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Environmental Modelling (EVSC90020)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Dual-Delivery (Parkville)
To learn more, visit 2023 Course and subject delivery.
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 - Dual-Delivery |
---|---|
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 the ability to:
- Articulate the role of modelling in environmental science;
- Describe and evaluate a range of environmental models in use and choose an appropriate modelling framework for a particular environmental problem; and
- Analyse models of environmental systems and processes.
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 amenable 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 January 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
MAST90044 | Thinking and Reasoning with Data | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
OR
600-615 Thinking and Reasoning with Data or equivalent statistical subject
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 January 2024
Assessment
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Report on a practical exercise
| Week 3-5 | 15% |
Report on a case study model
| Week 6 | 30% |
Oral presentation on case study model
| From Week 8 to Week 12 | 10% |
Take home written exam
| During the examination period | 45% |
Last updated: 31 January 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Coordinator Michael McCarthy Mode of delivery Dual-Delivery (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 27 February 2023 to 28 May 2023 Last self-enrol date 10 March 2023 Census date 31 March 2023 Last date to withdraw without fail 5 May 2023 Assessment period ends 23 June 2023 Semester 1 contact information
Time commitment details
170 hours
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Last updated: 31 January 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Recommended texts and other resources
Environmental Modelling: Finding Simplicity in Complexity (Wainwright and Mulligan)
Bayesian Methods for Ecology (McCarthy)
- 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.
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
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: 31 January 2024