By the end of the course, students will be able to: - Understand and explain the fundamental physical processes governing coastal environment, including wave generation, propagation and refraction, transformation (reflection and diffraction), and sediment transport. - Analyze and interpret coastal data, such as wave records, tide measurements, and shoreline changes, using appropriate tools and methods. - Apply engineering principles based on reliability and economic viability to the design of coastal structures such as breakwaters, seawalls, groynes, and revetments, considering environmental and sustainability constraints. - Evaluate the impact of climate change, sea-level rise, and extreme events on coastal zones and propose adaptive engineering solutions. - Develop and assess coastal protection strategies, including soft and hard engineering approaches, for erosion control and flood risk management. - Understand the different challenges of structures in the ocean for a Blue Growth sustainable development.

Knowledge in calculus, physics and basic principles of fluid and structural mechanics.

The course is divided into lectures (40 hours) and tutorials (20 hours), covering a wide spectrum of topics related to Coastal and Ocean Engineering. 1. Introduction to Coastal Engineering (lectures, 1.5 hours) a. The ocean environment: definitions b. The value of coasts and the pressures on coasts c. The behaviour of a coastal system 2. Wave Mechanics and Hydrodynamics (lectures 15 hours, tutorial 9 hours) a. Linear wave theory: Airy wave equations, the linear dispersion relationship, velocity and acceleration components, pressures, celerity, group velocity and energy b. Linear wave generation, reflection, diffraction c. Wave refraction and shoaling d. Surf zone processes: wave radiation stress theory, wave breaking, wave set-up, wave set-down, wave run-up e. Interaction between waves and uniform currents f. Random wave theory: sea states, wave spectra and directional wave spectra g. Introduction to non linear wave theories 3. Coastal Water Level Variations (lectures 3 hours) a. Astronomical tide b. Storm surge c. Tsunamis d. Climatological effects 4. Sediment Transport and Coastal Morphodynamics (lectures 6 hours, tutorial 3 hours) a. Sediment properties and transport mechanisms b. Longshore and cross-shore transport c. Beach profiles and coastal erosion 5. Coastal Structures and Design Principles (lectures 9, tutorial 7.5 hours) a. Short and Long term predictions, design wave conditions b. Assessment of wave forces: reflection (Saint Flou and Goda schemes), Froude-Krylov and diffraction force, Morrison equation. c. Types of coastal structures: seawalls, breakwaters, groynes, piles d. Design criteria and stability analysis e. Interaction between structures and coastal processes f. Introduction to floating structures. Dynamics of floating structures and Cummins equation. 6. Coastal Protection and Management Strategies (lecture 1.5 hours) a. Hard vs. soft engineering approaches b. Beach nourishment and dune restoration c. Integrated coastal zone management (ICZM) 7. Tools and Techniques in Coastal Engineering (lecture 3 hours) a. Numerical and physical modeling b. GIS and remote sensing in coastal studies 8. Towards a sustainable Blue Economy (lecture 1.5 hours): a. Multi-purpose platforms and shared use of the ocean b. The ocean as a source and as a location for deployment of renewable energy

The course is divided into lectures and tutorials. Tutorials are meant to deepen the understanding of the concepts that are addressed in the lectures.

- Reeve, D., Chadwick, A., Fleming C., Coastal engineering: processes, theory and design practice, CRC Press - Boccotti, P. , Wave Mechanics for Ocean Engineering, Elsevier.

Lecture notes; Text book; Exercises;

Exam: Compulsory oral exam;

The evaluation of students in the Coastal Engineering course will be conducted through a compulsory oral examination. The exam is designed to assess the student’s comprehension of the theoretical foundations and practical methodologies presented throughout the course, including both lectures and tutorial sessions. Each oral exam will last approximately 30 minutes. During this time, students will be asked to discuss key theoretical topics covered in the lectures, demonstrating their understanding of fundamental principles and their ability to articulate and critically analyze coastal engineering concepts. In addition to the theoretical discussion, students will be required to solve an exercise similar to those practiced during the tutorials. This component is intended to evaluate the student’s ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical problems, reflecting real-world engineering scenarios. The exam will be conducted without the use of books or notes. However, students with certified Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) will be allowed to use support materials, in accordance with university regulations and accommodations. The calendar for the oral examinations will be finalized and published on the day of the exam, listing the schedule for all registered students. Grading will be based on three main criteria: - The student’s understanding and explanation of theoretical content, - Their ability to solve a practical exercise accurately and efficiently, - The clarity, coherence, and critical thinking demonstrated during the discussion.

In addition to the message sent by the online system, students with disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) are invited to directly inform the professor in charge of the course about the special arrangements for the exam that have been agreed with the Special Needs Unit. The professor has to be informed at least one week before the beginning of the examination session in order to provide students with the most suitable arrangements for each specific type of exam.