Study information

Computational Hydrology - 2019 entry

MODULE TITLEComputational Hydrology CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODEECMM145 MODULE CONVENERProf Thorsten Wagener
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 0 6 weeks 0
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 20
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

Hydrological models are at the centre of many solutions to environmental problems, including flooding, droughts and water quality issues. Being able to identify and apply the appropriate hydrological model is an important aspect in environmental problem solving. It requires a basic understanding of hydrological models and of the modelling process, e.g. model calibration. This course will provide a basic introduction both of these topics.

You will be introduced to computational methods and models relevant for solving hydrological and environmental problems including floods and droughts.

AIMS - intentions of the module

This module aims at introducing you to the process of model calibration, sensitivity and uncertainty analysis in the context of hydrologic modelling. A range of hydrologic modelling applications, from flood forecasting to inundation modelling will be presented.

This module covers Specific Learning Outcomes in Engineering, which would apply to accredited programmes at Bachelors/MEng/ Masters level. The module should contribute to the matched learning for CEng registration (as defined under the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence – UK-SPEC)

The course will build on a traditional undergraduate course in civil engineering or similar and prior courses in hydrology would be an advantage, but are not required.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

This is a constituent module of one or more degree programmes which are accredited by a professional engineering institution under licence from the Engineering Council. The learning outcomes for this module have been mapped to the output standards required for an accredited programme, as listed in the current version of the Engineering Council’s ‘Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes’ document (AHEP-V3).

This module contributes to learning outcomes: SM1m, SM2m, SM2fl, SM3fl, SM4m, SM5m, EA2m, EA2fl, EA3m, EA3fl, EA5m, EA6m, G1m-G4m, G1fl-G4fl

A full list of the referenced outcomes is provided online: http://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/emps/subjects/engineering/accreditation/

The AHEP document can be viewed in full on the Engineering Council’s website, at http://www.engc.org.uk/

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge: SM1m, SM2m, SM2fl,SM5m, SM3fl

1. Describe the modelling process
2. Calibrate a hydrologic model
3. Identify dominant uncertainties and propagate uncertainties into the prediction
4. Explain the differences between using lumped and spatially distributed models

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge: SM4m, EA2m, EA3m, EA5m, EA6m, EA2fl, EA3fl

5. Describe the specific nature of hydrologic models (e.g. effective parameters)
6. Describte key uncertainties in hydrological modelling
7. Use hydrological models
8. Analyse typical hydrological data

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge: G1m-G4m, G1fl-G4fl

9. Show enhanced independent learning
10. Reveal improved analytical and numerical skills in computational hydrological studies
SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module
  1. Introduction to hydrological modelling
  2. Sensitivity analysis
  3. Uncertainty analysis
  4. Flood inundation modelling
  5. Flood modelling
  6. Working with environmental data

 

LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 36 Guided Independent Study 114 Placement / Study Abroad 0
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled learning activities 24 Lectures
Scheduled learning activities 12 Tutorials
Guided independent studies 114 Assessment preparation, private study

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Questions posed and answered in the class (for two tests and 1 take home test or otherwise) N/A All Verbal
       
       
       
       

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 100 Written Exams 0 Practical Exams 0
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Written tests in the class based on lectures 1-3 50 60 minutes, in week 4 of the course All Written
Take home test based on lectures 4-6 50 Students will be given a 1 hour test to take home in week 6 of the course and will have 1 week to complete and return it. All Written
         
         
         

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-assessment
In class tests None N/A N/A
Take home test Take home test All Aug/Sept
       

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

If you fail assessment (as defined above) or are deferred you will be reassessed via another 'take home test' which will be set in Aug/Sep and you will have 1 week to complete and return it. Your final mark for the module will be 100% based on this test.

RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

Basic reading:

 

ELE: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/

 

Web based and Electronic Resources:

 

Other Resources:

 

Reading list for this module:

Type Author Title Edition Publisher Year ISBN
Set Beven K Environmental Modelling: An Uncertain Future? CRC Press 2008
Set Beven K Rainfall-runoff modelling: The Primer Wiley Blackwell 2012
Set Wagener T, Wheater HS and Gupta HV Rainfall-runoff modelling in gauged and ungauged catchments Imperial College Press 2004
CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES None
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 7 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Thursday 6th July 2017 LAST REVISION DATE Monday 11th March 2019
KEY WORDS SEARCH Hydrology, computational, model, uncertainty, sensitivity, flooding.

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.