Postgraduate Course: Computational Methods for Global Change Research (INFR11057)
Course Outline
| School | School of Informatics |
College | College of Science and Engineering |
| Course type | Standard |
Availability | Available to all students |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) |
Credits | 10 |
| Home subject area | Informatics |
Other subject area | None |
| Course website |
http://www.inf.ed.ac.uk/teaching/courses/cmgcr |
Taught in Gaelic? | No |
| Course description | The global economy, climate, and biosphere are inextricably linked, complex systems, incorporating physical, biological and social factors. Economic growth affects climate and ecosystems; climate change affects ecosystems and growth prospects; and ecosystems affect climate and provide resources for economic growth. In this course we will look at computational modelling of these complex systems, and prospects for integrated modelling. The focus is mainly on economics and climate - students should take "Environmental Modelling" (Geosciences) for more in-depth study of biosphere modelling. |
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
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Co-requisites | It is RECOMMENDED that students also take
Environmental Modelling (PGGE11032)
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| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | For Informatics PG and final year MInf students only, or by special permission of the School.
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| Additional Costs | None |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | None |
| Displayed in Visiting Students Prospectus? | No |
Course Delivery Information
| Not being delivered |
Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes
1 - Explain with reference to examples what types of problems can be addressed with modelling in global change research
2 - Discuss the commonly used computational methods in global change modelling
3 - economic modelling - computable general equilibrium models, agent-based models, and systems-dynamics models
4 - climate modelling - general circulation models for atmosphere and ocean
5 - ecosystem modelling - system-dynamics and agent-based models
6 - Explain with reference to examples the limitations of the studied modelling techniques.
7 - Critically evaluate research literature in the field.
8 - Design a model or set of models to explore the economic, climate and/or ecosystem effects of a proposed policy. |
Assessment Information
Written Examination 60
Assessed Assignments 40
Oral Presentations 0
Assessment
Coursework will be assessed through a mixture of problem questions and critical discussion of research papers in global change modelling.
If delivered in semester 1, this course will have an option for semester 1 only visiting undergraduate students, providing assessment prior to the end of the calendar year. |
Special Arrangements
| None |
Additional Information
| Academic description |
Not entered |
| Syllabus |
The course will cover:
1. General survey of modelling in global change research
* Areas: Economics, Ecosystems, Climate
* Methods: optimisation, agent-based, system-dynamics, gridded
2. Computable general equilibrium modelling of economic processes
3. Agent-based modelling
* Economics
* Ecosystems
4. System dynamics modelling
* Economics
* Ecosystems
* Climate
5. Gridded modelling of climate processes
* Atmosphere
* Ocean
* Biosphere
6. Integrated models
* GUMBO system dynamics model
* ECCO system dynamics model
Relevant QAA Computing Curriculum Sections: Developing Technologies, Simulation and Modelling |
| Transferable skills |
Not entered |
| Reading list |
Not entered |
| Study Abroad |
Not entered |
| Study Pattern |
Not entered |
| Keywords | Not entered |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Nigel Goddard
Tel: (0131 6)51 3091
Email: Nigel.Goddard@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Miss Gillian Bell
Tel: (0131 6)50 2692
Email: Gillian.Watt@ed.ac.uk |
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