Environmental Modelling (P00744)

? Credit Points : 10 ? SCQF Level : 11 ? Acronym : GEO-P-GISEM

The course aims to provide an introduction to the principles and methods used to model processes in environmental systems, particularly in spatial contexts. Emphasis is placed on the variety of approaches to modelling, their characteristics and limitations. Case studies are used to illustrate these approaches and to demonstrate shared principles and practices over a variety of fields. The links between models and GIS within the context of data structures, spatial analysis, and visualisation will be stressed. Practicals and individual project work use the Java programming language as a medium for model examples and focus on the requirements for the design and implementation of models.

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : Object Oriented Software Engineering Principles, OR alternative strong grounding in the JAVA programming language. Available only to postgraduate students.

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Postgraduate Courses (School of GeoSciences), (School of GeoSciences, Schedule N)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : Postgraduate

? Delivery Period : Block 3 only

? Contact Teaching Time : 4 hour(s) per week for 5 weeks

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Monday	14:00	17:00	Central

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

- understand the principles methods by which environmental processes can be represented and modelled.
- appreciate the role that modelling plays in helping understand how natural systems operate.
comprehend ways in which natural systems can be characterised and how they can be represented as systems of equations.
- develop simple models and perform modelling experiments knowledgeably utilising components from a modelling toolbox.
- be familiar with a range of modelling examples from a number of component disciplines and to appreciate the common features between modelling approaches.
- locate, read and summarise relevant literature, from both traditional and electronic media, to extend your understanding of the topic.
- develop reasoned arguments, firmly grounded in the vailable literature.
- plan and write assignments, within the specified parameters and to a professional standard.
- take responsibility for your own learning through reading and the preparation of assignments, and reflect upon your learning experience.