Postgraduate Course: Introduction to Environmental Modelling (PGGE11197)
Course Outline
| School | School of Geosciences |
College | College of Science and Engineering |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) |
Availability | Not available to visiting students |
| SCQF Credits | 10 |
ECTS Credits | 5 |
| Summary | Computer based models are widely use in many areas of science, especially in environmental sciences. The emphasis of this course will be on the application and development of models in the context of terrestrial ecosystems. The concepts of model development, model calibration, uncertainty analysis and validation will be introduced through lectures and practical classes. The course is designed for students with relatively little mathematical experience and it is an ideal opportunity to develop those skills required to apply computer models to complex environmental systems.
THIS COURSE TAKES PLACE ON TUESDAYS 9 - 1PM IN THE PETER WILSON BUILDING (SRUC) IN THE LIBRARY COMPUTER ROOM. PLEASE CHECK LEARN 9 FOR ANY CHANGES TO TIMES AND LOCATION. |
| Course description |
The course provides an insight into the use of computer models and it will give the student a good understanding of the strengths and limitations of models required for critical analysis of model predictions. These are desirable skills to a variety of employers where computer models are used for environmental impact assessment.
Lesson 1
- Outline the nature and scope of modelling within the environmental sciences
- Overview of the course structure and objectives
Lesson 2
- What is a model?
- Types of Model
- Physical models
- Conceptual models
- Mathematical Models
Lesson 3
- Overview of data analysis using Excel
- Introduction to basic statistical tests and
- Probability theory
Lesson 4
- Simulation models
o Mechanistic Models
o Empirical Models
- Deterministic & Stochastic Models
- Validation
Lesson 5
- Model components
o Equations
o Input Data
o Parameters Values
- Implementation
Lesson 6
- Uncertainty in the model
o Uncertainty in model outputs
o Uncertainty due to Parameter errors
o Input data and equation Errors
o Monte Carlo simulation
on 7
- Model Uncertainty and Sensitivity
- Monte Carlo and Example
Lesson 8
- Validation of models
o Examples
Lesson 9
- Population Dynamics Predator-Prey (Lotka-Volterra methods)
Lesson 10
- Compartment Flow models
- Example
Lessons 11
- Stochastic models
- What is a probability distribution?
- Accounting for variation in inputs
- Examples
Lesson 12
- Model Fitting
- Model Calibration
- Comparing model predictions with data Examples
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
|
Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
| Additional Costs | None |
Course Delivery Information
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| Academic year 2015/16, Not available to visiting students (SS1)
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Quota: None |
| Course Start |
Semester 2 |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
100
(
Lecture Hours 30,
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 2,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
68 )
|
| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
60 %,
Coursework
40 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
|
| Additional Information (Assessment) |
Student assessment will comprise of appropriately weighted computer laboratory class reports (40%) and a report on a case study exercise (60%) |
| Feedback |
Not entered |
| No Exam Information |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- understand the role and nature of modelling environmental systems
- understand the basic principles of model building using both empirical and mechanistic modelling approaches
- have a clearer understanding of the challenges and decisions associated with model implementation and validation of model outputs
- have an awareness of the strengths and limitations of different types of model
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Reading List
- Smith J. and Smith P. (2007). Introduction to Environmental Modelling. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
- Keesman K. (1993) Modelling change in environmental systems. Chichester : Wiley
- Morrison J. and Morecroft M.D. (2006) Plant growth and climate change. Oxford; Ames, Iowa: Blackwell Pub.
- Hardisty J. (1993) Computerised environmental modelling: a practical introduction using Excel, Chichester: Wiley
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Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
- General data analysis and Information Technology
- Organisation skills to plan, execute and report on scientific investigations
- To participate in individual and team activities towards the completion of a set of objectives
- Critical thinking necessary for the evaluation of information
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| Keywords | Environmental modelling, soil modelling, plant modelling, sustainability, food security, environment |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Davide Tarsitano
Tel: 0131 535 4145
Email: |
Course secretary | Mrs Elspeth Martin
Tel: 0131 535 4198
Email: |
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