Study information

Mathematics for Environment and Sustainability - 2023 entry

MODULE TITLEMathematics for Environment and Sustainability CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODEMTH3047 MODULE CONVENERDr Tim Hughes (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 0 11 0
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 30
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content
In this module you will work in small groups to integrate advanced mathematical, computational and data science tools with key questions and issues from contemporary scientific, societal and technological applications. You will broaden your understanding of scientific questions relating to technological and societal challenges and the relevance of modern mathematical modelling to their solution.
AIMS - intentions of the module

In this module you will develop an interdisciplinary perspective to mathematical modelling and its potential and limitations for addressing key societal and technological challenges relating to environment and sustainability. Your learning will follow a three-stage cycle of colloquia, followed by group work, followed by sharing your work with the class. Contemporary, expert-led colloquia will address state of the art issues from environmental science, healthcare, ecology and renewable energy. Each colloquium will be followed by break out-sessions with you working in small groups, with guidance from the module leader and classroom assistants to further your understanding of mathematical modelling and scientific computing. Finally, you will present findings from the group work back to peers for discussion. Each of these three stages will be repeated three times to extend your knowledge of the underlying science and the relevant mathematical, data scientific and computational approaches. You will also gain important experience of planning and carrying out interdisciplinary research projects, scientific communication, and working in groups.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)
On successful completion of this module, you should be able to:
 
Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:
1 Apply and develop mathematical skills to model and analyse natural and technological phenomena; 
2 Abstract key issues in engineering, health, environmental and life sciences into mathematical concepts, and develop an appreciation of the strengths and limitations of mathematical modelling, scientific computing and an interdisciplinary approach for addressing said issues; 
 
Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:
3 Collect data;
4 Understand and develop sophisticated models for processes in healthcare, renewable energy, ecological and social systems, and apply said models to the design of sustainable systems;
 
Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:
5 Engage in interdisciplinary group work;
6 Communicate to specialists and non-specialists both orally and in written form.
SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module
The syllabus is developed around three colloquia. These colloquia are delivered by experts from the engineering, health, environmental and life sciences. The exact details of each colloquium may vary from year to year because one key aim is to address contemporary issues using modern mathematical modelling, scientific computing and data science tools. These colloquia will be representative of the scope of the engineering, health, environmental and life sciences and so will include colloquia from ecology; healthcare; renewable energy and environmental sciences. To emphasise the interdisciplinary nature of the module, the focus of the colloquia will be on key scientific, societal or technological challenges. Each colloquia will then be followed by a lecture on mathematical and computational approaches to the challenges, which you will explore throughout the subsequent group work activity.
 
The learning and teaching will follow a 3-week cycle. Sample themes for purposes of illustration:
 
Weeks 1 – 3: Theme A. Optimal decision making for the energy economy:
To make renewable energy technologies cost-competitive and secure energy provision for consumers, efficiencies in the chain from generation, to distribution, to consumption have to be managed and optimised. This might be, e.g., at the level of the wind turbine, the electrical grid or smart efficient appliances within the internet of things. You will explore different routes of management and optimisation towards more sustainable energy. [1 hour colloquium, 2 hour lecture, 8 hours supported group work, 1 hour presentations and discussion].
 
Weeks 4 – 6. Theme B. Social and Ecological systems:
Individual opinions on various societal challenges are formed within social networks. Opinions spread and can heavily influence how communities develop solutions for these challenges. Also, the outcome of an individual's decisions will depend on the decisions of others. Depending on the circumstances, this can lead to either competitive or cooperative behaviours. Similarly, competitive and cooperative behaviours emerge in ecology as a result of natural selection. You will develop an understanding of simple mathematical models (e.g., agent-based models/ game theoretic models) and apply these to understand and simulate social network behaviours and/ or cooperation and competition in an ecological setting. [1 hour colloquium, 2 hour lecture, 8 hours supported group work, 1 hours presentations and discussion].
 
Weeks 7 - 9: Theme C. Infectious diseases:
The spread of infectious diseases is influenced by various intrinsic and extrinsic factors related to the host, the pathogen and the mode of transmission. For example, transmission pattern may vary dramatically between different diseases depending on whether they are vector-borne, such as malaria or dengue, airborne, such as influenza or SARS-CoV-2, or transmitted through sexual contact, such as HIV. Similarly, susceptibility and virulence can also vary substantially between individual hosts and diseases. You will explore simple mathematical models of disease transmission and explore fundamental concepts in infectious disease epidemiology. [1 hour colloquium, 2 hour lecture, 8 hours supported group work, 1 hour presentations and discussion].
 
Weeks 10 & 11: Wrap-up
To reflect on the themes and consolidate advanced mathematical modelling and scientific computing skills. [3 hours of academic support per week].
LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 42 Guided Independent Study 108 Placement / Study Abroad 0
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Lectures 15 Colloquium lectures, regular lectures and wrap-up sessions
Group Activities 24 Guided mathematical investigation
Presentation 3 Presentation sessions
Guided Independent Study 108 Wider reading and preparation

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Group discussions Multiple discussions during group work sessions 1-6 Oral

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 100 Written Exams 0 Practical Exams 0
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Portfolio 60 To comprise a group presentation (approx. 10 minutes plus questions), a group poster (approx. 1 side A2), and a group report (approx. 4 sides A4) 1-6 Written
Quantitative skills assessment 30 ELE assignment 1-4 Written
Engagement 10 N/A 5-6 Written

The assessment structure on this module is subject to review and may change before the start of the new academic year. Any changes will be clearly communicated to you before the start of term and if you wish to change module as a result of this you can do so in the module change window.

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-assessment
All above Individual Report 3000 words (or equivalent) 1-6 Submit by last week in August

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

Reassessment will be by a single piece of coursework, submitting the individual report only. For deferred candidates, the module mark will be uncapped. For referred candidates, the mark will be capped at 40%.

RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

ELE – http://vle.exeter.ac.uk

Reading list for this module:
 
MATLAB:
McMahon, D., MATLAB Demystified Higham, D., Higham, N., MATLAB Guide
Kharab, A., Guenther, R., An Introduction to Numerical Methods: A MATLAB Approach Hahn, B.D., Essential MATLAB for Engineers and Scientists
 
Optimal decision making for the energy economy:
Sørensen, B., Renewable Energy: Physics, Engineering, Environmental Impacts, Economy and Planning Great Britain. Department of Trade and Industry, Our energy future: creating a low carbon economy Greig, D.M., Optimisation
 
Social and ecological systems:
Scott, J., Carrington, P.J. (eds.), The SAGE Handbook of Social Network Analysis Newman, M.E.J., Networks: An Introduction
Grimm, V., Railsback, S.F., Individual-Based Modeling and Ecology
 
Infectious diseases:
Keeling, M., Rohani, P., Modelling Infectious Disease in Humans and Animals
Vynnycky, E., White, R.G., An Introduction to Infectious Disease Modelling

 

Reading list for this module:

Type Author Title Edition Publisher Year ISBN
Set McMahon, D. MATLAB Demystified McGraw-Hill 2007 978-0071485517
Set Higham, D. and Higham, N. MATLAB Guide 3rd SIAM 2017 978-1611974652
Set Kharab, A. and Guenther, R.B. An Introduction To Numerical Methods: A MATLAB Approach Chapman & Hall 2012 978-1439868997
Set Hahn, Brian D. Essential MATLAB for Engineers and Scientists 4th Academic Press 2010 9780123748836 012
Set Sorensen, B. Renewable Energy: Physics, Engineering, Environmental Impacts, Economics and Planning 5th Academic Press 2017
Set Greig, D.M. Optimisation Longman 1980
Set Vynnycky, E. and White, R.G. An Introduction to Infectious Disease Modelling 1st Oxford University Press, USA 2010
Set Scott, J., Carrington, P.J. (eds.) The SAGE Handbook of Social Network Analysis 1st Sage Publications Ltd 2011
Set Newman, M.E.J. Networks: An Introduction Oxford University Press 2010 978-0199206650
Set Grimm, V. and Railsback, S.F. Individual-based Modelling and Ecology Princeton University Press 2005
CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES None
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 6 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Thursday 7th May 2015 LAST REVISION DATE Tuesday 14th March 2023
KEY WORDS SEARCH Interdisciplinary mathematics; Mathematical sciences; Ecology; Health; Renewable Energy; Environmental Science

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.