Quantitative Environmental Modelling

This subject is not offered in 2013.

120 hours

Prerequisite/s for this subject are either:

MAST20029 Engineering Mathematics

OR both

MAST20030 Differential Equations (available from 2014) and

MAST20009 Vector Calculus

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 using a range of energy, water and waste models in Matlab. 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. Students will also develop professional judgement skills to critically evaluate models and model results.

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
• Students will have an opportunity to review a modelling topic of their choice

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

None

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

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