Our Fundamentals of Meteorology course is delivered by Dr Hilary Weller. It runs from September to December each year.

This course starts with a brief description of the atmosphere, the global circulation and mid-latitude weather systems. You'll study theoretical concepts that help explain these descriptions. Then we use the theory to explain the dynamics of extratropical cyclones and fronts.

The theory topics are:

  • Thermodynamics: first law of thermodynamics, thermodynamic processes and potential temperature
  • Atmospheric moisture: mixing ratio, dew point temperature, relative humidity and the impact on the atmospheric stability
  • Dynamics: forces acting on air parcels, pressure gradient force, Coriolis force, drag, forces in balance: hydrostatic, geostrophic and gradient wind
  • Analysis of atmospheric state using a tephigram
  • Temperature gradient effects: thermal wind balance and thermal advection
  • Calculations using divergence and vorticity.

There will be ten assignments with model answers. It is estimated that candidates spent 8 hours per week over 10 weeks to successfully complete the course.

Timetabled sessions for 2026 (UK time)

The taught content is pre-recorded. Help with the content and with the assignments will be available at the non-compulsory live sessions. The live sessions are recorded for later viewing.

  • 30 September 2026, 12:30-13:30
  • 7 October 2026, 14:00-15:00
  • 14 October 2026, 12:30–13:30
  • 21 October 2026, 12:30-13:30
  • 28 October 2026, 11:30-12:30

Then a break until

  • 11 November 2026, 12:30–13:30
  • 18 November 2026, 12:00–13:00
  • NO CLASS ON 25 November 2026
  • 2 December 2026, 12:30-13:30
  • 9 December 2026, 12:30-13:30
  • 16 December 2026, 12:00-13:00

Apply to take the Fundamentals of Meteorology course. - APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED

Prerequisites

Working knowledge of A level Maths, including:

  • Integration and differentiation (e.g., integrating 1/p where p is pressure, to find the variation of pressure with height in the atmosphere) 
  • Trigonometry (e.g., finding components of the wind given strength and direction)
  • Vectors (for example adding vectors and multiplying by scalars to calculate forces on air parcels)
  • Exponentials and logarithms
  • Quantities and units in mechanics (everything that is measured in the atmosphere has units)
  • Forces and Newton’s second law: force = mass x acceleration (this predicts how the weather will change)

Some background knowledge of weather such as successful completion of the FutureLearn course Come Rain or Shine: Understanding the Weather.

Read the Terms and Conditions for Meteorology Online Courses. 

Application

Applications for the 2026 course are now open - APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED

Further Learning

Find out about the Department of Meteorology, the premium online courses and the open online courses.