MSc Environmental Modelling

Open Day

The next Geography Graduate Open Day will be taking place in the Department on Monday 3rd June 2013. For further information and to book a place please e-mail f.mannion@ucl.ac.uk

Overview

Modelling expertise has been identified as the most wanted skill in the environment sector by a recent government review, with multidisciplinarity a close second. This arises from a growing need for qualified professionals with expertise in environmental modelling, not just from the scientific community but also from the perspective of environmental management and the need for critical interpretation and evaluation of model-based environmental science. The UCL MSc in Environmental Modelling is a multidisciplinary degree that provides rigorous technical and scientific training for the next generation of environmental modelling professionals.

The programme draws upon the unrivalled strengths of the UCL in modelling across a broad range of environmental science disciplines. Our expertise encompasses state-of-the-art global and regional general circulation and ocean models, advanced hydrodynamic and hydrological simulations, palaeoclimate reconstruction over geological to recent historical timescales, and earth observation-derived vegetation and carbon cycle modelling. We also have a particular focus on model-based assessment of climate change impacts on coastal, estuarine and freshwater systems.

The programme aims to equipped students with a well-rounded training in the role, implementation and application of models in environmental science. Core modules provide a critical perspective on model-based science, and introduce core computational and numerical methods. The course is contextualised with reference to the challenges of understanding both natural and human-induced changes to a variety of environmental systems.

Who will benefit from the programme?

The UCL MSc Environmental Modelling is designed to appeal to students from a range of disciplines looking to obtain a sound appreciation of model-based approach to environmental science and management. It will appeal not only to those with backgrounds in environmental sciences (such as geography, geology and oceanography) but also to those with a background in other sciences (physics, biology) or engineering who wish to develop their skills in an environmental science context. The MSc provides an ideal foundation for PhD research, or for employment with environmental monitoring and protection agencies, industry and environmental consultancies.

The MSc is run by UCL Department of Geography, which enjoys an outstanding international reputation for its research and teaching. Research groups contributing to the MSc include those concerned with Environmental Modelling; Environmental Change; and Environment, Landscape and Society. Students on this degree will join a vibrant but informal academic environment of mutual discovery and free-ranging debate.

Aims

The MSc Environmental Modelling aims to:

• develop a strong interdisciplinary understanding of role and nature of models in environmental science
• provide structured training and practical skills in the selection, implementation of a appropriate modelling approach.
• provide a critical perspective on human impacts on the earth’s natural systems and the challenges associated with modelling these.
• introduce more specialised modelling problems associated with the impacts of climate change, surface and groundwaters, estuarine and coastal change
• foster an ability to conceptualise a problem and to formulate and manage a research project.
• impart a thorough understanding of the fundamentals of scientific computing, including the ability to obtain and manipulate datasets.
• produce highly marketable graduates who will be able to take leading roles in academic, government or industrial sectors.

Structure

The MSc Environmental Modelling runs over a full year, but can also be taken part-time. All students take four core modules in Term 1 (autumn). These establish the fundamentals of modelling, the environmental contexts within which it is applied and introduce key computing and mathematical methods, to provide students with the technical skills necessary for the remainder of the degree. In Term 2 (spring) students take four advanced option courses on specialist aspects of environmental modelling. These draw upon the wide range of academic expertise and research interests at UCL. Student learning is supported by tutorials, transferable skills training and research supervision throughout the year. The final element of the degree, the individual research project, is completed over the summer term and vacation. Depending on staff availability, there may be small changes in the option courses offered from one year to the next.

The following modules will be available for 2012/13. Please note these are subject to change.

COMPULSORY MODULES (Term One)

OPTIONAL MODULES (Term Two)

*potentially not running in academic year 2013/14.

Additionally, students undertake a piece of original research with the support of an academic supervisor, leading to a dissertation of up to 15,000 words (60 credits).

Staff

The following members of staff currently contribute to this programme:

• Chris Brierley
• Helene Burningham
• Mathias Disney
• Jon French
• Jonathan Holmes
• Viv Jones
• Anson Mackay
• Mark Maslin
• Sam Randalls
• Neil Rose
• Richard Taylor
• Julian Thompson

Fees

Fees information is at www.ucl.ac.uk/current-students/money/2013-2014_fees/2013-14_postgrad_taught.

For more information on UCL scholarships, please visit: http://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/scholarships/

Apply

Potential applicants are expected to have a first or upper second-class Honours degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. oceanography, marine studies, geography, civil engineering, geology, mathematics, and physics) from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. Applicants with relevant professional experience in environmental science or environmental management will also be considered. Formal qualifications in mathematics are not a prerequisite for entry, but students are expected to have an aptitude for mathematical studies and if necessary to undertake revision prior to the start of the programme.

To apply, please contact the Graduate Admissions Secretary (masters@geog.ucl.ac.uk) to request a Graduate Application Pack.

Application materials may also be downloaded at: http://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate-study/application

Academic enquiries may be addressed to Fiona Mannion at f.mannion@ucl.ac.uk.

Open Days

Geography Graduate Open Days will be taking place in the Department on Wednesday 27th February 2013 and Monday 3rd June 2013. For further information and to book a place on one of these days, please e-mail f.mannion@ucl.ac.uk

Industry Connections

The department maintains strong external links with a range of partners. It is anticipated that the MSc dissertation will be developed with involvement from one or more of these partners. Examples of the links are below:

• Thames Estuary Partnership
• Environment Agency (primarily on Coastal Change)
• HR Wallingford (surface and groundwater)
• Natural England
• DHI Group (hydrology)
• European Space Agency (earth observation)
• Kuwait Environment (eMISK) (geographical information systems)

Further Information

A short brochure can be downloaded here	A more detailed course handbook can be downloaded here.