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Unit of study_

ENVI5809: Environmental Simulation Modelling

Semester 2a, 2021 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit of study introduces participants to the power of simulation modelling in understanding and predicting behaviour of natural systems. It covers fundamental concepts, logic, and techniques (including sensitivity analysis), and develops skills in application to environmental problems such as catchment management and population dynamics.

Unit details and rules

Unit code ENVI5809
Academic unit Geosciences Academic Operations
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

This unit assumes a sound understanding of scientific principles, HSC level Mathematics and understanding of basic statistics.

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Tristan Salles, tristan.salles@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Tristan Salles, tristan.salles@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Presentation hurdle task group assignment Mid-term group presentation
Presentation
10% Week 06 15 minutes + 5 minutes for questions
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Assignment hurdle task group assignment Modelling project
Project report with Jupyter Notebooks
60% Week 11 See Canvas
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Presentation hurdle task group assignment End-term group project presentation
Presentation
30% Week 12 15 minutes + 5 minutes for questions
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
hurdle task = hurdle task ?
group assignment = group assignment ?
Group assignment with individually assessed component = group assignment with individually assessed component ?

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Outstanding or exceptional work clearly demonstrating originality and a flair for the subject.

  • Demonstration of initiative and complex understanding in applying scientific programming techniques to evaluate environment systems
  • Evidence of independent and extensive reading and use of high-quality peer-reviewed information to support written arguments when required.
  • Arguments clearly articulated, project work is well written and coded, shows clarity of thought and excellent expression of ideas.
  • Very high standard of presentation and interpretation of analytical results.

Distinction

75 - 84

Demonstration of high-level aptitude for the subject area and strong understanding of the material.

  • Evidence of independent thought and critical thinking in applying scientific libraries to quantify environmental systems
  • Project work is well written, shows clarity of thought and expression of ideas.
  • Very high standard of presentation and interpretation of analytical results.

Credit

65 - 74

Evidence of sound knowledge and understanding of principles and concepts

  • Some evidence of independent thought and critical thinking in applying scientific libraries to quantify environmental systems
  • Thorough understanding of material presented in practical sessions, lectures and readings.
  • Good written expression and clear interpretation and presentation of analytical results.

Pass

50 - 64

Demonstrate a satisfactory knowledge and understanding of principles and concepts

  • Basic ability in applying scientific libraries to quantify environmental systems
  • There may be significant analytical errors or omissions
  • Minimal interpretation of analytical results and ideas
  • Meaning apparent but writing style not always fluent or well organised

Fail

0 - 49

Fails to satisfy minimum requirements

  • Limited ability in applying scientific libraries to quantify environmental systems
  • Demonstrates unsatisfactory or inadequate level of understanding of subject area
  • Demonstrates minimal relevant knowledge or understanding of principles and concepts
  • Poor written expression, with numerous typographical and grammatical errors

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website  provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.  

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Overview of eReefs project and Introduction to Scientific Python Fundamentals Lecture and tutorial (6 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 02 Exploration of eReefs dataset and Query using Numpy library Lecture and tutorial (6 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 03 Coral reef data analysis with Python and climate variability evaluation between different environments. Lecture and tutorial (6 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 04 Multi-dimensional environmental data and introduction to Xarray library with interactive plotting Lecture and tutorial (6 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 05 Environmental multi-dimensional data exploration and research project preparation Lecture and tutorial (6 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 06 Environmental research project discussion and group presentation, evaluation of modelling libraries and available dataset Lecture and tutorial (6 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Due to the exceptional circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, attendance requirements for this unit of study have been amended. Where online tutorials/workshops/virtual laboratories have been scheduled, students should make every effort to attend and participate at the scheduled time. However, penalties will not be applied if technical issues etc prevent attendance

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Understand the conceptual and theoretical basis of simulating environmental systems.
  • LO2. Taking advantage of existing scientific packages and libraries in order to query and analyse complex environmental dataset.
  • LO3. Understand the role of different simulation modelling components and relate these to modelling particular environmental sub-systems.
  • LO4. Understand and carry out exploration and quantification of environmental simulation models.
  • LO5. Reflect on how outcomes of environmental simulation models can inform decision making.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

No changes have been made since this unit was last offered.

Work, health and safety

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

General Laboratory Safety Rules

  • No eating or drinking is allowed in any laboratory under any circumstances 

  • A laboratory coat and closed-toe shoes are mandatory 

  • Follow safety instructions in your manual and posted in laboratories 

  • In case of fire, follow instructions posted outside the laboratory door 

  • First aid kits, eye wash and fire extinguishers are located in or immediately outside each laboratory 

As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that you have a current tetanus immunisation. This can be obtained from University Health Service: unihealth.usyd.edu.au/

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.