. (M12, M13)
5.Apply quantitative methods to solve fluid/hydraulics related problems with an awareness of the limitations of such methods. (M1, M6, M17)

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

•The rationale for the teaching methods employed on this module is to engage the student, to provide a solid grounding at the outset of their MSc programme, and to place in context ALL of the subsequent modules.
•Therefore, an appropriate mix of lectures, videos, interactive workshops, experimental work using state of the art equipment and facilities.
•Practicals will develop experimental and data analysis skills.
•An in-depth case study will be developed.
•Workshops will enable students to acquire, distil and report on a range of spatial and temporal data sets. Students will work in groups to aid the data synthesis and reporting process.
•These methods provide the student with an integrated programme of theory (videos, lectures and tutorials) and practical hands-on application (workshops and experimental work)

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The coursework, examination and formative online tests will assess the individual students understanding of fundamental theoretical concepts, the student’s individual understanding in depth of the course material and concepts, as well report writing.

General Notes

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