Course syllabus - System Modelling in Environmental Engineering

Objectives

The goal of the course is to give the student in-depth knowledge about modelling and simulation in the field of environmental engineering and to gain skills to develop, validate and apply models to environmental engineering problems.

Learning outcomes

1. Explain concepts for model development and simulations as well as compare different categories of models and show understanding of their limitations.
2. Select theories and methods suitable to developing mathematical models relevant to environmental engineering.
3. Develop a model of an environmental system and implement it with an appropriate simulation tool.
4. Validate and perform parametric sensitivity analysis on a mathematical model in order to evaluate both the accuracy and limitations of the model.
5. Discuss the relevance of modelling in the field of environmental engineering with regards to sustainable development.

Course content

Fundamentals of models, possible uses and limitations, classification of models (physical vs. mathematical, static vs dynamic, mechanistic vs empirical, stochastic vs deterministic), model development and selection, model validation, parameter estimation, common models in environmental engineering (such as growth and biological processes), different simulation software and mathematical tools.

Tuition

Web-based teaching and assignments

Specific requirements

120 credits of which 90 credits engineering and/or natural science, and 7.5 credits mathematics. In addition Swedish course B/Swedish course 3 and English course B/English course 6 are required. For courses given entirely in English exemption is made from the requirement in Swedish course B/Swedish course 3.

Examination

Assignment (INL1) 2.5 credits, grades Excellent (A), Very good (B), Good (C), Satisfactory (D), Sufficient (E), Insufficient, complementary work possible (Fx), Insufficient (F), (Learning outcomes: 1)
 Project (PRO1) 5 credits, grades Excellent (A), Very good (B), Good (C), Satisfactory (D), Sufficient (E), Insufficient, complementary work possible (Fx), Insufficient (F), (Learning outcomes: 2-5)

A student who has a certificate from MDU regarding a disability has the opportunity to submit a request for supportive measures during written examinations or other forms of examination, in accordance with the Rules and Regulations for Examinations at First-cycle and Second-cycle Level at Mälardalen University (2020/1655). It is the examiner who takes decisions on any supportive measures, based on what kind of certificate is issued, and in that case which measures are to be applied.

Suspicions of attempting to deceive in examinations (cheating) are reported to the Vice-Chancellor, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, and are examined by the University’s Disciplinary Board. If the Disciplinary Board considers the student to be guilty of a disciplinary offence, the Board will take a decision on disciplinary action, which will be a warning or suspension.

Grade

AF-skala