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.
Subject objectives
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
- a high level of ability to analyse and evaluate environmental models