CIVL3431
10 units
3000 level
Course handbook
Description
Students will gain a general understanding of environmental physics, acquisition and use of environmental data and numerical modelling of earth system processes. Students will gain experience with several numerical methods and management tools for addressing environmental degradation under changing climate.
Availability2024 Course Timetables
Callaghan
- Semester 2 - 2024
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course students will be able to:
1. Describe the Australian environment, with a particular emphasis on the atmospheric environment and soils.
2. Illustrate the theoretical background of land surface transport processes.
3. Employ adequate skills in environmental monitoring (including data collection, storage, retrieval and analysis).
4. Appraise environmental models of land surface processes and apply their knowledge through hands-on experience with hydrological models.
5. Apply model-based tools for management of major environmental issues.
Content
- Natural environment
- Climate and weather (principles, Australian climates)
- Soils (physical, chemical, biological characteristics; soil formation; Australian soils)
- Process models
- Environmental modelling (introduction to distributed models, heterogeneity, effective parameters, sub-grid parameterisations, model fitting; scale effects)
- Modelling soil-vegetation-atmosphere transfer processes (SVATs)
- Soil erosion (principles, comparison of models, applications) (SOILOSS)
- Soil fertility and vegetation modelling
Assumed knowledge
ENGG2100 Engineering Risk and Uncertainty and CIVL2060 Numerical Methods; CIVL3330 Hydrology; SURV3650 Spatial Data Systems and Remote Sensing
Assessment items
Written Assignment: Assignments
Formal Examination: Formal Examination
Contact hours
Semester 2 - 2024 - Callaghan
Computer Lab-1
- Face to Face On Campus 1 hour(s) per week(s) for 13 week(s) starting in week 1
Lecture-1
- Face to Face On Campus 3 hour(s) per week(s) for 13 week(s) starting in week 1
Course outline
Course outline not yet available.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.