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Modelling the Real World (EVSC20007)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
For information about the University’s phased return to campus and in-person activity in Winter and Semester 2, please refer to the on-campus subjects page.
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Please refer to the LMS for up-to-date subject information, including assessment and participation requirements, for subjects being offered in 2020.
Overview
Availability | Semester 2 |
---|---|
Fees | Look up fees |
The ability to model natural and human phenomena is key to understanding physical, biological and human environments. Models can be conceptual, logical, mathematical and software based; this subject explores how models of varying complexity can be used for modelling systems in the real world depending on resolution needed and information available.
Population growth, disease propagation, traffic flows, pollution dispersion, earthquake impacts, climate and energy prediction models are widely used to plan for the sustainable use of resources and management of the natural and built environment. Using real-world examples drawn from physics, chemistry, biology and earth sciences, this subject introduces students to framing these, sometimes complex, systems firstly as conceptual models, then as logical and mathematical models. These logical and mathematical models are then brought to life using tools such as software representations and simulations for the system of interest.
These real world models are used to test hypotheses and observables. Visualisation tools along with the ability to formulate and simulate natural and human systems are skills readily transferrable to many science, engineering, business and medical professions.
Intended learning outcomes
Upon completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- Formulate natural and human phenomena in a conceptual framework.
- Translate a conceptual model of an observed system into a mathematical and logical model representation.
- Design a software model based upon a mathematical and logical representation of a system.
- Visualise and predict the temporal and spatial evolution of a system using software tools.
- Evaluate hypotheses and the various models with observational data.
Generic skills
- Think critically: organise observations of complex systems into alternative frameworks
- Problem-solving skills: the ability to engage with unfamiliar problems and identify relevant solution strategies
- Modelling skills: to design simple computer programs to solve models and test hypotheses
- Time-management skills: the ability to meet regular deadlines while balancing competing commitments
Last updated: 15 February 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
A score of 29 VCE - 3/4 Specialist Mathematics or
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
MAST10005 | Calculus 1 |
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
At least 12.5 points completed from BIOL, CHEM, COMP, ERTH, EVSC, GEOG, PHYC
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: 15 February 2024
Assessment
Due to the impact of COVID-19, assessment may differ from that published in the Handbook. Students are reminded to check the subject assessment requirements published in the subject outline on the LMS
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
A mid-semester test
| Week 6 | 20% |
Four laboratory exercises completed during practice classes, held at regular intervals due in weeks 4, 8, 10, 12 (10% for each exercise) | From Week 4 to Week 12 | 40% |
A written examination
| During the examination period | 40% |
Additional details
Last updated: 15 February 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Coordinator Robyn Schofield Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 24 x one-hour lectures (2 per week), 12 x two-hour practice classes (1 per week) Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 3 August 2020 to 1 November 2020 Last self-enrol date 14 August 2020 Census date 21 September 2020 Last date to withdraw without fail 16 October 2020 Assessment period ends 27 November 2020
Last updated: 15 February 2024
Further information
- Texts
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Informal specialisation Science-credited subjects - new generation B-SCI - Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Design
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art)
- Bachelor of Music
- 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: 15 February 2024