MSc ATMOSPHERE, OCEAN AND CLIMATE

Title:

Introduction to weather systems

Code:

MTMG01

Convenor:

DR Tom Frame

Summary:

In this module students will be introduced to the fundamentals of weather systems; clouds, fronts and air masses. They will learn about observing systems and the basics of synoptic dynamics.

Assessment Method:

Set exercise 100%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Atmospheric Physics

Code:

MTMG02

Convenor:

PROF Maarten Ambaum

Summary:

In this module we will cover thermal physics as applicable to the atmosphere. We will cover phase transitions, cloud formation, radiation, vertical stability, and related topics in atmospheric science.

Assessment Method:

Set exercise 20%, Class test 80%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Weather and Climate Discussion

Code:

MTMG04

Convenor:

DR Thorwald Stein

Summary:

A seminar based module looking at weather and climate issues of both local and global importance.

Assessment Method:

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Professional Skills

Code:

MTMG05

Convenor:

DR Hilary Weller

Summary:

This module includes an intensive team project week, a Met Office taught forecasting course and employment related presentations and visits.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 50%, Oral 50%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Experiencing the weather field course

Code:

MTMG34

Convenor:

PROF Chris Scott

Summary:

This field course focuses on weather variation.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 40%, Oral 40%, Class test 20%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Dissertation project

Code:

MTMG99

Convenor:

PROF Keith Haines

Summary:

A major piece of independent full time research with dissertation writing skills assessed.

Assessment Method:

Dissertation 100%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Fluid Dynamics of the Atmosphere and Oceans

Code:

MTMW11

Convenor:

PROF Danny Feltham

Summary:

The atmosphere and oceans support motions on a vast range of scales - from planetary to molecular. Although the fundamental equations of fluid dynamics have been known since the 1850s, solutions are still only known for very idealised situations. Fluids support diverse phenomena such as vortices and wave motions. These typically make fluid flow vary with time, and result in chaotic behaviour that limits predictability . This module starts from first principles to build up the equations of fluid dynamics for situations with increasing complexity including the effects of friction, density stratification and the Earth's rotation. Approximations are then introduced which help us to understand important fluid phenomena that emerge.

Assessment Method:

Report 30%, Class test 70%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Introduction to Numerical Modelling

Code:

MTMW12

Convenor:

DR Hilary Weller

Summary:

We will derive and analyse a number of numerical methods for solving the type of equations used in atmosphere and ocean modelling. Students will implement some of these methods using the Python programming language.

Assessment Method:

Report 60%, Class test 40%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Numerical Modelling of Atmospheres and Oceans

Code:

MTMW14

Convenor:

PROF Pier Luigi Vidale

Summary:

Numerical models are central to predicting the evolution of fluid flows, including weather forecasting and climate simulation. Atmosphere and ocean science has advanced rapidly by using models; they represent the essence of what we know about fluid behaviour and enable us to obtain approximate solutions for complex, nonlinear problems where analytic solutions are unknown. This module considers the formulation of model equations, schemes to solve them numerically and ways in which model performance can be evaluated using knowledge of fluid properties and phenomena. You will also implement idealised models yourself to solve problems using computer programming.

Assessment Method:

Report 70%, Class test 30%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Climate Change

Code:

MTMG16

Convenor:

PROF Nigel Arnell

Summary:

This module aims to develop a conceptual, but also quantitative, understanding of climate variability and change.

Assessment Method:

Report 20%, Class test 80%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Tropical weather systems

Code:

MTMG19

Convenor:

DR Chris Holloway

Summary:

An introduction to the weather systems and circulation patterns in the tropical atmosphere.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 20%, Class test 80%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Oceanography

Code:

MTMG21

Convenor:

DR Remi Tailleux

Summary:

After discussing the observational difficulties involved in studying the oceans, this module shows how observed large scale Features can be rationalised in terms of simple dynamical theories.

Assessment Method:

Class test 100%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Remote Sensing

Code:

MTMG38

Convenor:

PROF Nicolas Bellouin

Summary:

This module describes how to obtain quantitative information about the contents and state of the atmosphere using electromagnetic waves. We will consider a variety of techniques based on absorption, scattering and emission processes. We will also cover various remote sensing instruments, including radiometers, sun-photometers, radars, and lidars.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 30%, Oral 15%, Set exercise 10%, Class test 45%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Climate Services and Climate Impact Modelling

Code:

MTMG50

Convenor:

DR David Brayshaw

Summary:

This module seeks to provide students with the scientific awareness, practical techniques and communication skills required for the provision of climate services and climate impact modelling.  Contact time will be divided between a series of taught lectures covering key scientific and technical material; a computer-based technical development of a relevant climate service application; sector-specific case studies presented by external speakers; and preparation of a consultancy style briefing report.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 30%, Report 70%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Atmospheric Chemistry and Transport

Code:

MTMG60

Convenor:

PROF Bill Collins

Summary:

This module develops the concepts of chemical and physical processing of atmospheric pollutants and their transport in the atmosphere from local to global scales. The processes covered include air quality, photochemistry, anthropogenic and biogenic emissions, wet and dry deposition. The transport mechanisms include micro-scale, meso-scale, synoptic-scale and global-scale processes.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 30%, Class test 70%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Extra-tropical Weather Systems

Code:

MTMW15

Convenor:

DR Chris Holloway

Summary:

Dynamical knowledge of the development of synoptic-scale weather systems in the extra-tropical latitudes will be developed in this module.

Assessment Method:

Oral 25%, Class test 75%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Title:

Global Circulation of the Atmosphere & Ocean

Code:

MTMW20

Convenor:

DR Andrew Charlton-Perez

Summary:

This module provides an overview of the main observed large scale Features of the atmospheric and oceanic circulations, and of the simple dynamical theories rationalising them.

Assessment Method:

Portfolio 100%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.