This course has been adjusted for remote participation in Sem 2 2021, however students are encouraged to attend on-campus activities if possible.
Offered in association with Fenner School.
In this course the major model types used to represent environmental systems are studied. Mathematical emphasis on how they are constructed will use the theory of inverse problems while the practical emphasis uses systems methodology. The focus will be on hydrological systems and their basic processes, combined with the constraints imposed by the limitations of real observational data.
It will be assumed that students have a reasonable grasp of different model types (time series, PDE/ODE-based models, frequency domain models) as well as understanding of the issue of uncertainty in model inputs, structure and observed outputs.
The assessment of the course will be based on written reports on selected papers, as well as a project exploring a particular paper/model in more detail. The key component of the project will be proposing potential improvements in the work done, and doing at least some initial work on evaluating these improvements. This will include components of:
analytical evaluation of model behaviour
coding the original and improved versions of the model and conducting sensitivity analysis
exploration of structure of uncertainty in model inputs.
Propagating uncertainty in inputs through the model
Note: Graduate students attend joint classes with undergraduates but are assessed separately.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Describe the basic processes and behaviour of different environmental systems and the major methods of modelling these (e.g. model family selection, model structure identification, parameter estimation, sensitivity assessment, optimisation).
- Be able to apply the concept of tradeoffs and uncertainty sources in decision-making and optimisation through critical evaluation of case studies referring to hydrology, ecology, water quality and socioeconomics.
- Evaluate the issues in building and evaluating models; formulate treatment of complex real-world problems (not just environmental problems); and select appropriate frameworks and methods to solve these, including using computer platforms and the statistical R package.
- Communicate and engage with interest groups involved in a problem; and appreciate how integrated assessment can be used for managing our environment more sustainably, and the valuable role played by modelling.
- Build a model of a system, drawing on an existing understanding of the typical behaviour of the system and available data.
- Be able to critically evaluate the limitations of a model, and identify and conduct research that will enable improvements in the model.
Indicative Assessment
- • Five reviews of selected papers (50) [LO 1,2]
- • Two presentations (10) [LO 3,4]
- • Project (40) [LO 5,6]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
Offered subject to staff availability and student demand. Regular meetings.Inherent Requirements
To be determined
Requisite and Incompatibility
You will need to contact the Mathematical Sciences Institute to request a permission code to enrol in this course.
Prescribed Texts
N/A
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 1
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $4110 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $5880 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6121 | 26 Jul 2021 | 02 Aug 2021 | 14 Sep 2021 | 29 Oct 2021 | In Person | View |
