Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya · BarcelonaTech

Coastal Infrastructure: Impact and Integrated Management (250580) – Course 2025/26 PDF

Syllabus

Learning Objectives

This subject will show the most important aspects related to coastal and port engineering, emphasizing the fundamental aspects of the design of port and coastal works, and the principles of structural and functional design of protection works. Subsequently, the basics of port exploitation will be given, as well as port organization and administration. Finally, aspects of maritime traffic management will be introduced. 1. Characterize the marine environment as a multi-component system, emphasizing the inter-relations between this and the socio-economic and administrative aspects. 2. Identify the main conflicts and pressures and try to minimize them in the project and management phase. 3. Know the main laws and / or applicable regulations and the various initiatives of a global nature. The topics addressed in this matter cover most of the physical, environmental and ecological problems and challenges identified by the scientific community and the social agents that the coastal zone will face in the near future under different development scenarios and climate change.

Competencies

Especific

To know and apply the lexicon and concepts of the Marine Sciences and Technologies and other related fields.

Participate and eventually lead multidisciplinary work teams in the field of Marine Sciences and Technologies to respond to the social challenges related to this field.

Evaluate the dynamics of seas and oceans at different scales, identifying water masses and their properties. (Specific competence of Marine Science and Engineering Mention)

Address the most relevant processes and their interactions related to their physical / chemical / biological / geological components, applying technical and scientific knowledge and criteria.

To set, analyze and optimize the functionality of actions and infrastructures in the marine environment. (Specific competence of the Marine Science and Engineering Mention)

Carry out environmental impact, management and protection studies of the marine environment and adjacent coastal areas, including the corresponding infrastructures and their related impacts.

Carry out operational predictions in the open sea and coastal areas, including the corresponding risk maps. (Specific competence of the Marine Science and Engineering Mention)

Use state-of-the-arte mathematical models in the marine field to analyze impacts and interactions with socio-economic activities supported by this environment. (Specific competence of the Marine Science and Engineering Mention)

Develop a conceptual framework to address the sustainability of the marine environment and the related socio-economic activities at different scales, explaining the effects of climate change.

Set, plan and execute basic and applied research in the field of Marine Sciences and Technologies.

Carry out calculations, assessments, surveys and inspections in coastal and marine environments, as well as the corresponding technical documents.

Write technical reports and disseminate knowledge about the different components of the marine system, considering the applicable legal framework.

Apply the necessary tools to analyze the economic and legal aspects of human actions and the related impacts on the marine environment, including technical advice and representation of companies and administrations.

Generic

Develop a conceptual framework that links the scientific-technological and management aspects for marine resources, explaining the interactions with marine infrastructures and management plans in coastal areas.

Encompass and teach studies in the different research lines that converge in Marine Sciences and Technologies.

Combining preservation with economic activity within the framework of current legislation promoting the development of a social and environmental awareness.

Total hours of student work

Hours Percentage
Supervised Learning Large group 45h 75.00 %
Laboratory classes 15h 25.00 %
Self Study 90h

Teaching Methodology

The course consists of 4 hours a week of face-to-face classes in the classroom. Theoretical lectures are combined with examples and practical exercises in order to consolidate general and specific learning objectives. Support material is used in the form of a detailed teaching plan through the ATENEA virtual campus: contents, schedule of assessment and directed learning activities and bibliography. Although the majority of sessions will be held in the language indicated in the guide, sessions supported by other guest experts from time to time may be held in another language.

Grading Rules

The evaluation calendar and grading rules will be approved before the start of the course.

The grade for the course in continuous assessment is obtained from the course work grades (30%) and two specific assessment tests (35% each). The directed course work involves applying the concepts and tools covered during the course to establish a management plan for a specific coastal area. This will typically be in a part of the Spanish coast (to facilitate access to real data), although it can be done in any area depending on the available data. It requires teamwork, the preparation of a written report, and a final public presentation. The specific assessment tests consist of a section with questions on concepts related to the learning objectives of the course regarding knowledge or understanding, and a set of application exercises. Students who fail the regular assessment and have submitted the course work will have the option to take a reassessment test during the period set in the academic calendar. Students who have already passed the continuous assessment or who have not submitted the course work cannot take the reassessment test. The reassessment will consist of a single exam covering the entire course content. The maximum grade for the reassessment will be five (5.0) and the final course grade will be the higher grade between the continuous assessment and the reassessment exam. Failure to attend the reassessment test, scheduled within the set period, will not entitle the student to another test at a later date. Extraordinary assessments will be conducted for students who, due to accredited force majeure, could not take one of the continuous assessment tests. These tests must be authorized by the corresponding head of studies, at the request of the course instructor, and will be conducted within the corresponding academic period.

Test Rules

If any of the proposed activities or continuous assessment tasks are not completed within the scheduled period, they will be given a score of zero

Bibliography

Basic

Complementary