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701-1338-00L 3 Credits MSC D-USYS
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Biogeochemical Modelling of Sediments, Lakes and Oceans

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Martin Schmid, Dr. Meike Vogt, Dr. Damien Bouffard
Number of participants limited to 18.
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:06:36

Abstract

In this course, the students acquire skills to implement, evaluate and analyse the results of basic numerical models for the simulation of biogeochemical processes in aquatic systems using Python, to interpret and document model results, and to critically discuss model limitations. The focus of the course is on practical applications.

Objective

The aim of this course is to encourage and enable students to develop, test and apply basic numerical models for a range of biogeochemical applications, and to interpret model results.

Content

Numerical models are useful tools for the evaluation of processes in complex systems, the interpretion of observational data, and the projection of the response of a system beyond the range of observations. In this course, the students acquire skills to implement and test basic numerical models for the simulation of biogeochemical processes in aquatic systems using Python, to interpret and document model results in written and oral form, and to critically discuss model limitations. The course includes the following topics: - Formulation of transport and reaction equations describing aquatic systems - Numerical recipes (discretization in time and space, finite differences, finite volumes, initial and boundary conditions) - Implementation of simple models in Python (box models, 1D-models, with applications from sediments, lakes, and oceans) - Techniques for applied modelling & model testing (sensitivity analysis, parameter estimation) - Model evaluation against observational data (model evaluation metrics in space and time) - Interpretation and documentation of model results - Model applications in current aquatic research (recent examples from the scientific literature)

Resources

Lecture Notes

Presentation slides, exercises, and some background material will be provided.

Literature

DM Glover, WJ Jenkins, SC Doney, 2011. Modeling Methods for Marine Science, Cambridge University Press K Soetaert, PMJ Herman, 2009. A Practical Guide to Ecological Modelling, Springer E Holzbecher, 2012, Environmental Modeling Using MATLAB, 2nd edition, Springer JM Stewart, 2017. Python for Scientists, Cambridge University Press

General Information

Language
English
Levels
MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
graded semester performance
Exercises: Six exercises will support student learning and allow for an ongoing self-assessment in terms of the course's learning objectives. 5 out of 6 exercises need to be handed in during the semester as a compulsory prerequisite for participation in the case study.Case study: During the second half of the semester, students will develop, implement, test, and interpret their own model for a selected biogeochemical case study in groups of two students. Students will present their project in written and oral form. A short presentation of the work will be given to a peer group for discussion and peer-to-peer evaluation. The students will then document their findings in a project report, which will include a description of their model and its scientific application, as well as a critical interpretation of the results and a discussion of the limitations of the model. The final course grade will be based on the written project report.

Registration & Places

Max Places
18

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Biogeochemical Modelling of Sediments, Lakes and Oceans
  • Fri 10:15-12:00 (CHN D 44)
2 h weekly

Offered In