Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

The aim of this module is to introduce the essential elements of conceptual and numerical groundwater modelling, along with providing practical experience of interpreting existing models and developing groundwater numerical models. Participants will gain the ability to apply a systems approach to the water environment, with an understanding of the contribution groundwater makes to the water cycle.


The material covered in this course supports the fundamental activities necessary for groundwater investigations and assessments and introduces the more complex and detailed process for numerical modelling. An evidenced appreciation (derived via modelling) is critical for applications such as the security of water resources and contaminated land investigations.

Outline Of Syllabus

To engage with the workflow of groundwater assessment the module covers;
•Essential geology for hydrogeology.
•Groundwater flow processes.
•Conceptual model creation and development
•Numerical methods for groundwater modelling.
•use of groundwater modelling software.
•Case studies.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

On completion of the course the participant should:
•Be able to identify, interpret and critically evaluate data, knowing what data are required for groundwater modelling and where/how such data can be obtained.
oM1 – M6, M17
•Be able to create, evaluate and update conceptual groundwater models.
oM1 – M7, M16
•Understand the process for numerical groundwater modelling, and be able to describe and implement numerical modelling software and techniques for water resource management.
oM1 – M6

Intended Skill Outcomes

On completion of the Course the participant should have achieved the following skills:
•Use of analytical and numerical models to test conceptual understanding of groundwater systems. (M1-M7, M17)
•       Ability to access, interpret and apply hydrogeological data. (M1-M7, M16)

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Teaching and learning methods to address problem solving and software skills development, supported by theory- based and broader conceptual learning using lectures and tutorial activities.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

This module is focused on understanding the fundamental groundwater processes and demonstrating that via the creation of a conceptual model that can be further developed using analytical equations and numerical groundwater flow models. The assessment is based on 100% coursework. The written exercise requires the student to build a new simple groundwater model, and to explore the model sensitivity given a range of scenarios. This tests the students' ability to develop their own model, and their understanding of some of the theory underlying model development.

General Notes

N/A