4 ECTS credits
110 h study time
Offer 1 with catalog number 9020779FNR for all students in the 1st semester at a (F) Master - specialised level.
The course will be offered as a hand-on computer training workshop and will be composed by the following blocks:
1) Introduction to Python
2) Environmental data processing using Python (e.g. reformatting of rainfall inputs)
3) Programming for dynamic simulation (rainfall-runoff) using Python
4) Programming in GIS environment using Python-PCRaster for distributed hydrological simulations.
Programming skills: knowledge of programming is not expected from the students and the course introduces variables, control structures and the use of functions. This introductory part relies on scientific examples to illustrate the programming concepts.
Use of libraries: many programming tasks are common enough that they come pre-packaged in the form of libraries whose use is an integral part of (scientific) programming. Typical examples include the creation of plots, the reading and writing of various file formats and numerical integration. The course presents the common aspects of using libraries and practical examples of their use.
Scientific programming: reflecting the supporting role of the course within a master program, the use of programming to support scientific modeling is put forward. This part of the course includes a presentation of object-oriented programming (directly aimed at using an object to represent a scientific model) as well as rigorous programming practice.
Practical aspects: the course is based on the Python programming language. This programming language is used by several hydrology research groups involved in environmental engineering at the VUB and KUL. Most classes will take place in a computer room with one computer for each student. The course content will be available online.
Participants will develop a model using Python for the hydrological modelling of a catchment. The WETSPA-Python application will be demonstrated. Participants will develop a simple catchment model code and application. a report on the model development and application will be submitted for evaluation.
Syllabus on Python modelling. Manual of WETSPA-Python. Data for hydrological modelling.
Upon successful completion of the course unit, students are able to write simple programmes in Python and to apply/modify complex Python programmes
The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Other Exam determines 100% of the final mark.
Within the Other Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:
Interim or permanent evaluation with (final) exam during the exam session.
Examination methods: open questions and multiple choice questions.
Second session: same as for the first exam session.
This offer is part of the following study plans:
Bachelor of Geography: Default track (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Geography: Standard track