MSc Pollution & Environmental Control / Course details

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 for real world case studies. This unit is complimentary to ‘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 on the following topics: flood prevention and mitigation in cities, flood risk impacts from dam failure to mountain settlements, 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 which culminate a portfolio of 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 study. The final sessions present an opportunity to synthesise the prior learning using model output to present solutions and recommendations as a briefing note to stakeholders and give an oral (or video) presentation.

Students write individual and co-authored technical documents which show an appreciation of the standards expected at university post-graduate level. Students will make illustrated oral presentations using animations, videos and infographics to demonstrate 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.

2-hour workshop plus 1-hour group work session (in the classroom) and 1-hour drop-in help session each week. 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
Introduction to Environmental Science Project
structure
Learning outcomes
Assessment and feedback 
Introduction to course software
Introduction to flood risk modelling
Introduction to water resource modelling 
Introduction to real-world case studies UK and Ethiopia
2.Assessment Approach 1-Flood risk modelling
Flood risk modelling 
Why flood modelling is important
What is 1D flood modelling 
Demonstration of Flood Modeller Pro (FMP) software
Visualisation of model output
3.Assessment Approach 2–Water resource modelling
Water resource modelling 
Water balance components
Water resource models and application
Demonstration of WEAP software (and online)
Visualisation of model output
4.Project Planning-Conceptualisation
Introduction to project planning–conceptualisation 
Conceptualising the problem
Conceptualisation steps
Project strategy
Scope of works 
Data issues and information available
Explore GIS information
Virtual Study Tour
5.Project Planning–data issues
Introduction to project planning 
Project strategy
Why is data needed
Data Exploration
Data issues
Data types
Reviewing data
6.Project Planning
Defining a project scope
Defining aims and objectives
SMART objectives
Project plans 
Key activities to produce a method statement 
Managing activities 
Constraints and risks
Programming project tasks
Project management
7.Environmental Science Project 1-Applying Strategy 
Detailed introduction to Upton upon River Severn UK and Lake Awassa Ethiopia  case studies
Review data input, model schematisation, and model setup for either a 1D river model representing River Severn in the UK or a water resource model for Lake Awassa in Ethiopia 
Use models to simulate results for presents scenarios 
Process model outputs and visualises and understand model results
8.Environment Science Project 2–Evaluating Results  
Set up and simulate models for future scenarios
Examine results and determine key findings
Sources of uncertainty 
Quantifying uncertainty 
Managing and communicating uncertainty
9.Environment Science Project 3–Evaluating Climate Change  
Set up and simulate models for climate change scenarios
Examine results and determine key findings from climate change scenarios
Managing and communicating climate change uncertainty
10.Reporting Outcomes–Part 1 
Assessing outcomes
Evaluating results and drawing conclusions
Communicating results 
Lessons learned
Preparing a technical report 
Structure for a technical presentation 
Demonstration of Audio Visual (AV) software to produce project video
11.Communicate Outcomes 
Oral or video presentation (group A)-Written staff and peer feedback provided after presentations
12.Communicate Outcomes
Oral or video presentation (group B)-Written staff and peer feedback provided after presentations
 

• Staff supported individual and team-based independent study, working weekly to complete a series of activities in classes and away from the University which culminates in a technical note as 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 the 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

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