MSc Environmental Impact Assessment & Management / Course details

The unit introduces students to a range of techniques for monitoring and modelling the environment, with case studies from hydrology and geomorphology. Topics include environmental monitoring approaches and techniques, types of environmental model, and model calibration and evaluation. Students will gain understanding of these key concepts, as well as a range of practical skills and expertise.

• Introduce students to the key approaches to measuring and monitoring environmental systems
• Teach students how to display, describe and analyse numerical environmental data
• Introduce students to the key concepts associated with environmental modelling, including model types, model structure, model calibration and model evaluation
• Develop students’ practical data analysis and modelling skills

Students will gain a range of theoretical knowledge and practical skills relating to environmental monitoring and modelling, which are highly sought by employers in the environmental sector.

In addition to the above ILOs, students will also develop the transferable skills of time management and independent study.

Topics include:

• environmental monitoring approaches and techniques, 
• working with environmental data,
• environmental models and model classification,
• model calibration and evaluation.

The unit is delivered via a mix of lectures, computer practicals, and in-class discussions (33 hours). Course materials are hosted on the VLE. Coursework is submitted and marked through turning. All sessions are synchronous although there is some asynchronous materials the students are expected to view outside of the classes. Students are expected to spend 117 hours on private study and directed reading.

• Display an awareness of the approaches to measuring and monitoring environmental phenomena through space and time.
• Select appropriate methods for displaying, describing and analysing data.
• Describe the key characteristics of environmental models, including model classification and the identification of model components.
• Evaluate model performance, including quantifying error, and identifying and explaining possible sources of error.

• Interpret and analyse numerical data.
• Integrate and synthesise evidence and information.
• Apply critical thinking and problem solving skills to practical and written work.

• Effectively display, interrogate and analyse numerical data.
• Apply statistical techniques to environmental problems.
• Calibrate and validate environmental models.
• Use a range of software for environmental data analysis and modelling.

• Use IT to an advanced level.
• Communicate written ideas and information clearly and concisely.

15 working days after hand-in, via the VLE.

Artiola, J. F., Brusseau, M. L., & Pepper, I. L. (2004). Environmental monitoring and characterization. Academic Press.

Gray, W. G., & Gray, G. A. (2017). Introduction to environmental modeling. Cambridge University Press.

Smith, J. U., & Smith, P. (2007). Introduction to environmental modelling. Oxford University Press.

Wainwright, J. & Mulligan, M. (2013). Environmental Modelling, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, Chichester, UK.