KE7031 - Environmental Modelling

You will learn through a combination of lectures, workshops and IT practicals. Lectures and seminars will provide the necessary background knowledge on the conceptual models that underpin the physical processes captured in the computational models you encounter in the practical element of this module.

During the staff-supported IT practicals, you will learn to operate a range of Earth system models and in conjunction, quantitatively analyse large observational data sets in order to assess model performance.

In addition to directed study, you will learn independently through additional practical exercises to advance understanding and support experiential learning of models.

Formative feedback will be provided primarily through peer and staff feedback during IT practicals. We openly encourage the method of pair- programming and peer-support during practical sessions. Additionally, drop-in workshops will be offered during which formative feedback will be provided during project development as part of the summative assessment.

Teaching staff operate an ‘open door’ policy for students meaning you can approach them anytime during normal office hours, or via email, to answer questions, receive feedback and support your learning on the module.

This module will run in Semester 2 of the academic year and will enable students with no previous MATLAB programming experience to engage with introductory MATLAB workshops in scheduled practical time in KE7017: Frontiers in Geoscience and during their own independent study time during Semester 1.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding: * MLO 1: Expertise in operating state-of-the-art cryospheric, geophysical and atmospheric models and understanding their limitations and key areas for development Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities: * MLO 2: Evaluate the limitations of using computational models when they are utilised for predictive and retrodictive exercises and quantify the effect of the uncertainties * MLO 3: Advanced expertise in academia- and industry-standard computational languages Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA): * MLO 4. Develop a critical understanding of computational modelling in providing assessments of future past/behaviour of earth systems * MLO 5: Effective communication of the results of their modelling projects in scholarly written, verbal and visual form

1. Individual Modelling Project (100%). You will produce a 3000-word report written in the style of a Geophysical Research Letters journal article on a modelling project using a specific model introduced during the practicals. Formative feedback will be provided verbally in scheduled workshops to develop the research questions, methodology and experiment planning for the summative modelling project. All MLOs are addressed in this assessment.

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This module will deliver a thorough understanding of modelling methods applied to understand changes in, and between a selection of Earth systems including, the solid Earth, atmosphere and cryosphere. These subject areas are aligned to the scholarly interests of our internationally excellent research staff.

Skills gained in this module will enable you to pursue careers in the environmental consultancy sector, risk management and in further academic study. This will include advanced proficiency in programming languages such as MATLAB, and experience in a selection of other languages such as Python and Unix, enabling you to capably engage with environmental models outside of the range taught in this module.