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102-0468-10L 6 Credits MSC , NDS D-USYS , D-BAUG , D-ERDW
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Watershed Modelling

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Peter Molnar, Prof. Dr. Nadav Peleg
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:36:18

Abstract

Watershed Modelling is a practical course on numerical water balance models for a range of catchment-scale water resource applications. The course covers GIS use in watershed analysis, models types from conceptual to physically-based, parameter calibration and model validation, and analysis of uncertainty. The course combines theory (lectures) with a series of practical tasks (exercises).

Objective

The main aim of the course is to provide practical training with watershed models for environmental engineers. The course is built on thematic lectures (2 hrs a week) and practical exercises (2 hrs a week). Theory and concepts in the lectures are underpinned by many examples from scientific studies. A comprehensive exercise block builds on the lectures with a series of 5 practical tasks to be conducted during the semester in group work. Exercise hours during the week focus on explanation of the tasks. The course is evaluated 50% by performance in the graded exercises and 50% by a semester-end oral examination (30 mins) on watershed modelling concepts.

Content

The first part (A) of the course is on watershed properties analysed from DEMs, and on global sources of hydrological data for modelling applications. Here students learn about GIS applications (ArcGIS, Q-GIS) in hydrology - flow direction routines, catchment morphometry, extracting river networks, and defining hydrological response units. In the second part (B) of the course on conceptual watershed models students build their own simple bucket model (Matlab, Python), they learn about performance measures in modelling, how to calibrate the parameters and how to validate models, about methods to simulate stochastic climate to drive models, uncertainty analysis. The third part (C) of the course is focussed on physically-based model components. Here students learn about components for soil water fluxes and evapotranspiration, they practice with a fully-distributed physically-based model Topkapi-ETH, and learn about other similar models. They apply Topkapi-ETH to an alpine catchment and study simulated discharge, snow, soil moisture and evapotranspiration spatial patterns. The final part (D) of the course provides open classroom discussion and simulation of a round-table discussion between modellers and clients about using watershed models in a case study.

Resources

Lecture Notes

There is no textbook. Learning materials consist of (a) video-recording of lectures; (b) lecture presentations; and (c) exercise task documents that allow independent work.

Literature

Literature consist of collections from standard hydrological textbooks and research papers, collected by the instructors on the course moodle page.

Learning Materials (Links)

General Information

Language
English
Levels
MSC , NDS
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
end-of-semester examination
The course is evaluated 50% by performance in the graded exercises and 50% by an oral examination (30 mins) on watershed modelling concepts in January (week 2 or 3).

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Watershed Modelling
The lecturers will communicate the exact lesson times of ONLINE courses.
  • Mon 16:00-18:00 (ON LI NE)
  • Wed 12:00-14:00 (ON LI NE)
4 h weekly

Offered In