University of Galway

Course Module Information

Course Modules

Semester 1 | Credits: 5

This module cover the theory and and practice of hydrological modelling. Topics include catchment modelling, discharge modelling, Saint Venant equation, reservoir routing, hydrological modelling, and groundwater modelling of pollutants. Students will learn how to use industry-standard hydrological modelling tools such as HECRAS, HYDRAS and Hydrus 1-D. Students will also learn how to change boundary conditions of a finite difference model coded in FORTRAN.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. derive the St Venant equations - the governing equations for various hydrological processes.
  2. distinguish between different modelling approaches and identify the most suitable approach for a particular problem.
  3. Develop finite difference approximations to hydraulic models
  4. develop and apply industry-standard hydrological models (e.g. HECRAS, HYDRAS) to real-world systems.
  5. elucidate the issues and methods in calibration and validation of the different types of models.
  6. critically analyse hydrological model output.
  7. model the flow of a contaminant through soil using industry-standard software (Hydrus 1-D)
  8. Develop and apply unsaturated flow equations, such as the van Genuchten and van Genuchten-Mualam equations, that govern water movement in soil
  9. understand the interaction between good agricultural practices and the attainment of objectives of various EU directives, such as the Water Framework Directive.
  10. judiciously access the implications of applying groundwater flow models based on generic soil types versus models based on site-specific data.
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module CE6106: "Hydrological Modelling" and is valid from 2017 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.