Individual Module Outline
Course module - Environmental Monitoring & Modelling Concepts
Code : GEOG70581 Credit rating: 15 Semester : 1
Aims
• To understand the role of environmental models.
• To acquaint students with the types of models used in environmental science.
• To introduce students to the techniques used for environmental monitoring and modelling.
Intended learning outcomes
• Been introduced to modelling terrestrial and aquatic systems.
• Awareness of the utility of different environmental models.
• Gained practical experience of modelling environmental phenomena.
• Appreciate the assumptions and problems associated with environmental models.
• Understand the range of techniques used for environmental measurement and monitoring.
Additionally, during the course unit, students should develop/improve the following abilities and skills:
• Data processing.
• Database management.
• Spatial analysis using a Geographical Information System (GIS).
• Multivariate statistical analysis.
Assessment
Students will be assessed by three practical exercises:
Practical 1: ‘Modelling Riverine Nitrogen Dynamics’ (Formative).
Practical 2: ‘Flow Algorithms’ (30%).
Practical 3: ‘Modelling River Water Quality’ (70%).
Feedback will be given for each of the practical exercises.
Information
Brief description of unit
1. Measuring environmental phenomena
2. Environmental monitoring
3. Models and modelling
4. Biogeochemical models
5. Hydrological models
6. Geomorphological models
7. Modelling pollutants in aquatic systems
Course materials
Course Materials and Handouts (current students only)
SED intranet
Timetable
Learning and teaching processes
The course is delivered through a mixture of staff-led seminars, discussion sessions and computer-based practical exercises.
Indicative reading
Beven, K. (2000). Rainfall-Runoff Modelling. John Wiley and Sons, Chichester.
Burrough, P.A., McDonnell, R.A. (1998). Principles of Geographical Information Systems. Oxford University Press, New York.
Chorley, R.J., Haggett, P. (1967) Models in Geography. Methuen, London.
Hardisty, J., Taylor, D.M., S.E., Metcalfe. (1993). Computerized Environmental Modelling: A Practical Introduction using Excel. John Wiley, Chichester.
Kirkby, M.J., Naden, P.S., Burt, T.P., Butcher, D.P. (1992). Computer Simulation in Physical Geography. Second Edition. John Wiley, Chichester.
Lindsay, J.B. (2005). The Terrain Analysis System: A tool for hydro-geomorphic applications. Hydrological Processes, 19(5): 1123-1130
MacMillan, B. (1989). Remodelling Geography. Blackwell, Oxford.
Skidmore, A. (2002). Environmental Modelling with GIS and Remote Sensing. Taylor & Francis.
Smith, J., Smith, P.E. (2007). Environmental Modelling: An Introduction. Oxford University Press.
Wainwright, J. and Mulligan, M. (2004). Environmental Modelling: Finding Simplicity in Complexity. John Wiley, Chichester.