Handbook home
Quantitative Environmental Modelling (ENEN90031)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 1
Overview
Availability | Semester 1 |
---|---|
Fees | Look up fees |
AIMS
Environmental problems are highly complex and challenging to analyse and are often addressed through modelling. Being skilled at environmental modelling is a core professional requirement for an Environmental Engineer. 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 subject complements ENEN90032 Environmental Analysis Tools and ENEN90028 Monitoring Environmental Impacts which provide other core environmental engineering skills. It provides modelling skills for a wide range of discipline based subjects such as ENEN90006 Solid Wastes, ENEN90034 Environmental Applied Hydrology and ENEN90027 Energy for Sustainable Development. The subject is of particular relevance to all Environmental Engineers but is also of relevance to a range of engineering and environmental analysis disciplines that require advanced modelling skills.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
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.
Students will use MatLab to undertake modelling tasks and will be required to learn some MatLab programming skills in the subject.
Intended learning outcomes
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILO)
On completion of this subject the sstudent expected 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
- Apply, calibrate and evaluate a quantitative model of the problem using generic modelling software in a MATLAB programming environment
- Apply models to investigate problems and synthesise recommendations based on the modelling
- Write and present engineering reports of modelling studies.
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
- Capacity for lifelong learning and professional development.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Admission to the 206EC Master of Environmental Engineering
OR
Students must have completed either the following subject:
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
MAST20029 | Engineering Mathematics |
Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
Or BOTH OF:
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
MAST20030 | Differential Equations | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
MAST20009 | Vector Calculus |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Assessment
Additional details
- One MatLab assignment (10%) of approximately 500 words, due week 3 and requiring 13 to 15 hours of work. Intended Learning Outcome (ILO) 3 is addressed in the assignment
- One modelling report (20%) of approximately 1000 words, due week 6 and requiring 25 to 30 hours of work. ILOs 3, 4 and 5 are addressed in the report
- One modelling report (30%) of approximately 1500 words, due week 12 and requiring 35 to 40 hours of work. ILOs 3, 4 and 5 are addressed in the report
- One critical literature review (30%) of approximately 2000 words, due during the examination period and requiring 35 to 40 hours of work. ILOs 1, 2 and 5 are addressed in the review
- One 10-minute oral presentation of the literature review (10%) during week 11 or 12 and requiring 13-15 hours of work. ILOs 1, 2 and 5 are addressed in the presentation of review.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Andrew Western Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 48 hours (Lectures: 2 hours per week; Computer Laboratories: 2 hours per week) Total time commitment 200 hours Teaching period 26 February 2018 to 27 May 2018 Last self-enrol date 9 March 2018 Census date 31 March 2018 Last date to withdraw without fail 4 May 2018 Assessment period ends 22 June 2018 Semester 1 contact information
Time commitment details
200 hours
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Recommended texts and other resources
Beven, K. 2009 Environmental Modelling: An Uncertain Future? Routledge
- Subject notes
LEARNING AND TEACHING METHODS
The learning in this subject is a combination of problem based learning in computer workshops and through assignments and lectures that provide the theoretical background for each. In addition each student undertakes and presents a literature review on an environmental modelling topic of their choice. The modelling assignments allow for choice between water, energy and waste focussed problems.
INDICATIVE KEY LEARNING RESOURCES
The subject textbook is Beven, K. 2009 Environmental Modelling: An Uncertain Future? Routledge.
In addition a range of journal papers, many of which are review papers, are provided.
Students are also expected to search the journal and other literature available through the library.
MatLab self-paced learning is available at http://aaee-scholar.pbworks.com/Learn-MATLAB
CAREERS / INDUSTRY LINKS
Presenter(s) from industry present a modelling case study. Students who are already working in industry can base their literature review topic on an aspect of modelling relevant to their workplace. - Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Master of Philosophy - Engineering Course Master of Environmental Engineering Course Doctor of Philosophy - Engineering Course Master of Engineering Structures Course Ph.D.- Engineering Course Master of Information Technology Major Energy Efficiency Modelling and Implementation Major Energy Studies Major Energy Efficiency Modelling and Implementation Major Energy Efficiency Modelling and Implementation Major Energy Studies Specialisation (formal) Spatial Major Waste Management Major Integrated Water Catchment Management Major Tailored Specialisation Major Integrated Water Catchment Management Major Integrated Water Catchment Management Major Tailored Specialisation Major Tailored Specialisation Major Tailored Specialisation Major Tailored Specialisation Major Tailored Specialisation Major Waste Management Major Waste Management Specialisation (formal) Environmental - Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Additional information for this subject
Subject coordinator approval required
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 3 November 2022