Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya · BarcelonaTech

Coastal Engineering and Oceanography (250MAG005) – Course 2025/26 PDF

Syllabus

Learning Objectives

K01.01. Recognise the main erosion and pollution processes in fluvial and coastal environments; the elements that make up urban drainage networks, as well as the main criteria for flood risk analysis and water treatment plants. K01.02. Describe fluvial and coastal erosion processes and explain their influence on natural and anthropogenic transport networks. K02.01. Identify problems related to water resource management and the impact of climate change on surface and groundwater bodies, and their interaction with the natural environment. S02.02. Interpret dynamic phenomena of the ocean–atmosphere–coast system to address problems affecting coastlines, ports and shores, including the impact of coastal interventions, taking into account climate change and the Sustainable Development Goals. S02.03. Solve problems in fluvial and coastal environments, urban drainage systems, groundwater, and water treatment processes, including both drinking water and wastewater treatment. S04.01. Communicate actively, effectively and empathetically, both orally, in writing and graphically, with others on issues or projects within the field. S06.01. Distinguish advanced digital technologies and apply them appropriately in academic, professional, social or personal contexts. C01.01. Analyse pollutant flow and transport processes. C01.02. Assess and manage erosion and pollution processes in fluvial environments, as well as flood risk, to ensure appropriate management. C02.01. Design interventions in fluvial, coastal and groundwater environments, and water treatment systems. C02.02. Evaluate erosion and pollution processes in coastal and estuarine environments. C02.03. Operate urban drainage and water supply networks for proper management. C03.01. Design nature-based solutions. C05.01. Integrate the values of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly by understanding system complexity, to promote actions that restore and preserve ecosystem health (SDGs 13, 14 and 15), improve justice (SDGs 10 and 16), and shape visions for sustainable futures (SDGs 11, 12 and 17). C06.01. Make autonomous, informed and well-reasoned decisions to provide solutions with social responsibility, guided by ethical values and principles. C07.01. Evaluate gender-based inequalities to design inclusive solutions.

Total hours of student work

Hours Percentage
Supervised Learning Large group 45h 100.00 %
Self Study 80h

Teaching Methodology

The course consists of 3 hours per week of classroom activity. 2.5 hours are devoted to theoretical lectures, in which the teacher presents the basic concepts and topics of the subject, shows examples and solves exercises. And 0.5 hours is devoted to solving practical problems with greater interaction with the students. The objective of these practical exercises is to consolidate the general and specific learning objectives. Support material in the form of a detailed teaching plan is provided using the virtual campus ATENEA: content, program of learning and assessment activities conducted and literature. Note: The language in which the course is taught will depend on the teacher. Specifically, Professor César Mösso will give his classes in Spanish, and the rest will give them in Catalan. Although most of the sessions will be given in the language indicated, sessions supported by other occasional guest experts may be held in other languages.

Grading Rules

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

Ordinary Evaluation (OE) The grade for continuous assessment is the weighted arithmetic average of the exercises/problems (Pr) completed during the course, the guided activities such as assignments or reports (Tr), and the Final Exam or Work Presentation (Ex). There will be a single exam or presentation of a topic, which will account for 70% of the final grade. Problems will account for 15%, and guided activities will account for 15%. The final grade will be: OE = 0.7*(Ex) + 0.15*(average of Pr) + 0.15*(average of Tr). To pass, the OE grade must be greater than or equal to 5. Re-evaluation (RE) Grading and admission criteria for the re-evaluation (RE): Students who fail the ordinary evaluation and have regularly participated in the assessment activities of the failed subject may take a re-evaluation test during the period set in the academic calendar. Students who have already passed the subject, who were marked as not presented, or who did not submit all exercises/problems (Pr) and assignments/reports (Tr), may not participate in the re-evaluation. The re-evaluation (RE) will consist of a single exam covering the entire course content. The maximum possible grade for the re-evaluation is five (5.0), and the final course grade will be the higher of the ordinary evaluation or the re-evaluation grade, that is, MAX(OE/RE). Failure to attend the re-evaluation exam during the designated period will not entitle the student to take it at a later date. Extraordinary evaluations may be held for students who, due to documented force majeure, were unable to complete some of the continuous assessment activities. These tests must be authorised by the corresponding head of studies, upon request by the course instructor, and will be conducted within the relevant teaching period.

Test Rules

If any of the continuous assessment activities are not completed within the scheduled period, a score of zero will be assigned. If it is an exam, it will be conducted individually and may include multiple-choice questions that are theoretical or problem-based. Exams may also include short-answer questions to be developed by the student and exercises to be solved. If it is a group project presentation, the assessment will be based on the quality of the oral presentation and the quality of the written project report.

Office Hours

When the student requires, previously agreeing with the teacher by e-mail

Bibliography

Basic