CEG8526 : Hydrosystems Modelling and Management
- Offered for Year: 2025/26
- Module Leader(s): Dr Stephen Blenkinsop
- Lecturer: Professor Hayley Fowler, Dr Anna Murgatroyd
- Owning School: Engineering
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
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.
The module introduces the background to different types of modelling used to represent both natural hydrological systems and water resources infrastructure. Different modelling concepts and approaches are described, from relatively simple lumped models through to complex physically based models for catchments,stochastic rainfall models, and broader systems-based approaches. Essential tools and methods are presented to address problems of model calibration, validation, and uncertainty. Advanced hydroinformatic skills are developed, including use of programming for data and model management. Case studies address 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 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, flood risk) will be introduced.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 0:30 | 0:30 | Assessment completion for formative assessment 2 (computer-based assessment) |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 4 | 3:00 | 12:00 | Lectures (including module introduction talk) |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 4 | 2:00 | 8:00 | Lectures |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 35:00 | 35:00 | Coursework preparation for the Modelling exercise and written report summative assessment. |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 65:00 | 65:00 | Assessment preparation and completion of the 'Water resource assessment and written report' summative assessment. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 8 | 3:00 | 24:00 | Computer practical. One 3 hour practical to include formative assessment exercises. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 7 | 2:00 | 14:00 | Group tutorial workshops in PC cluster for coursework drop in, including 3 sessions between blocks and 2 after second block which will be organised by the module leader. |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 41:30 | 41:30 | Background reading and study |
| Total | 200:00 |
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 tutorial sessions with active student participation. The tutorial sessions provide an opportunity for students to improve their grasp of the subject, to question the lecturer and to practice the analytical and solution techniques. Three coursework assignments provide opportunity for development and demonstration of fundamental skills and application of the acquired knowledge.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written exercise | 1 | M | 35 | Modelling exercise and written report. For example, undertaking a model calibration and validation process and model simulation , or similar (1 written exercise, approx. 6 pages). M1, M2, M17 |
| Written exercise | 1 | M | 65 | Water resource assessment and written report. For example, application of existing hydrological model software to assess climate change impacts (1 written exercise, approx. 12 pages). M1, M2, M3, M4, M17 |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prob solv exercises | 1 | M | Problem solving exercise in one of the timetabled practical sessions, set at an appropriate point in the teaching block. Feedback given in class to check knowledge and understanding. |
| Computer assessment | 1 | M | Canvas quiz to assess understanding of climate modelling concepts. Approximate duration 30 minutes. |
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).
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- CEG8526's Timetable