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 THURSDAYS 9.30 - 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 |
Week 1 Lesson 1
- What is a model?
- Types of Model
- Model Implementation
- Deterministic & Stochastic Models
- Model components
Week 2
Lesson 2
- Validation
- Compartment Flow models
- Differential equations
- Introduction to the OpenModel software
Week 3
Lesson 3
- OpenModel software
- Example
Practical 1 (part 1)
Week 4
Lesson 4
- Model Uncertainty
- Model Sensitivity
- Monte Carlo simulation
- Examples
Practical 1 (part 2)
Week 5
Lesson 5
- Overview of data analysis using Excel
- Introduction to basic statistical tests
- Probability theory
Practical 2
Week 6 Self-study time
Week 7 Lesson 6
- Population Dynamics Predator-Prey
Week 8 Self-study time
Week 9 Lesson 7
- Model Complexity
- Model Fitting
- Model Calibration
Week 10 Self-study time
Week 11 Self-study time
Week 12 Lesson 8
- Conclusions and general discussion
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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
|
| Academic year 2015/16, Not available to visiting students (SS1)
|
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
0 %,
Coursework
100 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
|
| Additional Information (Assessment) |
The course will be assessed through two computer laboratory class reports (25% and 15%) covering key course aspects and a 2000 words 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
|
Reading List
-- Hardisty J. (1993) Computerised environmental modelling: a practical introduction using Excel, Chichester: Wiley (University of Edinburgh Library)
- Keesman K. (1993) Modelling change in environmental systems. Chichester : Wiley (University of Edinburgh Library)
- Morrison J. and Morecroft M.D. (2006) Plant growth and climate change. Oxford; Ames, Iowa: Blackwell Pub. (University of Edinburgh Library)
- Smith J. and Smith P. (2007). Introduction to Environmental Modelling. Oxford: Oxford University Press. (SRUC Library)
- Thornley J.H.M. (1998) Grassland Dynamics. An Ecosystem Simulation Model. Wallingford : CAB INTERNATIONAL (University of Edinburgh Library)
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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: Davide.Tarsitano@sruc.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Mrs Elspeth Martin
Tel: 0131 535 4198
Email: Elspeth.Martin@sruc.ac.uk |
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