2015/16 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

GEOG3710 Digital worlds: computer simulation of Earth's dynamic environments

20 creditsClass Size: 20

Module manager: Prof Andy Baird
Email: a.j.baird@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2015/16

Pre-requisite qualifications

GEOG2095 or GEOG2115 or an equivalent qualification as agreed with the module convenor

Pre-requisites

GEOG2095	Skills for Physical Geographers
GEOG2115	Research project and statistical skills in physical geograph

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

The module considers the art and science of the formulation, construction, and testing of computer models of environmental processes such as water movement in catchments. Key modelling concepts such as calibration and sensitivity analysis are introduced using workshops and lectures and are re-enforced through computer practicals. Both the advantages and disadvantages of a modelling approach are covered. Those successfully completing the module will be able to formulate and test their own models and will gain key skills that will allow them to judge the quality of models produced by other workers (including environmental consultants).

Objectives

On successful completion of this module, students will have gained a good understanding of:
- the uses of computer models of environmental systems,
- how dynamic store-and-flow systems are represented in computer models,
- issues of calibration, uncertainty, and sensitivity analysis, and
- how data variability affects model testing and how such variability can, itself, be modelled.

Learning outcomes
Students will gain a good appreciation of how models are used within physical geography and environmental science; in so doing, they will learn the advantages and limitations of a modelling approach. They will be able to design and test their own models, the latter using field data. They will also be equipped to critique and judge the usefulness of models produced by other workers.

Skills outcomes
On completion of this module students will be able to:
- Write confidently and knowledgably on the formulation, testing and use of models within physical geography and environmental science.
- Code their own models, using numerical methods such as the finite-difference method (where appropriate).
- Test their models and models produced by other workers.

Syllabus

- Lectures/workshops will be used to introduce key modelling concepts (a. Why model?; b. Lumped store-and-flow models; c. Distributed models and numerical methods; d. Model boundary conditions; e. Model error, calibration, and sensitivity analysis; f. Testing models with field data).
- These concepts will be underpinned by computer practicals.
- Students will also be introduced to example models from a variety of disciplines, which may include hydrology, geomorphology and ecology.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
presentation	2	2.00	4.00
Lecture	16	1.00	16.00
Practical	9	2.00	18.00
Seminar	1	2.00	2.00
Private study hours			160.00
Total Contact hours			40.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Private study

The lectures will include follow-on reading material that students will be expected to complete in preparation for subsequent lectures and practical classes. Students will also have to complete homework exercises (usually data-response questions) for the lectures (they will be questioned on their answers in the following week's lecture). Most led/timetabled practicals will require completion in students' own time. Private study time will also have to be spent on preparation of the coursework assessment and revising for the exam.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Student progress will be monitored via workshop and practical class performance. Each week's practical will be discussed at the beginning of the following week's lecture/workshop. The module will start with a short informal exam or quiz on some key topics. A second quiz on the same topics will be set early in semester 2 and students given feedback on their performance. This feedback will allow them and us to judge how well they are engaging with the model prior to completing formally-assessed work. Feedback will also be provided on progress with the project report.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Group Project	2,500-word 'consultancy-style' report	50.00
Oral Presentation	'Consultancy-style' presentation	10.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		60.00

The group project will be done by students in groups of two or three. The group will do the modelling work and the presentation, but the project write-ups will be done individually. Written feedback will be provided at the end of Semester 1 on a 'progress update' for the assessed report to help students gauge how well they are doing.

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)	2 hr 00 mins	40.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		40.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 10/09/2015

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