MSc Applied Mathematical Sciences with Climate and Environmental Modelling

Program Overview

The Applied Mathematical Sciences with Climate and Environmental Modelling MSc program at Heriot-Watt University equips students with a comprehensive understanding of climate change causes, impacts, and mitigation strategies. Through advanced mathematical modeling skills, students investigate climate change effects and develop solutions for environmental challenges. The program offers a unique focus on life sciences and real-world applications, preparing graduates for careers in environmental consulting, climate change research, and policy advising.

Program Outline

Applied Mathematical Sciences with Climate and Environmental Modelling - MSc

Degree Overview

Overview:

This program equips students with a deep understanding of climate change causes, impacts, and mitigation/adaptation measures, with a focus on life sciences and mathematical modeling. Students develop skills in mathematical modeling to investigate climate change effects.

Objectives:

• Understand the causes and impacts of climate change.
• Develop advanced mathematical modeling skills.

Program Description:

• Follows the structure of the Applied Mathematical Sciences MSc.
• Two dedicated courses address climate change issues, taught by experts in Life Sciences.
• Available full-time (1 year) or part-time (2-3 years).

Outline

Program Content:

• Eight courses: four each in Semesters 1 & 2, followed by a summer project.
• Year 1:
• Core courses:
• Mathematical Ecology
• Modelling and Tools
• Data Assimilation with Applications to Climate Change
• Modelling and Simulation in the Life Sciences
• Optional courses:
• Climate Change; Causes and Impact
• Statistical Methods
• Optimisation
• Stochastic Simulation
• Statistical Machine Learning
• Mathematical Biology and Medicine
• Partial Differential Equations
• Numerical Analysis (PDEs)
• Bayesian Inference
• Summer Project: Extended project on mathematical modeling of climate change impacts on environmental systems.
Guided by leading research academics.
• Typical Project Subjects:
• Population Cycles of Forest Insects
• Climate Change Impact
• The replacement of Red Squirrels by Grey Squirrels in the UK
• Vegetation Patterns in Semi-arid Environments
• Daisyworld: A Simple Land Surface Climate Model

Assessment

Assessment methods:

• Coursework assignments
• Examinations
• Project work

Assessment criteria:

• Understanding of course content
• Ability to apply mathematical concepts
• Communication and presentation skills
• Project originality and research skills

Teaching

Teaching methods:

• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Practical sessions
• Project supervision

Faculty:

• Experienced and research-active academic staff from the School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences and the School of Life Sciences.

Unique approaches:

• Focus on real-world applications of mathematics to climate change issues.
• Use of advanced software tools for data analysis and modeling.
• Opportunities to collaborate with leading researchers on climate change projects.

Careers

Career paths:

• Environmental consultant
• Climate change researcher
• Data analyst
• Mathematical modeller
• Policy advisor

Career opportunities:

• Government agencies
• Environmental NGOs
• Research institutions
• Private sector companies

Outcomes:

• Graduates are well-equipped to contribute to addressing the challenges of climate change.

Tuition fees Status [footnote 1] Full-time Part-time UK £9,152 £4,576 Overseas [footnote 2] £19,056 £9,528 Footnotes Your residency 'status' is usually defined as the country where you have been ordinarily resident for the three years before the start of your course. Overseas includes applications from European Union countries who do not hold Pre-Settled or Settled status in the UK. Read more about the application process for EU nationals.