Winter School UCV: “Build with Nature” techniques for sandy coasts
Dates & timetable:
Application for this face-to-face micro-credential is open until Wednesday, 03/12/2025.
| Date | Time |
| 26-30/01/2026 | Detailed timetables will be passed to the accepted students a few weeks before the classes start. All the classes will take place within the dates indicated, no overlaps guaranteed. |
Description:
Delve into the innovative “Build with Nature” methodology for managing coastal erosion by harnessing natural processes to reinforce sandy shorelines. This micro-credential covers coastal dynamics, identifies vulnerable zones, and teaches sustainable interventions such as beach nourishment, dune rehabilitation, and wetland creation. Combining theoretical learning with practical expertise, it develops skills in environmental assessment, critical thinking, and stakeholder engagement. This micro-credential will prepare you to support climate adaptation, safeguard coastal communities, and promote sustainable development through nature-based solutions.
In this course, you will get knowledge about:
- Natural processes that shape sandy coasts: This involves learning the dynamics of waves, tides, and currents, as well as the role of sediment transport in shaping beaches and dunes.
- Coastal hazards and vulnerabilities: This involves learning how to identify coastal areas at risk from erosion, flooding, and other threats and assess the potential impacts on human communities and natural ecosystems.
- Designing and implementing “Build with Nature” solutions: This involves learning about different techniques for enhancing coastal resilience, such as beach nourishment, dune restoration, wetland creation, and oyster reef construction.
Learning Outcomes:
- Describe main coastal processes and recognise coastal risks to support sustainable resilience strategies.
- Collect and analyse data, develop effective problem-solving techniques with integration ethical and sustainable approaches to the coastal management practices.
Sustainable development goals:
- SDG6. Clean water and sanitation
- SDG9. Industry, innovation and infrastructure
- SDG11. Sustainable cities and communities
- SDG12. Responsible consumption and production
- SDG13. Climate actions
- SDG14. Life below water
- SDG15. Life on land
Sector:
Coastal
Thematic area:
Anatomy of coastal areas
Hashtags/Key words:
#infrastructure #naturaldisasters #technologies #innovations
Volume (ECTS):
1
Language:
English
Hard skills:
Researching Information processing Interpreting
Soft skills:
Critical thinking Problem-solving Time management
Study format:
Face-to-face, Catholic University of Valencia, 26-30/01/2026
Study methods:
Lectures Project-Based Learning (case study analysis) Discussions and Debates during the case study analysis presentation.
Hours
Synchronous contact hours: 10
Asynchronous hours & self directed learning: 15
Entry requirements:
Bachelor student in one of the 9 partner universities of EU-CONEXUS, providing a proof of English proficiency of at least B2 level (certificate or online test).
Assessment:
Written exam (quiz), participation in discussions, presentation of the group and/or individual work
HOST UNIVERSITY:
Klaipeda University, Lithuania
Stage of accreditation:
Internally accredited by the committee of the field of study according to the procedure in force at KU
