Module: Introduction to Marine and Coastal Environments

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Introduction to Marine and Coastal Environments
Module Code	ENS1023
Faculty	History & Geography	School	Humanities & Social Sciences
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	7.5

Description

This module provides an integrated introduction to the study of marine and coastal environments, with a focus on the physical processes and human activities that shape these dynamic systems. Students will explore topics such as ocean circulation, tides, waves, and sediment transport, alongside the formation and evolution of coastal landforms. These foundations are essential for understanding how coasts and oceans function and how they respond to both natural forces and human pressures. The module also addresses contemporary challenges, including climate change, sea-level rise, erosion, and pollution. Students will consider the social, economic, and environmental consequences of these issues, and will be introduced to methods for assessing vulnerability and resilience. Futures thinking and scenario planning are used to explore alternative pathways and evaluate management strategies. Practical components include fieldwork, data interpretation, and the use of specialised modelling software to simulate coastal processes and management options. By combining theory, observation, and applied tools, the module equips students with the ability to critically analyse current challenges and to develop evidence-based, forward-looking strategies for the sustainable management of marine and coastal systems.

Learning Outcomes

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Assessment Feedback	0	No Description
Total Workload: 0

Section Breakdown
CRN	11896	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Niamh Cullen	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None