Module Catalogue 2026/27

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

The module aims are to:
• Introduce different types of modelling approaches used to represent and manage natural
catchment and river systems and water infrastructure.
• Develop understanding of methods and skills used in modelling.
• Apply different modelling approaches to practical problems relevant to the water industry.
• Address the use of modelling for practical problems of water management under pressures including
climate change.

Outline Of Syllabus

Students will be introduced to modelling concepts and procedures, including calibration, validation, uncertainty and optimization. Data and model preparation will be examined using appropriate tools (e.g. python). Students will examine different types of models which may include catchment rainfall-runoff models, 1D river hydrodynamic models and time series rainfall models, as well as model selection and limitations. Students will learn the key features and properties of global climate models and different methods for downscaling their outputs to finer scales, and how their outputs may be used with other hydroinformatic models e.g. hydrological models, to assess the effects of climate change. The use of scenarios with models for decision-making will be examined. A range of model types used in the water industry for different applications (potentially including water resources, urban water systems, groundwater, or flood risk) will be introduced.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

KO1: Differentiate between different types of models used in water resource assessment and management. (M3, M4)
KO2: Compare a range of modelling techniques (M3, M4).
KO3: Evaluate the assumptions and limitations of different models in practical applications (M3).

Intended Skill Outcomes

SO1: To select and apply appropriate models in practical water resources applications (M3).
SO2: To demonstrate and appraise the application of specific modelling techniques (M3).
SO3: To employ software tools to solve practical problems (M2, M4).
SO4: To identify, use, and appraise appropriate computational modelling methods for analysing practical problems in the water sector (M1, M2, M3).
SO5: To identify and use scientific principles in the development of engineering and environmental solutions to practical problems in the water sector (M2, M5, M17).

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The basic qualitative and quantitative understanding represented by the knowledge outcomes is imparted via a mix of formal teaching, practicals and workshop sessions with active student participation. The lectures will provide the key knowledge outcomes and the practical sessions provide an opportunity for students to improve their grasp of the subject, to question the lecturer and to practice the modelling and analytical techniques. These will address the skills outcomes. Workshops will be student-driven and will focus on individual student knowledge and skills gaps, after allowing time for guided independent study to build knowledge. Two coursework assignments provide opportunity for development and demonstration of fundamental skills and application of the acquired knowledge.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The computer assessment assesses the ability to set up and assess a hydrological model using a range of techniques (knowledge outcomes 1 and 2) and to select, apply and appraise different models and modelling techniques (skills outcomes 1-4). The written exercises assesses the ability to critically apply a range of appropriate models and modelling techniques (knowledge outcomes 2 and 3) and to compare different techniques and tools in a problem-solving context related to hydrology (skills outcomes 2-5).

General Notes

N/A