Studying online
There are now 2 possible online modes for units:
Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.
Click on an offering mode for more details.
Unit Overview
- Description
Decision making for managing environmental systems is increasingly guided by modelling studies in which risks to environmental condition are quantified and future scenarios are assessed. Students are introduced step-by-step to model building of environmental systems drawn from examples such as climate change and land-use change impacts on biodiversity, water and contaminant movement in natural and disturbed landscapes, rivers and also coastal systems. The unit covers issues including the use of models in decision support frameworks, uncertainty and model assessment methods.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
(see Timetable) Availability Location Mode Semester 2 UWA (Perth) Face to face Semester 2 Albany Face to face - Details for undergraduate courses
- Level 3 core unit in the Environmental Science; Integrated Earth and Marine Sciences; Environmental Science and Management; Marine Science; Environmental Management; Marine and Coastal Processes; Environmental Science and Ecology; Geographical and Spatial Science major sequences
- Level 3 elective
- Outcomes
Students are able to (1) demonstrate a good knowledge of systems analysis, its terminology, core concepts and its use in environmental science; (2) develop an overview of model approaches and the utility of different types of models for understanding environmental systems; (3) develop conceptual models describing interactions and processes relevant to environmental systems, ranging from catchment to coast and considering both physical and ecological dimensions; (4) translate conceptual models into simple quantitative compartment models and demonstrate use of more advanced modelling packages; and (5) assess how models can be used as decision support tools for environmental management, and understand the basic principles of model sensitivity and uncertainty assessment.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) modelling workbook (40 per cent); (2) online theory quiz (20 per cent); and (3) written report (40 per cent). Further information is available in the unit outline.
Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Unit Coordinator(s)
- Dr Matt Hipsey
- Unit rules
- Prerequisites
- Successful completion of
- Contact hours
- lectures: 2 hours per week
labs and computer labs: 3 hours per week - Text
-
Wainright, J. and Mulligan, M. Environmental Modelling: Finding Simplicity in Complexity, 2nd edn: Wiley Publishers 2013
- The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
- All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
- Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
- Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.
Face to face
Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Online flexible
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online timetabled
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online Restricted
Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.
NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.
External
No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.
Off-campus
Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.
Multi-mode
Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.