MEnvSci Environmental Science / Course details

In the Natural Scientists Toolkit you will increase your confidence in mathematics and programming in the physical sciences. In Semester 2 there are two parts to the unit, covering: (1) maths and physics, problem solving through calculus; (2) how to develop code to solve problems in earth and environmental sciences. The Toolkit supplements the other first-year lecture and practical units and equips you with the skills you will need for 2nd year and beyond. 

The aim of the Natural Scientists Toolkit is to increase your confidence in numerical problem solving, digital tools and the use of the physical sciences in the study of earth and environmental sciences. Part 2 of the Natural Scientists Toolkit, in Semester 2, includes Mathematics (Calculus) and Computer Programming with Python. 

1. Practice the application of key concepts in mathematics and physics, such as manipulating logarithms, rearranging equations, performing algebraic operations, basic calculus and geometry.
2. Apply mathematical theory to describe real-world example problems in earth and environmental sciences.
3. Use calculus to solve ordinary and partial differential equations by separation of variables, and to arrive at approximate solutions using finite-difference.
4. Apply modern computer programming concepts to deal with data, and model fundamental problems in science
5. Synthesise results, visualise data and critically evaluate different methods for solving real-world problems