Wave-Dominated Coastal Dynamics
The first part of this course provides an introduction to the physical processes governing wave motion and sediment transport in the nearshore environment. This segment emphasizes a qualitative, largely non-mathematical understanding based on foundational material from the Open University textbook Waves, Tides and Shallow-Water Processes, focusing on waves, sediment transport, and beach dynamics. Students are expected to master this content primarily through self-study.
The second part delves into a quantitative treatment of nearshore processes, including short wave dynamics, wave-driven currents, sediment transport, and coastal morphology. These topics are covered over five lectures and tutorials, supported by syllabus chapters dedicated to each area. The course concludes with a guest lecture addressing morphological models and their practical applications in coastal engineering. Throughout the course, you will collaborate in small groups (2–3 members) on a practical assignment that applies theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
- Describe and apply linear wave theory to nearshore environments
- Explain and compute wave transformation and wave-driven current processes
- Describe and quantify wave- and current-driven sediment transport and associated morphodynamic phenomena
- Explain and apply coastline evolution models, including the Bruun rule, to predict shoreline changes
- Understand engineering morphological models, including their assumptions, benefits, and limitations
For who? Professionals with a HBO degree in Civil Engineering, with basic knowledge of Fluid Mechanics and programming skills in Excel, Matlab, Python or a similar software are required to do the analysis and plotting to complete the group assignment.
When? 10 November 2025 - 19 December 2025, with on campus lectures each week
More in depth information on the course in our online course catalogue Osiris : link to osiris course information
Do you want to register for this course? Find the course registration form here
