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Duration
Identical coursesNumerical Modelling (B-KUL-G0V87A)
Cannot be taken as part of an examination contractAims
During this course, the student will:
Lean how to develop a well structured, documented and sharable model using the object oriented programming paradigm.
Learn to independently develop geographical models based on a general problem description, starting from a well-defined and clear structure and explain how the program works
Learn to work with Matlab and its Syntax
Learn how to discretize and optimize numerical models in Matlab
Learn how to solve the two major geophysical partial differential equations (advection & diffusion) in a numerically accurate way.
Previous knowledge
Basic knowledge of programming (Introduction to Geoprocessing (B-KUL-G0S73A) or equivalent), regression techniques, basic knowledge of physics (mechanics), mathematics (calculus, matrix algebra) at the level of a bachelor in sciences. Knowledge of geomorphology, climatology and meteorology, demographics, soil science and GIS at the bachelor level.
Is included in these courses of study
- Master of Geography (Programme for students started before 2021-2022) (Leuven et al) (EARTH AND CLIMATE) 120 ects.
- Master of Geography (Programme for students started before 2021-2022) (Leuven et al) (GIS AND SPATIAL MODELLING) 120 ects.
- Courses for Exchange Students Faculty of Science (Leuven)
- Master in de geologie (Leuven) 120 ects.
- Master of Geology (Programme for students started before 2023-2024) (Leuven et al) 120 ects.
- Master in de geografie (Leuven e.a.) (Aarde en Klimaat) 120 ects.
- Master of Geography (Programme for students started in 2021-2022 or later) (Leuven et al) (Earth & Climate) 120 ects.
- Master of Geology (Programme for students started in 2023-2024 or later) (Leuven et al) 120 ects.
Activities
3 ects. Numerical Modelling (B-KUL-G0I66a)
Content
1. Introduction
Matlab Syntax
Numerical Discretization and Optimization
Ordinal Differential Equations using the Predator-Prey model as example
2. Object-Oriented Programming
Basics of OOP
Advanced class construction: inheritance, polymorphism, encapsulation and abstraction.
OOP in a geographical context
3. Partial Differential Equations for Geoscientists
Numerical solutions of advection
Discretization schemes: upwind, downwind, leapfrog
Stability criteria for numerical solutions
Numerical solutions of diffusion
Advection and Diffusion in 2D.
Course material
- handouts of slides, links to websites, matlab documentation
Format: more information
- Hands-on: students acquire the necessary experience in programming techniques by solving problems individually while having access to guidance
- Home assignments: after the sesssions a small home assignment is given to students allowing them to deepen their understanding and skills by practising
- Take home: a larger programming problem is given as a take home. Students are capable of solving it by combining the various skills they learned during the practical sessions.
Evaluation
Evaluation: Numerical Modelling (B-KUL-G2V87a)
Explanation
You are expected to hand in your take home exercise (matlab code / m-files) on a drop box facility on Toledo. You submit the program on the Monday, 7 days prior to the start of the examination period, before 14:00. The date is specified on the drop box facility on Toledo. Only if you have submitted your matlab code (m-files) in time, you can participate in the exam.
The evaluation consists of two parts:
- Part 1: written examination on the take home exercises and the assignments given during the lectures
- Part 2: written examination (programming): Given a specific geographic problem, the students are expected to write a functioning, well-structured matlab-program.
Each part accounts for 50% of the total mark for this course.
Information about retaking exams
An extention to the take home exam will be given. In addition, to solving this extension, students are expected to re-work and improve their original take home exercise. This re-worked and extended take home exercise need to be handed in on the drop box facility on Toledo at the latest on the Monday, 7 days prior to the start of the examination period, before 14:00. The date is specified on the drop box facility on Toledo. Only if you have submitted your matlab code (m-files) in time, you can participate in the exam.