MSc Pollution and Environmental Control

The unit uses urban environment theme case studies to develop environmental modelling skills and project management skills to work through a project life cycle for a simulated science/consultancy project using real-world case studies. This unit is complimentary to the ‘Measuring and Predicting Part 1’ unit which teaches how to carry out an independent research project by defining a general process for research.

The emphasis is on developing advanced modelling skills and learning detailed knowledge about one of the following topics: flood prevention and mitigation in cities and water resource planning for future urban and economic development. The emphasis is on how the models relate to the real world rather than computational details. The unit runs with staff-supported individual and team-based independent study, working weekly to complete a series of activities culminating in assessed coursework.

We run a series of workshop-style sessions where the focus of the initial sessions teaches the process of project planning, how to produce a project strategy and techniques for project monitoring and reporting. This gives a framework into which the subsequent sessions can focus on advanced modelling-related content which can be integrated for each of the real-world case studies. The final sessions present an opportunity to synthesise the prior learning using model output to present solutions and recommendations as a technical note to stakeholders and give an oral (or video) presentation.

Students write individual technical documents which show an appreciation of the standards expected at the university post-graduate level. Students will make illustrated group oral presentations using animations, videos, and infographics to demonstrate their ability to defend their position in a seminar environment. Students demonstrate record keeping, project management and team working skills; and professional resilience in dealing with difficulties and challenges.

To prepare students to carry out an independent research/consultancy project by defining a general process for research and teaching general skills related to environmental modelling using industry-standard software for ‘problem-based learning’ using urban environment-themed topics including how urban and industrial development perturb the natural environment and natural processes impact on populated areas.

To prepare students to manage a project and work in a team to work through a ‘project life cycle’ for a simulated research/consultancy project by solving real-world problems.

2-hour workshop plus 1-hour group work session (in the classroom or online) and 1-hour drop-in online help session each week. 
Modelling workshop sessions are supplemented with live demonstrations of key software using real-world example data sets, with some led by experts from the water industry. Students learn by undertaking in-class and online modelling exercises. In-class quizzes and tests are used to check learning outcomes are being achieved.
Content
1.    Introduction to Urban Environmental Science Project
2.    Assessment Approach 1 – Flood risk modelling
3.    Assessment Approach 2 – Water resource modelling
4.    Project Planning - Conceptualisation
5.    Project Planning – data issues
6.    Project Planning
7.    Environmental Science Project 1 - Applying Strategy 
8.    Environment Science Project 2 – Evaluating Results  
9.    Environment Science Project 3 – Evaluating Climate Change  
10.    Reporting Outcomes – Part 1 
11.    Communicate Outcomes 
12.    Communicate Outcomes

· Staff supported individual and team-based independent study, working weekly to complete a series of activities in classes and away from the University which culminate with assessed coursework.

· The initial sessions teach the general process of project planning and developing a project strategy including techniques for project monitoring and give a framework into which the subsequent sessions on more specifically environmental modelling-related content can be integrated for each case study. The final sessions present an opportunity to synthesise the prior learning in a case study using model output to present this as a briefing note, and oral or audio-visual presentation.

· 2-hour weekly workshop-style sessions online covering the planning of the science project, different techniques modelling approach, relevant theory, case studies, and techniques for data analyses and visualisation

· 1-hour weekly session for group work in the classroom and online using collaborative with some guided learning where students may download and use models to simulate environmental processes, plot / interpret the results, and allocate tasks between team members

· Teaching will be in the form of video lectures with videos available at the start of the course.

· Industry experts demonstrate advanced modelling software in class with students.

· Team-based independent study is expected weekly to progress modelling and reporting.

· Regular contact with your tutor through online video-conferenced weekly help sessions.

· Software used is freely available online for formative learning which can be used away from the University.

· Supplemented with online video to aid with technical tasks with regular online help.

· Courses involve some online quizzes or self-tests so the tutor can keep track of individual and group progress.

· Formative assessment through online BB tests with immediate feedback to check progress and learning outcomes.

· Summative assessment is by a portfolio of coursework:

§ Quiz - Online tests (Individual)

§ Planning – Project plan, activity schedule, programme, risk register (Group)

§ Presentation - Oral or video presentation (Group)

§ Report and Record keeping – Technical report (individual) for stakeholders and model Log (Individual)

· Synthesis – group work to prepare presentations or video subsequent peer-review (marked by staff)

· Coursework assignments are submitted online through the University’s virtual learning environment and students will receive grades and feedback through the same platform.

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