C&ENVENG 7108 - Environmental Systems Dynamics

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2016

Natural environments are complex systems involving many different drivers and interacting components. Such components include the ecological processes of species interaction, the physical processes of contaminant transport, and the human processes driven by social values, policy and economics. This course presents a dynamic systems approach towards understanding and modelling environmental systems. The emphasis will be on the development and analysis of models that describe the material flows and feedback processes within environmental systems, and the influence of environmental management. The dynamic systems framework will be applied to some of the following systems: surface water contamination; predator-prey systems; air pollution; species migration; and matter cycling in ecosystems. The project will involve an environmental design, or an environmental impact study.

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Course Details

Course Code	C&ENVENG 7108
Course	Environmental Systems Dynamics
Coordinating Unit	School of Civil, Environmental & Mining Eng
Term	Semester 1
Level	Postgraduate Coursework
Location/s	North Terrace Campus
Units	3
Contact	Up to 4 hrs per week
Available for Study Abroad and Exchange	N
Assumed Knowledge	C&ENVENG 3029, C&ENVENG 3079, C&ENVENG 3077, ECON 3018, ENV BIOL 2005
Assessment	assignments, quizzes, and a major design project (exact weightings to be advised).

Course Staff

Course Coordinator: Dr Aaron Zecchin

Course Timetable

The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from .

Please refer to the Course Profile on MyUni for more specific details.

Course Learning Outcomes

1) Recognise the complex structure of environmental systems (dynamic, spatially distributed, multi-component, multi-process, integrated, and responsive), and apply qualitative modelling techniques (causal loop diagrams, and system-dynamics models) to describe and analyse the influence and feedback structures within these systems.
2) Comprehend the mathematical concepts underlying the quantification of system-dynamics models, and be able to construct quantitative models (ranging from low to high complexity) for the simulation of dynamic environmental systems.
3) Comprehend fundamental dynamic systems theory concepts (phase-line and phase-space representations, null clines, equilibria and stability analysis) and apply them to analyse 1- and 2-D dynamic systems.
4) Classify the sources of uncertainty in environmental models, and be able to develop and analyse stochastic system-dynamics models (using the first order-second-moment method, and Monte Carlo analysis)
5) Design structured computational studies, using system-dynamics models, to investigate and analyse the dynamic response of environmental systems subject to changing environmental conditions, and assessment of management policy interventions. Investigations include: parameter sensitivity and perturbation analysis; parametric and structural scenario analysis; and uncertainty analysis.
6) Prepare engineering reports based on results from computational studies of environmental systems, involving a detailed presentation and analysis of modelling results, with lucid discussion and interpretation.
7) Demonstrate knowledge of the broader field of integrated modelling of human-environmental systems, and review and critique current state-of-the-art frameworks.

University Graduate Attributes

This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

University Graduate Attribute	Course Learning Outcome(s)
Deep discipline knowledge informed and infused by cutting edge research, scaffolded throughout their program of studies acquired from personal interaction with research active educators, from year 1 accredited or validated against national or international standards (for relevant programs)	1 - 5, 7
Critical thinking and problem solving steeped in research methods and rigor based on empirical evidence and the scientific approach to knowledge development demonstrated through appropriate and relevant assessment	2 - 6
Teamwork and communication skills developed from, with, and via the SGDE honed through assessment and practice throughout the program of studies encouraged and valued in all aspects of learning	5 - 7
Career and leadership readiness technology savvy professional and, where relevant, fully accredited forward thinking and well informed tested and validated by work based experiences	5, 6
Intercultural and ethical competency adept at operating in other cultures comfortable with different nationalities and social contexts able to determine and contribute to desirable social outcomes demonstrated by study abroad or with an understanding of indigenous knowledges	7
Self-awareness and emotional intelligence a capacity for self-reflection and a willingness to engage in self-appraisal open to objective and constructive feedback from supervisors and peers able to negotiate difficult social situations, defuse conflict and engage positively in purposeful debate	5, 7

Learning Resources

Required Resources

The course is largely built around the following book by Andrew Ford. I strongly urge all students to purchase this book as it will prove to be essential.

Ford, A., (2010). Modelling the Environment, 2nd Ed, Island Press, Washington, US

Recommended Resources

The following book by Michael Deaton and James Winebrake will be extremely useful. It provides more of a mathematical basis to the stock and flow models used within the course.

Deaton, M.L., and Winebrake, J.J., (2000). Dynamic Modelling of Environmental Systems, Springer Science + Business Media, LLC, New York, US

The following texts will provide informative background reading.

Wainwright J, and Mulligan, M., (Eds), (2004). Environmental Modelling: Finding Simplicity in Complexity, John Wiley and Sons Ltd, West Sussex, England

Haefner, J.W., (2004). Modelling Biological Systems: Principals and Applications, 2nd Edition, Springer Science + Business Media Inc, New York, US (available as an e-book)

Seppelt, R., (2003). Computer-Based Environmental Management, Wiley-VCH (available as an e-book)

In addition to these texts, further material will be recommended throughout the duration of the course.

Online Learning

All handouts, course material and lecture slides will be made available on MyUni. The use of the discussion board on MyUni is also strongly recommended. Complementary material for the text Ford (2010) is available on the books website: http://www.wsu.edu/~forda/AA2nd.html
Learning & Teaching Activities
Learning & Teaching Modes

The course will involve two one hour lectures, and one two hour CATS practical session weekly.

Workload

The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

In line with University guidelines, it is expected that the average student should spend 12 hours per week on this course. In addition to the lectures (2 hours) and the practical session (2 hours), students are expected to spend an additional 8 hours per week reviewing lecture material and working on the modelling exercises and projects.

Learning Activities Summary
Lectures and computer-aided design sesions will be offered on the following topics:
- Qualitative modelling of environmental systems and causal loop diagrams
- System-Dynamics modelling framework
- Introductory dynamic systems theory
- Parametric, scenario and stochastic analysis for environmental models
- System-dynamics applied to environmental case studies (e.g. Mono Lakes; Kiabab Plateau; Pacific Salmon)

The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
Assessment must maintain academic standards.

Assessment Summary

The assessment is comprised of two individual assignments, two group projects, and an individual essay. The two assignments will be based on the introductory ordinary differential equation modelling and analysis concepts. The two group projects (comprising the majority of the assessment), will involve the detailed investigations into the case studies involving a report based on the simulation findings. The individual essay will involve the synopsis of an integrated modelling paper.

Assessment Related Requirements

It is expected that students will participate in all practical sessions. All group work will involve peer assessment to determine the % contribution attributed to each member.

Assessment Detail

The assessment items are detailed below. Note that these details may be subject to minor changes.

Assessment Item	Brief Outline	Associated Learning Objectives	Approximate Weighting
Assignment 1	This individual assignment will involve the analysis of a number of one variable dynamic systems models, and their development in Vensim PLE.	2, 3	~ 5 %
Assignment 2	This individual assignment will involve the analysis of a number of two variable dynamic systems models, and their development in Vensim PLE.	2, 3	~ 10 %
Project 1	In groups of 2, the students are to investigate and analyse the Mono Lakes Water Export Policy (developing both a hydrological model and a wildlife model), or the Kaibab Deer Plateau Managament (developing a dynamic predator-prey model). The assessment will be based on the final report.	1 – 3, 5, 6	~ 25 %
Project 2	In groups of 2, the students are to investigate and analyse the Migration Behaviour of the Pacific Salmon in north-west US. The assessment will be based on the final report.	1 – 6	~ 35 %
Essay	This assignment will be undertaken on an individual basis. The students are to write a short synopsis (approximately 1500-2000 words) of a selected integrated modelling paper.	1, 7	~ 25 %

Submission

All submissions will be in hard copy form and submitted to the relevant submission box outside the school office. The projects are expected to be formally structured reports. The essay is expected to be a formal academic essay with correct use of referencing.

In addition to hard copy submissions, students will be required to submit electronic versions of their reports, and their Vensim project files.

A penalty of 10% per day will apply to all late submissions

Course Grading

Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
Grade	Mark	Description
FNS		Fail No Submission
F	1-49	Fail
P	50-64	Pass
C	65-74	Credit
D	75-84	Distinction
HD	85-100	High Distinction
CN		Continuing
NFE		No Formal Examination
RP		Result Pending

Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

Final results for this course will be made available through .

Student Feedback

The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.
Student Support
Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
Fraud Awareness

Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student鈥檚 disciplinary procedures.

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Authorised by:	Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic)
Maintained by:	Course Outlines Administrator

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