ENCE 688D
Numerical Modeling for Water Resources
and Environmental Engineering

Spring 2003, TuTh 3:30pm-4:45pm
EGR (Engineering Classroom Bldg.) 1104


_______________________________________________________
Instructor: Kaye L. Brubaker

Office: EGR 1159

Phone: 301-405-1965

Fax: 301-405-2585 (Department Fax -- please advise by phone or email if sending fax)

Email: klbrubak@eng.umd.edu

Enrolled Students may access course information at the Clark School On-Line System .
Summary:
A rigorous introduction to the development and use of numerical models for water resources applications. Emphasis will be on understanding models as tools: where they come from, what they do, and their strengths and limitations. The goal of the course is to help students become wise users of models and modeling systems. Students will write and use simple computer programs in exercises designed to illustrate various modeling concepts. Professional-level modeling environments, such as EPA's QUAL2E and USACE's UNET, will be introduced. Examples will include both quantity and quality issues in surface water environments, including lakes, streams, rivers, and estuaries.
Topics (Preliminary):
  • Control Volume, Finite Difference, and Finite Element representations
  • The Modeling Process (specification, selection, preliminary application, sensitivity, calibration, validation, robustness, management application, post-audit)
  • Relationship of Model and Data (effects of uncertainty and measurement scale)

    Textbook:
  • Surface Water Quality Modeling, by Stephen C. Chapra, 1997 (Click on the author's name to see a picture and bio)
    Prerequisites:
  • Graduate-level course work in one of the following: hydrology, hydraulics, or environmental chemistry
  • Math: Ordinary Differential Equations; some experience with Partial Differential Equations; Basic Probability and Statistics
  • Basic programming, or willingness to learn (Matlab is the course standard, and "starter" code is generally provided; in the past, students have used Excel successfully for programming)
  • Permission of Dept. and Instructor (please contact Dr. Brubaker to obtain permissions)

    Examinations

    Take-Home Midterm
    In-class Final scheduled for Thurs., May 22, 10:30-12:30.

    Grading

    Homework: 60%
    Midterm: 20%
    Final: 20%
    Link to former versions of this page, for Spring 1999 and Fall 1997 offerings of "Numerical Modeling for Water Resources & Environmental Engineering"

    [Mail] Click here to E-mail questions or comments.

    Copyright 1998 Kaye Brubaker
    Created 2 November 1998
    Last Modified 3 January 2003