Postgraduate

Modules

Modules

CEG8516 : Groundwater Modelling

Semesters
Semester 2 Credit Value: 10
ECTS Credits: 5.0

Aims

The aim of the module is to develop practical groundwater modelling skills and to develop an understanding of subsurface flow regimes, the way in which conceptual models of a groundwater system can be built, and how appropriate modelling software can be used to test and refine that understanding.
To provide a sound introduction to MODFLOW and related packages within industry-standard graphical user interfaces.

Outline Of Syllabus

* Groundwater flow processes.
* Numerical methods for groundwater modelling.
* Conceptual model development.
* Use of groundwater modelling software.
* Model calibration.
* Environment Agency approach to groundwater modelling.
* Case Studies.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture81:008:00N/A
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion221:0042:002 written exercises (Simple groundwater modelling & Regional groundwater modelling).
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesPractical53:0015:00N/A
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching71:007:00Made up of a 1 hour Seminar & 6 x 1 hour Tutorials.
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study128:0028:00Includes background reading and reading lecture notes for a full understanding of material.
Total100:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Teaching and learning methods are mostly practical-based to address problem solving and software skills development, supported by necessary theory-based lectures.

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Written exercise2M100Regional Groundwater Modelling (8 page max)).
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

This module is focused on practical use of groundwater modelling software. Therefore, the assessment is based on 100% coursework. The first written exercise requires the student to build a new simple groundwater model, and to explore how the use of model grids and boundary conditions affect the result. This tests the students' ability to develop their own model, and their understanding of some of the theory underlying model development. The second written exercise is based on software used within the water industry in the UK, and requires the student to explore a real case study of a full-scale regional groundwater system. This tests the students' ability to handle and interpret complex datasets related to a real-world water resources application.

Reading Lists

Timetable