Quantitative Environmental Modelling

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2012:

120 hours

The prerequisite for this subject is:

None

None

None

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Environmental problems are highly complex and challenging to analyse. This subject focuses on environmental modelling methodology including the steps of model conceptualisation, model construction, model evaluation and model application. The relationship between theoretical and empirical understanding and their use in model conceptualisation and construction will be explored. This subject introduces a range of environmental modelling techniques applicable to different environmental problems. In this subject students will conceptualise and construct, evaluate and utilise their own model to undertake a technical evaluation of a specified range of potential solutions to an environmental problem

Specific topic areas:

• System conceptualisation
• Model construction and validation (computational accuracy)
• Model evaluation
• Calibration and optimisation
• Model uncertainty assessment techniques
• Issues of appropriate model complexity
• 2-3 examples of modelling approaches such as system simulation models, Bayes’ networks, Geostatistical models, complex systems models or agent-based models (or other examples of a diverse range of model types)

On completion of this subject students should be able to:

• Select an appropriate approach to quantitative modelling of problems, given existing knowledge and data
• Develop a conceptual model designed to investigate and solve engineering problems
• Develop, calibrate and evaluate a quantitative model of the problem using generic modelling software
• Apply models to investigate problems and synthesise recommendations based on the modelling
• Write and present engineering reports of modelling studies

• One individual assignment due week 2 (10%)
• Two 1500 word group reports, due Week 6 and Week 12 (50%)
• One 1500-word individual report, due Week 10 (30%)
• One 10-minute oral presentation during the semester (10%)

None

Environmental Modelling: An Uncertain Future? (K.Beven) Routledge 2009

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation, and solution
• Ability to utilise a systems approach to complex problems and to design and operational performance