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Unit of Study FORS3006 - Ecosystem Modelling (2026)

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Unit Snapshot

Unit description

To use simulation modelling in a decision support framework in the context of planning and management of environmental resources. Students will complete the design and implementation of a simulation model as part of major assignment that will prepare them for oversight of environmental management projects.

Unit content

1. Context of modelling and prediction in management planning.

2. Modelling approaches, languages and tools, and introduction to the Visual Modelling Environment, Simile.

3. Basic concepts of modelling in system dynamics approaches.

4. Individual-based and Population-based modelling.

5. Advanced modelling techniques, including testing and verification.

6. Application and use of models, and presentation of findings.

Availabilities

Location Domestic International
Lismore
Term4
Term4
Online
Term4
Term4

Learning outcomes

Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes. The unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes are also the basis of evaluating prior learning.

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

evaluate the role of complex simulations in ecosystem management planning

select appropriate modelling approaches to address complex environmental issues

collect and synthesise data to successfully run advanced simulations

Teaching and assessment

Teaching method
Workshop 1 hour (Weekly)
Tutorial 2 hours (Weekly)
Assessment
Analysis 25%
Framework 30%
Project 45%

Teaching method
Workshop 1 hour (Weekly)
Tutorial 2 hours (Weekly)
Assessment
Analysis 25%
Framework 30%
Project 45%

Prescribed learning resources

Prescribed Texts
  • No prescribed texts.
Prescribed Resources/Equipment

  • This unit makes extensive use of the visual modelling environment Simile. Simile is available in SCU computer labs, will be made available during the unit, or the free evaluation version can be downloaded from the vendor Simulistics at http://www.simulistics.com/products/index.htm

    Simile is available for Windows, MacOS and Linux.

Prescribed Learning Resources may change in future Teaching Periods.