Environmental Engineering MA, Spatial Environmental Modelling, 7.5 credits

Aim

The primary aim of the course is to further develop the students' practical skills in geographical information systems (GIS) and provide basic skills in spatial modelling to answer scientific questions in the environmental field. The course also aims to orient the students in different types of spatial models and modelling approaches. On a broader level, the course aims to strengthen the industry's need for skills supply. It has therefore been developed together with industry and is delivered with flexible course elements, to facilitate the participation of professionals. The course is based exclusively on the use of free and open source software (Open Source).

Course objectives

After completing the course, the students should be able to:
1. Develop simple spatial models for environmental analysis
2. Evaluate different kinds of spatial models and approaches to spatial modelling.
3. Design, and with adequate methods conduct, a scientific study on an environmental challenge, based on spatial modelling
4. Summarize a scientific study based on spatial modeling, in a way that is understandable for non-specialists and that minimizes the risk of intentional and unintentional misinterpretation of the results.
5. Review scientific modeling studies by other students and propose improvements.

Content

Spatial environmental modeling refers to analyses in the environmental field that are conducted using geographically explicit computer models. Geographically explicit, or spatial, models are used for many different purposes within research, business, and society. For example, directions from Google Maps and weather forecasts are results from spatial modeling, and maps showing risk areas for floods in a changing climate are results from spatial environmental modeling. The course introduces a selection of spatial models of different character and discusses their respective strengths and weaknesses.

In the course, students will develop their own spatial models. The work is primarily done in QGIS and Model Designer, but students will also be introduced to GRASS GIS to access more advanced analytical tools, as well as basic programming in Python to create their own models. A major focus is on problem-solving and systematic, scientific methods of working.

Entry requirements

Bachelor's degree of at least 180 credits or equivalent, including at least 15 credits in Environmental Science or Environmental Engineering. At least 15 credits in GIS, which may be included in the bachelor's degree, or the course Environmental Science MA, Spatial Environmental Analysis, 7.5 credits.

Selection rules and procedures

The selection process is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance and the local order of admission.

Teaching form

Teaching is offered in the form of lectures, recorded lectures, teacher led seminars, and individual supervision (in person and in the course forum). The course has the following components:

A. Lectures and demonstrations, primarily recorded (Learning objective 1-4)

B. Weekly seminars discussing the lectures (Learning objective 1-4)

C. A common project that is individual but that should be discussed in groups to identify solu-tions (Learning objective 1-2).

D. Individual projects, adapted to the background of the students (Learning objective 1-4)

E. Peer-review of individual projects and participation in the course forum (Learning objective 5)

Teaching is done in English.

Examination form

I100: Written hand-in: Common task, 1 Credits
Grade scale: Two-grade scale
Common assignment with individual examination. See course element C.

I200: Written hand-in: Peer-review, 1 Credits
Grade scale: Two-grade scale
Review of another student's preliminary project report

P100: Project report, 4 Credits
Grade scale: Seven-grade scale, A-F o Fx
Individual project

W100: Web exam, 1.5 Credits
Grade scale: Two-grade scale
Examination based on the course lectures.

Link to subject-specific grading criteria: [www.miun.se/gradingcriteria.](<https: www.miun.se/gradingcriteria="">)

The examiner has the right to offer alternative examination arrangements to students who have been granted the right to special support by Mid Sweden University’s disabilities adviser.
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Examination restrictions

Students registered for this version of the syllabus have the right to be examined 3 times within 1 year according to specified examination forms. After that, the examination format according to the latest valid version applies.

Grading system

Seven-grade scale, A-F o Fx