Course Catalogue

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The course provides an introduction to fundamental aspects of theoretical and applied climatology. It explores the theoretical foundations of climate science, such as celestial mechanics, first-order energy fluxes, heat and mass transport in the atmosphere, structural aspects of Earth's climate system, rain formation, and climate change of the past, present and future. This is complemented by an introduction to important principles in applied climatology, including statistics, probability theory, empirical analysis, and modern mathematical modelling. Finally, a hands-on exploration of fundamental coding practices, and the application of some of the above-mentioned principles, will prepare the students to work with climate datasets on contemporary climate-related problems in a modern research and industry work setting.

4 hours of lectures per week for 5 weeks followed by 4 hours of computer practicals for 5 weeks.

Normally a degree in natural science (e.g. physics, chemistry, geology, etc) or engineering.

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The Assessment is based on:

■ A report that presents and discusses the outcomes of a data analysis or model development group project (80%) (ILO 1,2,3,4),

■ An oral presentation to communicate and evaluate the group project outcomes (20%) (ILO 5).

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. Where, exceptionally, reassessment on Honours courses is required to satisfy professional/accreditation requirements, only the overall course grade achieved at the first attempt will contribute to the Honours classification. For non-Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

■ The presentation cannot be reassessed

This course aims to convey fundamental aspects of theoretical and applied climatology. More specifically, this course aims to:

■ Equip students with an understanding of how the climate system works by introducing relevant theoretical principles.

■ Develop a foundation in mathematical-statistical, empirical, and computational techniques to support the practical study of climate in particular.

■ Develop programming skills to solve problems in climate science through the application of empirical analysis and modelling, and the use of climate datasets.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Explain the physical causes for past, present and future states of the climate system.

■ Explain the strengths and limitations of commonly used mathematical techniques in climate science.

■ Apply theoretical concepts of empirical analysis, mathematical modelling and coding practices.

■ Analyse (quantitatively) typical problems in climate science through the application of the above techniques.

■ Evaluate research outcomes with regards to their potential uses, application and limitations for solving climate-related problems.

Attendance at all practical sessions and submission of least 75% (by weight of the components) of the course's summative assessment.