307-046 Environmental Informatics

Study program:

 Environmental Protection 

Academic level and semester:

Master, 2nd/3rd semester

ECTS credits/workload per semester:

6 / 150

Contact hours per week/contact hours per semester:

6 / 70

Type/Teaching method:

 Lecture
Language of instruction: English

Frequency:

 Summer semester

Lecturer:

 Prof. Dr. M. Gaertner, Prof. Dr.-Ing. P. Baumann, Dr. G. Hahn

Content:

Students gain an overview of pilot testing, modeling, and simulation methods for environmental engineering and ecological applications. They learn about key commercial and open-source software tools and understand main factors affecting model implementation and result quality.

They acquire practical skills in using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for environmental analysis, monitoring, and planning. Students can build and apply GIS for real-world environmental problems, including Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and regional planning, and understand GPS technology and its environmental applications.

Modeling and Simulation

  • Fundamentals of modeling and simulation

  • Pilot testing of environmental technologies (laboratory, pilot, and full scale)

  • Modeling of wastewater, hydrological, noise, odor, and water quality systems

  • Fish habitat and climate scenario modeling (e.g., Lotka–Volterra models)

  • Use of citizen science and open data for environmental modeling

Geographic Information Systems

  • Monitoring and control systems; data storage, analysis, and modeling

  • GIS principles, distributed systems, projections, and GPS

  • Site analysis, land-use balance, and thematic map creation

  • 3D modeling and visualization of landscapes and habitats

The sustainable development of environmental measures is supported by pilot testing, modeling, and simulation of processes, especially for alternative evaluations and risk assessments.

Textbooks:

Ahnert, M. et al. (2015). Dynamische Simulation als Bestandteil der Kläranlagenbemessung nach DWA-A 131. Korrespondenz Abwasser, 7/2015, S. 615-624.Fischer-Stabel, P. (HRSG.) (2005). Umweltinformationssysteme. – Heidelberg: H. Wichmann-Verlag.GI GEOINFORMATIK GMBH (Hrsg.) (2011). ArcGIS 10 – das deutschsprachige Handbuch für ArcView und ArcEditor. Berlin: VDE Verlag.Klärle, M. (Hrsg.) (2012). Erneuerbare Energien unterstützt durch GIS und Landmanagement. Berlin: VDE Verlag
Recommended for: Undergraduates, Graduates
Prerequisites: Basic ecological and natural science–technical knowledge and experience.

Restrictions:

 None

Assessment:

 Written exam, paper