49255 Catchment Modelling

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.

UTS: Engineering: Civil and Environmental Engineering
Credit points: 6 cp

Subject level:

Postgraduate

Result type: Grade and marks

Requisite(s): ((120 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10061 Bachelor of Engineering Diploma Engineering Practice OR 120 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10066 Bachelor of Engineering Science OR 120 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10067 Bachelor of Engineering OR 120 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C09067 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Diploma Professional Engineering Practice OR 120 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C09066 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)) AND 48362 Hydraulics and Hydrology)
These requisites may not apply to students in certain courses. See access conditions.

Description

This course provides an introduction to the concepts and reductionist approach involved in the modelling of catchment processes influencing the quantity and quality of surface runoff from a catchment. Different forms of conceptual models are introduced and how these concepts are combined to provide a catchment modelling system. Considerations, limitations and implementation of catchment modelling systems is discussed, with a focus on calibration, validation and sensitivity testing of a catchment system model. An introduction to the processes influencing the generation and movement of surface runoff and pollutant constituents, and associated routing flows and constituents along the channels and rivers in a catchment drainage network is covered to facilitate an understanding of the possibilities and limitations of catchment modelling. Finally, the information and data required for the use of these modelling systems to provide insights, inclusive of sources of this information are also examined.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

1.	Interpret water quantity and quality estimations from catchment modelling systems. (D.1)
2.	Interpret uncertainty within catchment modelling systems and identify key drivers. (D.1)
3.	Apply alternative approaches for parameter estimation. (D.1)
4.	Design different approaches to modelling of water quantity and quality in catchments. (D.1)

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):

• Technically Proficient: FEIT graduates apply theoretical, conceptual, software and physical tools and advanced discipline knowledge to research, evaluate and predict future performance of systems characterised by complexity. (D.1)

Contribution to the development of graduate attributes

Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies

This subject contributes to the development of the following Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies:

• 1.3. In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline.
• 2.2. Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources.
• 2.4. Application of systematic approaches to the conduct and management of engineering projects.

Teaching and learning strategies

Teaching and learning strategies will include:

• Workshop content (online content)
• Workshop/tutorial sessions (in-class and online content)

Each teaching period focuses on a particular aspect of catchment modelling. There are reading materials that provide a foundation for aspects of the subject and are made available on Canvas. In each block period, these reading materials form an integral part of the discussion and the formation of technical arguments. Students are encouraged to engage with the online activities prior to the Friday block class to facilitate their interaction in lectures and tutorials where they have opportunities to apply their knowledge.

Each student is expected to contribute to the discussion and to present a viewpoint. As part of these collaborative discussion periods, a peer review of arguments is expected. In addition, these discussion periods provide opportunities for verbal feedback to guide students in the preparation of their technical reports. Detailed feedback will be provided on the written reports. The discussion periods and the technical reports provide opportunities for students to develop their analytical, review, reflection and evaluation skills.

Content (topics)

The syllabus includes:

1. Catchment Modelling Systems
   1. Introduction to Catchment Modelling Concepts
   2. Types of Catchment Modelling Systems
   3. Building Catchment Modelling Systems
2. Hydrologic and Hydraulic Processes influencing Catchment quality and quantity responses
3. Numerical Solution Techniques
4. Application of Catchment Modelling Systems
   1. Problem Definition
   2. Data Considerations
   3. Parameter Estimation
   4. Parameter Uncertainty
   5. Prediction Uncertainty
   6. Challenges and Pitfalls in calibration

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Conceptual Catchment Model

Intent:	To highlight the perceptual and conceptual issues associated with catchment modelling.
Objective(s):	This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): D.1
Type:	Report
Groupwork:	Individual
Weight:	20%
Length:	A conceptual model diagram with appropriate labelling and legend key, supported by a maximum of 1,000 words (excluding references) explaining the conceptual model diagram to a client.

Assessment task 2: Model Calibration

Intent:	To consider the suitability of a model for the intended purpose.
Objective(s):	This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 2 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): D.1
Type:	Presentation
Groupwork:	Individual
Weight:	20%
Length:	Presentation slide pack with speaking notes (maximum of 20 slides) and a one-page briefing note / memorandum (e.g. 500 words). Students are encouraged to present slides and record their presentations using video software and embed this into their presentation. The presentation should not be more than 15 minutes.

Assessment task 3: Hydrograph Generation

Intent:	To be able to predict runoff hydrographs from a catchment and to understand and interpret these hydrographs.
Objective(s):	This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 3 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): D.1
Type:	Report
Groupwork:	Individual
Weight:	20%
Length:	Maximum 5-page report exclusive of calculations that are to be included as appendices

Assessment task 4: Capstone (Integrative) Report

Intent:	To apply developed concepts in the preparation of a catchment modelling solution to address a new problem.
Objective(s):	This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): D.1
Type:	Report
Groupwork:	Individual
Weight:	40%
Length:	Maximum 20 pages (inclusive of drawings, diagrams, references and appendices)

Minimum requirements

In order to pass the subject, a student must achieve an overall mark of 50% or more.

Recommended texts

1. Bevan, KJ, (2001), Rainfall-Runoff Modelling, Wiley (highly recommended)
2. Ball J, Babister M, Nathan R, Weeks W, Weinmann E, Retallick M, Testoni I, (Editors), 2019, Australian Rainfall and Runoff: A Guide to Flood Estimation, Commonwealth of AustraliaWong, T.H.F., Australian Rainfall Quality – A guide to Water Sensitive Urban Design, Engineers Media.