• Will understand the basic hydrodynamic and morphodynamic processes caused by tides.
• Will be able to develop and use models to analyse tidal time series and to predict the hydrodynamics,sediment transport and morphological change in tidal systems.
• Is able to critically read scientific literature and to position detailed research results in the broader picture of coastal research.
• Will be able to apply his knowledge in coastal research and consultancy.
• Will be able to to present and discuss results in written reports and oral presentations.

This course is the second course in a series of three (period 1: River and Delta systems, period 3: Morphodynamics of wave-dominated coasts) . Other courses in the MSc that focus on delta and coastal systems are Coastal Ecology and Managing Future Deltas.
 During this course the dynamics of tidal systems will be studied at all relevant time scales (few hours to millennia) and spatial scales (kilometers to global scale). We will follow the pathway of the tidal wave from its generation in the ocean to the dissipation of tidal energy in the shallowest regions of tidal basins and estuaries. Along its paths, tidal waves induce current that transport sediment and cause morphological change. Main topics of the course are:

1. Generation of tides by the gravitational interaction of earth, moon and sun.
2. Tidal dynamics of shallow shelf seas.Hydrodynamics and morphodynamics of shallow tidal basins.
3. Tides in estuaries: Effect of geometry on tides, river-tide interactions, estuarine dynamics, fine sediment dynamics and morphological change.
4. Time series analysis of water level and flow velocity data.
5. Evolution and depositional architecture of tidal systems under sea level rise.

Development of Transferrable Skills

• Ability to work in a team: During the course the students have to work in couples to do Matlab exercises, write reports and do research.
• Written communication skills: Students have to deliver four reports and one abstract. You will get feedback on the content.
• Problem-solving skills: Students have to work on programming exercises (in Matlab) and apply it to analyse data sets or model tidal phenomena.
• Verbal communication skills: Students have to give an oral presentation on the results of a case study.
• Analytical/quantitative skills: Students have to analyze data sets,  to apply equations to field cases, and to program Matlab code.
• Technical skills: Students will have to program in Matlab and will learn to use the codes to study tidal phenomena.