University home > Unit and programme catalogues in 2022/23 > Programme catalogue > Faculty of Science > School of Geographical Sciences > Environmental Modelling and Data Analysis (MSc) > Specification
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Programme code | 2GEOG003T |
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Programme type | Postgraduate Taught Degree |
Programme director(s) |
Tony Payne
|
Faculty | Faculty of Science |
School/department | School of Geographical Sciences |
Teaching institution | University of Bristol |
Awarding institution | University of Bristol |
Mode of study | Full Time |
Programme length | 1 years (full time) |
This section sets out why studying this programme is important, both in terms of inspiring you as an individual and in considering the challenges we face. It describes how this degree programme contributes to:
This programme aims to develop students’ interest in and knowledge and understanding of computational techniques applied to solve environmental problems. The programme will cover both the analysis of environmental data and the application of mathematical models to environmental systems. Data analysis will be centred around the use of satellite-based observations and include the use of Geographical Information Systems and advanced statistical analysis techniques, and touch on the most recent developments in Data Science techniques. Modelling of environmental systems will cover applications in climate modelling including physical and biochemical components of the Earth system, and will also cover the basic principles of the numerical solution partial differential equations and their application to a number of key environmental systems including the atmosphere and ocean, glaciers and rivers. Both will be supported by developing skills in coding and software development for scientific applications, and the use of high-performance computing systems.
The learning outcome statements shown below for your programme have been developed with reference to relevant national subject benchmarks (where they exist), national qualification descriptors (see the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications) and professional body requirements.
Teaching, learning and assessment strategies are listed to show how you will be able to achieve and demonstrate the learning outcomes.
This programme provides opportunities for you to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas:
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning/teaching methods and strategies |
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|
The programme will rely primarily on hands-on teaching during computer-based practicals supported by introductory lectures and problem-solving workshops and tutorials. |
Methods of assessment (formative and summative) | |
A range of assessment styles will be employed such essays, reports based on practical computer work, presentations and problem sheets some of which we be group based, as well as the writing of a dissertation on a relevant topic. The emphasis will be very much on testing understanding by way of assignments (both formative and summative) based on practical content. Assessment through weekly lab notebooks and short study logs will be explored. The intention is to keep closed-book, end-of-term exams to a minimum. More details are available on the relevant unit forms. |
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning/teaching methods and strategies |
---|---|
|
The programme will rely primarily on hands-on teaching during computer-based practicals supported by introductory lectures and problem-solving workshops and tutorials. |
Methods of assessment (formative and summative) | |
A range of assessment styles will be employed such essays, reports based on practical computer work, presentations and problem sheets some of which we be group based, as well as the writing of a dissertation on a relevant topic. The emphasis will be very much on testing understanding by way of assignments (both formative and summative) based on practical content. Assessment through weekly lab notebooks and short study logs will be explored. The intention is to keep closed-book, end-of-term exams to a minimum. More details are available on the relevant unit forms. |
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning/teaching methods and strategies |
---|---|
|
Computer-based practical based around the tools, along with associated demonstration and tutorial support. |
Methods of assessment (formative and summative) | |
Exercises testing student understanding and application of the tools. |
This section describes what is expected from you at each level of your programme. This illustrates increasing intellectual standards as you progress through the programme. These levels are mapped against the national level descriptors published by the Quality Assurance Agency.
Level M/7 - Postgraduate Certificate |
An introductory understanding of approaches to numerical modelling and analysis of satellite observations. |
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Level M/7 - Postgraduate Diploma |
Ability to meaningfully apply the range of data analysis systems and models taught within the programme. |
Level M/7 - Postgraduate Masters |
In addition to the above, take understanding developed through taught component of the programme and apply within the context of an independent research project. |
For information on the admissions requirements for this programme please see details in the postgraduate prospectus at http://www.bristol.ac.uk/prospectus/postgraduate/ or contact the relevant academic department.
Students will be encouraged to interact with the School’s new research strand on environmental modelling by attending research seminars organised by the strand and discussing research ideas at strand workshops. Links with on-going externally-funded research projects will be strongly encouraged.
Programme administrator email geog-pgadmin@bristol.ac.uk. Programme Director Prof. Tony Payne, email: a.j.payne@bristol.ac.uk.
Unit Name | Unit Code | Credit Points | Status | |
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Students must take the following units: | ||||
Dissertation: MSc Environmental Modelling and Data Analysis | GEOGM0057 | 60 | Mandatory | AYEAR |
Environmental Modelling Applications | GEOGM0058 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-2 |
Earth System Modeling | GEOGM0030 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-1 |
Introduction to Scientific Computing | GEOGM0054 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-1 |
Students must take ONE of the following 20 credit point units | ||||
An Introduction to GIS and Remote Sensing for Environmental Policy and Management | GEOGM0013 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Mapping and Modelling Geographic Data in R | GEOGM0046 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Select 40 credit points from: | ||||
Climate Change: Science and Impacts | GEOGM1405 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
Quantifying Climate Risks | GEOGM0045 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Consultancy Project | GEOGM0029 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Urban Analytics and City Science | GEOGM0055 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
Data Science and Machine Learning in Geography | GEOGM0053 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
180 |
The pass mark set by the University for any level 7(M) unit is 50 out of 100.
For detailed rules on progression please see the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes and the relevant faculty handbook.
All taught masters programmes, unless exempted by Senate, must allow the opportunity for students to exit from the programme with a postgraduate diploma or certificate.
To be awarded a postgraduate diploma, students must have successfully completed 120 credit points, of which 90 must be at level M/7.
To be awarded a postgraduate certificate, students must have successfully completed 60 credit points, of which 40 must be at level M/7.
An award with Merit or Distinction is permitted for postgraduate taught masters, diplomas and certificates, where these are specifically named entry-level qualifications. An award with Merit or Distinction is not permitted for exit awards where students are required to exit the programme on academic grounds but is permitted in designated programmes (as set out in the programme specification) where students choose to withdraw from the intended programme but otherwise achieve the necessary credit points for the exit award.
The classification of the award in relation to the final programme mark is as follows:
Award with Distinction*: at least 65 out of 100 for the taught component overall and, for masters awards, at least 70 out of 100 for the dissertation. **Faculties retain discretion to increase these thresholds.
Award with Merit*: at least 60 out of 100 for the taught component overall and, for masters awards, at least 60 out of 100 for the dissertation. Faculties retain discretion to increase these thresholds.
* The MA in Law has separate regulations for awarding distinction and merit.
** For the award of Distinction, the Faculty of Engineering requires at least 70 out of 100 for the taught component overall and, for masters awards, at least 70 out of 100 for the dissertation.
All taught masters programmes, unless exempted by Senate, must allow the opportunity for students to choose, or be required, to leave at the postgraduate diploma or certificate stage.
To be awarded a postgraduate diploma, students must have successfully completed 120 credit points, of which 90 must be at level M/7.
To be awarded a postgraduate certificate, students must have successfully completed 60 credit points, of which 40 must be at level M/7.
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.
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