Fluvial Geomorphology

Subject 121-310 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbookSearch for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Undergraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Semester 2, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Two 1-hour lectures per week, two 2-hour practicals, four 3-hour practicals and a three-day field trip
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites:

Usually completion of 25 points of second/third year subjects. Completion of either 121-018: Geomorphology or 121-033 Environmentla Hydrology or an appropriate number of courses in Environmental Engineering or Earth Sciences. Candidates with sufficient professional experience may also be considered.

Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Assoc Prof Ian Rutherfurd
Subject Overview:

Fluvial geomorphology is the study of the role of rivers in shaping the morphology of the earth. This subject builds on the grounding in introductory geomorphology provided by . Students who complete the course will not only see the landscape with new eyes, but they will have the beginnings of a capacity to manage stream systems at a professional level. We will emphasise a strong process-based approach based on sediment transport and deposition, coupled with examination of modern stream channel change in the light of changes over the last two million years. The focus of the course will be the unique streams of Australia.

Assessment:

A 2-hour examination 30%, a major field trip report of 1000 words 25% (due at the end of semester), an essay of 1000 words 20% (due mid-semester) and practicals 25%.

Prescribed Texts:
  • Fluvial Forms and Processes: A New Perspective (D Knighton), Arnold 1998
Breadth Options: This subject is a level 2 or level 3 subject and is not available to new generation degree students as a breadth option in 2008.
This subject or an equivalent will be available as breadth in the future.
Breadth subjects are currently being developed and these existing subject details can be used as guide to the type of options that might be available.
2009 subjects to be offered as breadth will be finalised before re-enrolment for 2009 starts in early October.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • spatial analysis (three-dimensional interpretation);

  • management of complex natural systems;

  • thinking in theoretical terms;

  • competence in writing consultancies and journal articles.

Notes: Students enrolled in the BSc (pre-2008 degree), or a combined BSc course (except for the BA/BSc) may receive science credit on the completion of this subject.
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Science
Diploma in Arts (Geography)
Graduate Certificate in Arts (Environmental Studies)
Graduate Certificate in Arts (Geography)
Graduate Diploma in Arts (Environmental Studies)
Graduate Diploma in Arts (Geography)

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