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LocationDomesticInternational
Lismore
OnlineN/A

Unit description

To use simulation modelling in a decision support framework in the context of planning and management of environmental resources. Students will complete the design and implementation of a simulation model as part of major assignment that will prepare them for oversight of environmental management projects.

Unit content

1. Context of modelling and prediction in management planning.

2. Modelling approaches, languages and tools, and introduction to the Visual Modelling Environment, Simile.

3. Basic concepts of modelling in system dynamics approaches.

4. Individual-based and Population-based modelling.

5. Advanced modelling techniques, including testing and verification.

6. Application and use of models, and presentation of findings.

Learning outcomes

Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes. The unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes are also the basis of evaluating prior learning.

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:
1critically reflect on the role of complex simulations in ecosystem management planning
2select appropriate modelling approaches to address complex environmental issues by critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches
3gather and synthesise relevant information and data to successfully run advanced simulations
4critically evaluate and communicate findings from modelling to a range of audiences.

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

  1. critically reflect on the role of complex simulations in ecosystem management planning
  2. select appropriate modelling approaches to address complex environmental issues by critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches
  3. gather and synthesise relevant information and data to successfully run advanced simulations
  4. critically evaluate and communicate findings from modelling to a range of audiences.

Prescribed Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts
  • No prescribed texts.
Prescribed Resources/Equipment
  • This unit makes extensive use of the visual modelling environment Simile. Simile is available in SCU computer labs, will be made available during the unit, or the free evaluation version can be downloaded from the vendor Simulistics at http://www.simulistics.com/products/index.htm

    Simile is available for Windows, MacOS and Linux.

Prescribed Learning Resources may change in future Teaching Periods

Teaching and assessment

Teaching method
Workshop 1 hour (Weekly)
Tutorial 2 hours (Weekly)
Assessment
Reflective writing20%
Project25%
Advanced model and report55%

Teaching method
Workshop 1 hour (Weekly)
Tutorial 2 hours (Weekly)
Assessment
Reflective writing20%
Project25%
Advanced model and report55%
Notice

Intensive offerings may or may not be scheduled in every teaching period. Please refer to the timetable for further details.

Southern Cross University employs different teaching methods within units to provide students with the flexibility to choose the mode of learning that best suits them. SCU academics strive to use the latest approaches and, as a result, the learning modes and materials may change. The most current information regarding a unit will be provided to enrolled students at the beginning of the teaching period.

Fee information

Domestic

Commonwealth Supported courses
For information regarding Student Contribution Amounts please visit the Student Contribution Amounts.

Fee paying courses
For postgraduate or undergraduate full fee paying courses please check Domestic Postgraduate Fees OR Domestic Undergraduate Fees

International

Please check the international course and fee list to determine the relevant fees.

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