Environmental Modelling (EVSC90020)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
Modelling is a fundamental component of Environmental Science, being used for prediction, monitoring, auditing, evaluation, and assessment. This subject introduces students to a wide range of models used by environmental scientists including models of climate change, population dynamics, pollution, hydrology, habitat and species distributions. Both deterministic and stochastic models are used as examples. The subject explains how to develop conceptual models that can then be quantified and analysed using mathematical and statistical methods. Topics covered include development of the basic model structure, estimation of parameters and calibration, methods of analysis, sensitivity analysis, model evaluation and model refinement. The subject teaches students how to simplify apparently complex problems.
Intended learning outcomes
The subject aims to provide students with:
- an appreciation for the role of modelling in environmental science;
- an overview of the range of environmental models in use;
- the skills required to model environmental systems and processes;
- an introduction to the construction and mathematical analysis of environmental models; and
- a high level of ability to analyse and evaluate environmental models.
Generic skills
Generic skills gained from this subject include:
- synthesis of information from a range of sources;
- appropriate simplification of complex problems to make them amendable to analysis;
- high level written communication and presentation skills;
- high level oral communication and presentation skills;
- the ability to exercise critical judgement, think rigorously and independently, account for decisions, and solve problems; and
- application of advanced analytical methods.
Last updated: 31 October 2023
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
600-615 Thinking and Reasoning with Data or equivalent statistical subject
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAST90044 | Thinking and Reasoning with Data | Semester 1 (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: 31 October 2023
Assessment
Additional details
- one literature review or essay of up to 3000 words (30%) due mid semester;
- two reports on construction, analysis and/or evaluation of environmental models up to 3000 words in total (30% each), one due mid semester and one due at the end of semester; and
- one 15 minute oral presentation (10%) due towards the end of semester.
Last updated: 31 October 2023
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Michael McCarthy Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 2 x 1-hour lectures each week and 6 x 3-hour practical (computer laboratory) classes (42 hours in total) Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 4 March 2019 to 2 June 2019 Last self-enrol date 15 March 2019 Census date 31 March 2019 Last date to withdraw without fail 10 May 2019 Assessment period ends 28 June 2019 Semester 1 contact information
Time commitment details
170 hours
Last updated: 31 October 2023
Further information
- Texts
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
- 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.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 31 October 2023