| Unit name | Environmental Modelling Applications |
|---|---|
| Unit code | GEOGM0058 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Cornford |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | School of Geographical Sciences |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science |
The aim of the unit is to demonstrate how numerical modelling is used to understand and predict the behaviour of environmental systems. It will use a series of examples to build an understanding of the basic principles used in the construction of numerical models of environmental processes, as well as illustrating the more philosophical issues related to their use including their validation and verification. Students will also gain insight into the construction of these models in terms of both the numerical approximation of the underlying equations and the programming issues presented in their coding.
Upon completion of this unit, students will have
10 two-hour computer-lab based lectures (mixture of computer practicals and lectures); associated support by workshops and tutorials.
Computer-based practicals are a key element of this unit and will play a major role in the unit’s assessment. The most likely model for this assessment is based a around a form of lab note book, in which students answer questions set out in the associated practical along with a small number of more open-ended questions geared at testing their wider understanding and requiring engagement with the literature. The mode of marking will be based around balancing staff workload with the need to provide on-going feedback to the students.
The wider aspects of the unit will tested via a report towards the end of the unit based on a mini-project conducted by the students (most likely in groups) and based on one of the models that they have previously used in the unit. This assessment is intended to focus students away from the taught component of the programme and towards thinking about potential dissertation topics.
Weekly lab notebook (60%)
2000 word report at end of the unit (40%)
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. GEOGM0058).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an
assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
