MSc Coastal and Marine Resource Management  MSc Coastal and Marine Resource Management University of Portsmouth ../webroot/files/Institutions/cover_photo/1567487692University-of-Portsmouth-1.jpg

Coastal locations are some of the most valued in the world. The seas and oceans can be used for communication and trade, for their biological resources and for water-based recreation. On the other hand, the sea can also be used to dump waste materials. The juxtaposition of land and water creates additional complexity. While it is responsible for the richness of the environment, it is also associated with the hazards of erosion, landslides and flooding. Managing these risks further interferes with the natural systems of this highly dynamic environment. It is clear that there is considerable conflict in the use of coastal and marine resources. All these uses affect both each other and the natural environments in which they operate. Many require land-based development, which is in competition with other uses seeking a coastal location. At the same time, coasts offer some of the finest views and richest ecosystems in the world and, increasingly, these natural features are demonstrating their vulnerability to human activities, sometimes to the extent that they are completely destroyed. Coastal and marine resource management aims to conserve and sustain multiple use of the coastal zones, seas and oceans through the development of a coordinated strategy to allocate environmental, socio-cultural and institutional resources. It is a dynamic process. The scale and complexity of problems, along with the expectation that there will be more people living in the coastal zone in 20 years time than are now living in the whole world, suggests that such coordinated strategies must be adopted very soon. It was in recognition of this imperative that this course was established. Course Content: You will be introduced to technical and analytical frameworks and concepts, which will enable you to study the major course themes: ? the physical environment ? the institutional frameworks that have been developed for coastal and ocean areas ? the value of coastal and marine resources You will study a number of core (compulsory) and optional units, through which there is a logical progression. Each unit is credit rated and you will study a total of 180 credits. The academic year is divided into three semesters. The first deals with principles and contextual information, the second allows specialisation through options and the third focuses on your dissertation. Semester one units ? Resource Management (15 credit core unit): explains the main concepts and provides a framework for studying resource management problems and issues ? Institutional Frameworks for Coastal and Marine Resource Management (15 credit core unit): emphasises the importance and complexity of institutional arrangements in resource management ? Physical Processes in the Coastal and Marine Environment (15 credit core unit): examines the principle physical processes operating in the ocean margin and coastal zone ? Coastal Zone Management (15 credit core unit): examines the theory, concepts and frameworks of coastal management and uses topical issues as examples of practical application Semester two units ? Research Methods (15 credit core unit): provides appropriate study skills and preparation for the completion of your dissertation and associated coursework ? Coastal and Marine Policy and Law of the Sea (15 credit core unit): examines the nature of coastal and marine policy and identifies the forces instrumental in creating such a policy. It also provides an introduction to the law affecting the utilisation of marine space and resources You will also have a choice of the following optional units: ? Shoreline Management (15 credits) ? Project Appraisal (15 credits): introduces you to and applies the principles of financial project appraisal and social cost benefit analysis ? Fisheries Development (15 credits) ? Valuation of Unpriced Resources (15 credits): introduces you to and applies the principles behind the techniques for non-market valuation ? Marine Conservation (15 credits) Semester