Outline

Overview

This unit of study explains the major coastal processes and systems of relevance to coastal zone management. These include beaches, barriers and dunes; estuaries and inlets; and coral reefs. The interactions between these processes and systems that are of most relevance to coastal management are highlighted, including coastal hazards such as beach erosion. Anthropogenic impacts are also analysed. This unit includes an introduction to numerical modeling of coastal processes and systems using state-of-the-art modeling tools. The unit is presented in lectures and field excursions, the latter enabling each system to be examined first hand.

Unit details and rules

Unit code	MARS5001
Academic unit	Geosciences Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prohibitions ?	None
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	This unit assumes a sound understanding of scientific principles, HSC level mathematics and understanding of basic statistics
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Ana Vila Concejo, ana.vilaconcejo@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Tristan Salles, tristan.salles@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Ana Vila Concejo, ana.vilaconcejo@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Assignment	Numerical modelling exercises 1-3 Analyse data to solve problems.	30%	Multiple weeks	1 hour
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Coastal Geomorphology: field notebooks Individual field notebooks from field trip	0%	Week 03	n/a
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Peer-review surveys Quiz. Evaluation of group work.	0%	Week 07	1 hour
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Coastal Geomorphology: group presentation Oral presentation with PowerPoint	15%	Week 07	15 minutes with 5 minutes of questions
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Coastal Geomorphology: individual report Executive Summary of your project	20%	Week 08	Maximum of 4 pages
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Test Written test	35%	Week 13	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

Assignment 1: Coastal Geomorphology: Beach Surveying and Morphodynamics. The objective of this project is to explain the morphodynamics and, perhaps, the short-term evolution of a couple of beaches located within the Sydney area. The assignment is to be completed in the same manner as a professional research monitoring project and your finished report will be the subject of a presentation to the rest of your class.
Numerical modelling exercises 1-3:Students submit three practical exercises based on the numerical modelling labs, containing their data analysis and interpretation. Due weeks 10, 11 and 12
Exam: written exam – more details to be released closer to the date.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	At HD level, a student demonstrates a flair for the subject and comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the unit material. A ‘High Distinction’ reflects exceptional achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates the ability to apply subject knowledge to novel situations.
Distinction	75 - 84	At D level, a student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a solid knowledge and understanding of the unit material. A ‘Distinction’ reflects excellent achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates an ability to apply the key ideas of the subject.
Credit	65 - 74	At CR level, a student demonstrates a good command and knowledge of the unit material. A ‘Credit’ reflects solid achievement and is awarded to a student who has a broad understanding of the unit material but has not fully developed the ability to apply the key ideas of the subject
Pass	50 - 64	At P level, a student demonstrates proficiency in the unit material. A ‘Pass’ reflects satisfactory achievement and is awarded to a student who has threshold knowledge of the subject.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

Absent fail (AF): A student is given an absent fail mark due to non-submission of compulsory work (or non-attendance at compulsory labs, etc) as well as failure to attend an examination

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	1. Beach systems and global change; Wave dominated coasts	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	2. Waves	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Topographic data processing	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	3. Beaches in estuaries and bays	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Wave climate processing	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	4. Surf zone currents	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Independent work on Assignment 1 (teaching staff available)	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	5. Morphodynamics of coral reefs	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Independent work on Assignment 1 (teaching staff available)	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 07	6. Introduction to coastal ocean observing systems	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	6. Introduction to coastal ocean observing systems	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Accessing & plotting coastal dataset 1	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 09	6. Introduction to coastal ocean observing systems	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Accessing & plotting coastal dataset 2	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 10	7. Coastal evolution: physical & numerical models	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Beach profile evolution under storm condition	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 11	8. Coastal evolution: physical & numerical models	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Wave sediment modelling at regional scale	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 12	8. Coastal evolution: physical & numerical models	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Wave sediment modelling at regional scale	Tutorial (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Due to the exceptional circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, attendance requirements for this unit of study have been amended. Where online tutorials/workshops/virtual laboratories have been scheduled, students should make every effort to attend and participate at the scheduled time. Penalties will not be applied if technical issues, etc. prevent attendance at a specific online class. In that case, students should discuss the problem with the coordinator, and attend another session, if available.

COVID allowing, this unit will run in HY-FLEX, allowing campus and remote students to learn simultaneously. Please keep on checking CANVAS for announcements,

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

There is no prescribed text for MARS 5001. Rather, students are expected to read a number of sections in textbooks and some scientific papers.

Some recommended books include:

Short, A.D. and Woodroffe, C.D., 2009. The Coast of Australia. Cambridge University Press, 288 pp.
Davis, R.A. and FitzGerald, D.M., 2004. Beaches and coasts. Blackwell Pub.
Masselink, G. and Hughes, M.G., 2003. Introduction to Coastal Processes and Geomorphology. Hodder Arnold Publishers, London, 354 pp.
Davidson-Arnott, R., 2010. Introduction to coastal processes and geomorphology. Cambridge University Press, 456 pp.
Short, A.D., 1999. Handbook of Beach and Shoreface Morphodynamics. Wiley, 379 pp.
Woodroffe, C.D., 2003. Coasts. Cambridge University Press, 623 pp.
Ciavola, P. and Coco, G. (2017) Coastal storms: processes and impacts. Edited by P. Ciavola and G. Coco. Chichester, UK: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. doi: 10.1002/9781118937099.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. analyse beach systems and evaluate the controlling mechanisms that define the characteristics of a given beach
LO2. understand the importance of coastal geomorphology for coastal management
LO3. estimate coastal processes using data and numerical models
LO4. design a coastal management project to effectively assess coastal change in sandy coasts
LO5. understand the effects of climate change on coastal areas and the related coastal response and management
LO6. efficiently keep a field notebook
LO7. learn techniques for data analyses and representation
LO8. setup, run and analyse data using a numerical model
LO9. understand scientific writing & basic programming
LO10. demonstrate proficiency in scientific presentation
LO11. learn to scientifically discuss the work of your peers.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

The content and assessments of this UoS change yearly following students' feedback.

Additional information

The Learning Centre (http://sydney.edu.au/stuserv/learning_centre/index.shtml) offers a wide range of courses intended to develop the generic skills required for success at University, and was established to assist students achieve their academic potential. They also offer workshops for undergraduate students from non-English speaking backgrounds.

GEOSOC is the student society open to all undergraduate and postgraduate students, and provides support and information to students in the School. usgs.geosoc@gmail.com

Follow our news on social media and let us know if you would like to collaborate with us!

School of Geosciences https://www.facebook.com/sydneyunigeo/?fref=ts
Geocoastal Research Group https://www.facebook.com/GeocoastalResearchGroup/?fref=ts
Geocoastal Research Group website http://grgusyd.org/

Work, health and safety

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

General Laboratory Safety Rules

No eating or drinking is allowed in any laboratory under any circumstances
A laboratory coat and closed-toe shoes are mandatory
Follow safety instructions in your manual and posted in laboratories
In case of fire, follow instructions posted outside the laboratory door
First aid kits, eye wash and fire extinguishers are located in or immediately outside each laboratory
As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that you have a current tetanus immunisation. This can be obtained from University Health Service: unihealth.usyd.edu.au/

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

MARS5001: Coastal Processes and Systems

Semester 1, 2023 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect