Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

The capacity for management of complex environmental problems such as climate change, now and in the future, will rely on the capacity of environmental managers to create, interpret and critically analyse models of environmental systems. Mathematical model building promotes the capacity to understand the interdependent relationships that characterise environmental systems and also provides a quantitative foundation for informed environmental management.

Aims

This unit aims to:

1. Develop the application of analytical and quantitative skills to environmental systems.
2. Provide an understanding of the underlying philosophy of mathematical modelling.
3. Provide some practical modelling skills.
4. Illustrate the link between modelling and environmental management.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, you should be able to:

1. Describe an environmental system or process, determine the appropriate level of complexity with which to model the environmental system or process, and be able to make reasonable assumptions about the system.
2. Critically analyse models used to analyse environmental systems.
3. Understand the principles, uses, and limitations of environmental models and be able to formulate models of environmental processes..
4. Use concepts of data analysis and modelling appropriate to environmental systems, and use appropriate techniques to report on these.
5. Understand the relationship of monitoring, modelling, and management.

Content

The unit includes:

Examination of the structure of a variety of environmental systems.
Principles of physicochemical and biologic modelling.
Different types and uses of environmental models.
Practical application of appropriate models to solve environmental problems.
Limitations of modelling and interpretation of model results.
Fundamentals of data analysis (statistical) and scientific modelling (natural analogues, physical models, mathematical models).

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

One two-hour lecture and one two-hour practical per week. Achievement of the unit objectives necessitates practice of model building and analysis of modelling results.

Assessment

All assessment contributes to your grade.Feedback will be provided.

Assessment name: Examination (Theory)
Description: (Summative) - Theory examination. The exam will be an open book exam designed to examine your grasp of concepts associated with the selection and creation of appropriate environmental models, and appropriate interpretation and analysis of model results.
Relates to objectives: 1 to 5.
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Exam Period

Assessment name: Project (applied)
Description: (Formative and summative) - This assessment will consist of 2 projects, both of which will involve model creation and the interpretation of model output. The first project will have a weighting of 10% of the final mark, and will deal with basic principles of model construction and the display and interpretation of results. For project 2 you will be required to create a more complex model dealing with a specified environmental problem. You are encouraged to submit drafts of your report to the lecturer for comment for up to 7 days before the due date.
Relates to objectives: 1 to 5.
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Early & Mid-Semester

Assessment name: Report
Description: (Formative and summative) - Written report with additional oral presentation. This is a major assessment item consisting of the creation of a model to allow for more in depth analysis and management of a contemporary Australian environmental problem. You will write a report (30% of final mark) and give an oral presentation (10% of final mark) to describe the problem, the development and structure of your model, and to demonstrate how your model can be used to assist in the management of the problem. You are encouraged to seek feedback from the lecturer at all stages of model development and report write-up, and are required to demonstrate that you are meeting an agreed timeline for model development and write-up that will be discussed in class. You are encouraged to submit drafts of your written report up to 14 days before the due date.
Relates to objectives: 1 to 5.
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Late Semester

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

References:

1. Grant WE, Perderson EK & Martin SL (1997) Ecology and Natural Resource Management: Systems Analysis and Simulation, Brisbane: John Wiley

2. Clark MM (1996) Transport Modeling for Environmental Engineers and Scientists, Brisbane: John Wiley

3. Schnoor JL (1996) Environmental Modeling: Fate and Transport of Pollutants in Water, Air and Soil, Brisbane: John Wiley

4. Hannon BM & Matthias R (1997) Modeling Dynamic Biological Systems, Levin, New York: Springer

5. Mitch WJ & Jorgensen SE (eds) (1989) Ecological Engineering: An Introduction to Ecotechnology, New York: Wiley

6. Jorgensen SE, Halling-Sorensen B, Nielsen SN (1996) Handbook of Environmental and Ecological Modelling, Boca Raton, FL : Lewis Publishers

7. Gillman M & Hails R (1997) Ecological Modelling: Putting Theory into Practice, Blackwell Science

8. Ott WR (1995) Environmental Statistics and Data Analysis, Lewis Publishers

9. Herendeen RA (1998) Ecological Numeracy: Quantitative Analysis of Environmental Issues, John Wiley

10. Harte J (1988) Consider a Spherical Cow: A Course in Environmental Problem Solving, University Science Books

11. Wainwright J & Mulligan M (2004) Environmental Modelling - Finding Simplicity in Complexity, Chichester: John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Risk assessment statement

This unit consists of classroom-based lectures, discussions and practicals, all of which are extremely low-risk activities. No significant health and safety issues are raised by this unit.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 19-Oct-2012