Quantitative Environmental Modelling

Subject ENEN90031 (2013)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2013.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2013.

Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 48 hours, comprising of two hours of lectures and two hours of computer laboratories per week
Total Time Commitment:

120 hours

Prerequisites:

Prerequisite/s for this subject are either:

MAST20029 Engineering Mathematics

OR both

MAST20030 Differential Equations (available from 2014) and

MAST20009 Vector Calculus

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Not offered in 2013
12.50
Corequisites:

None

Recommended Background Knowledge:

None

Non Allowed Subjects:

None

Core Participation Requirements:

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

Contact

Professor Andrew Western

Email: a.western@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

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
Objectives:

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
Assessment:
  • 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%)
Prescribed Texts:

None

Recommended Texts:

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

Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation, and solution
  • Ability to utilise a systems approach to complex problems and to design and operational performance
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Engineering (Environmental) and Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Engineering (Environmental) and Bachelor of Commerce
Master of Engineering Structures
Master of Engineering Structures
Master of Environmental Engineering
Master of Environmental Engineering
Master of Philosophy - Engineering
Ph.D.- Engineering
Postgraduate Certificate in Engineering
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Energy Efficiency Modelling and Implementation
Energy Studies
Integrated Water Catchment Management
Master of Engineering (Environmental)
Waste Management

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