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DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2010/2011
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DRPS : Course Catalogue : School of Geosciences : Earth Science

Undergraduate Course: Hydrogeology 2: Simulation of Groundwater Flow and Transport (EASC10077)

Course Outline
School School of Geosciences College College of Science and Engineering
Course type Standard Availability Available to all students
Credit level (Normal year taken) SCQF Level 10 (Year 4 Undergraduate) Credits 10
Home subject area Earth Science Other subject area Environmental Courses
Course website None Taught in Gaelic? No
Course description The course covers the following topics:

* Modelling groundwater flow and transport in the subsurface;
* Hydrogeological relevant material parameters in the subsurface;
* Worked examples of finite difference, finite element and finite volume modelling approaches
* Generic model design
* Tutorial and application of Finite Element software for flow and mass transport.
* Tutorial and application of standard FD (Visual Modflow) industry modelling software
Entry Requirements
Pre-requisites Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements No maths qualifications required but expect alot of maths
Additional Costs None.
Information for Visiting Students
Pre-requisites None
Displayed in Visiting Students Prospectus? Yes
Course Delivery Information
Delivery period: 2010/11 Semester 2, Available to all students (SV1) WebCT enabled:  Yes Quota:  None
Location Activity Description Weeks Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
King's BuildingsLecture1-11 14:00 - 17:00
First Class Week 1, Tuesday, 14:00 - 17:00, Zone: King's Buildings. Lecture
Additional information Room 304B, Grant Institute
Exam Information
Exam Diet Paper Name Hours:Minutes Stationery Requirements Comments
Main Exam Diet S2 (April/May)1:302 x 8 sides
Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes
At the end of this course students should understand the principal areas, features, boundaries, terminology and conventions of groundwater and solute transport modelling. They will therefore understand the concepts of the development of
partial differential balance equations describing groundwater flow, solute and heat transport; have a good understanding of the finite difference, finite element and finite volume methods of solving the balance equations and will understand calibration, validation, sensitivity analysis and verification. They should have a critical understanding of the principal theories, concepts and principles as well as a detailed knowledge and understanding of how to convert a conceptual hydrogeological model into a numerical model which can then be used to predict the behaviour of groundwater and solute transport. Accordingly, students will develop a hydrogeological conceptual model into a predictive model of groundwater, contaminant and heat flow and transport, they will understand the key principles behind most numerical models of flow and transport (readily applicable beyond the field of hydrogeology) and will understand the key constraints required for solving the balance equations including different boundary conditions, initial conditions, source terms, time control and mesh generation. They will be introduced to the three main grid based methodologies of solving the partial differential balance equations describing groundwater, solute and energy advective diffusive transport, hands-on experience of established industry stand models, a research code and excel spreadsheets demonstrating the principles. Students will be trained in the use of a standard industry groundwater and solute transport model code and a research code including heat transport and coupled process modelling (Visual Modflow and Open GeoSys).
Accompanying the course they are required to complete a number of practical based assignments including a scenario assessment requiring the use of the techniques learnt and an assessment of uncertainty in the modelling techniques and parameterisation. They should be able to make judgements where data/ information is limited or comes from a range of sources and be able to apply the numerical models to groundwater resources management problems addressing real life issues. They will understand the limitations of the approaches and how to deal with uncertainty. They will be introduced to complex ethical and professional issues and recognise the limits of the approaches which can be taken.
Assessment Information
Continuous assessment exercises 60%
Degree Examination 40%
Special Arrangements
None
Additional Information
Academic description Not entered
Syllabus Not entered
Transferable skills Not entered
Reading list Not entered
Study Abroad Not entered
Study Pattern Not entered
Keywords Groundwater, Modelling
Contacts
Course organiser Dr Chris Mcdermott
Tel:
Email: cmcdermo@staffmail.ed.ac.uk
Course secretary Miss Emma Latto
Tel: (0131 6)50 8510
Email: emma.latto@ed.ac.uk
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copyright 2011 The University of Edinburgh - 31 January 2011 7:33 am