Study information

Modelling the Weather and Climate - 2023 entry

MODULE TITLEModelling the Weather and Climate CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODEMTHM023 MODULE CONVENERProf F Hugo Lambert (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 0 11 weeks 0
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 5
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

This module introduces you to modelling the weather and climate by providing you with an overview of modern weather and climate computational models. Using hands-on computational case studies, you will explore key aspects of mathematical and computational modelling within a simpler model framework. You will look at one aspect of the climate physics in more detail, and study the predictability of the atmosphere.

Prerequisite module: MTH3001 Theory of Weather and Climate

AIMS - intentions of the module

This module will give an introduction to both complex and simple models of weather and climate. Simple models are useful for improving our understanding of the climate system; however, to make detailed predictions requires large and complicated numerical models. In order to have a thorough understanding of the outputs from these models, it is important to have a grounding in the techniques employed.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

On successful completion of this module, you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:

1 Understand the complexity of models of the climate and the split between resolved and unresolved processes;

2 Comprehend in detail the computational modelling of advection and diffusion;

3 Demonstrate expertise in one or more types of modelling of unresolved processes such as the planetary boundary layer;

4 Explore the predictability of the atmosphere;

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:

5 Use computational and mathematical techniques in modelling the climate system;

Personal and Key Transferable/ Employment Skills and Knowledge:

6 Apply mathematical skills to the atmospheric sciences.

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module

We will focus on:

- Simple models of climate change;

- The sensitivity of climate to external influences;

- Interpreting climate model predictions;

- Numerical methods;

- Sub-grid processes.

LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 33 Guided Independent Study 117 Placement / Study Abroad 0
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities 33 Lectures/example classes
Guided Independent Study 117 Book work from lectures; study using Reading List; past exam papers; reading relevant research papers.

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Not applicable      
       

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 50 Written Exams 50 Practical Exams 0
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Written exam – Closed Book 50 2 hours (Summer) 1-6 Written/verbal on request
Coursework – Coursework 1 25 15 hours 1-6 Feedback Sheet
Coursework – Coursework 2 25 15 hours 1-6 Feedback Sheet

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-reassessment
Written exam * Written Exam (100%) All August Ref/Def Period
Coursework 1 * Coursework 1 All August Ref/Def Period
Coursework 2 * Coursework 2 All August Ref/Def Period

*Please refer to reassessment notes for details on deferral vs. Referral reassessment

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

Deferrals: Reassessment will be by coursework and/or written exam in the deferred element only. For deferred candidates, the module mark will be uncapped.

Referrals: Reassessment will be by a single written exam worth 100% of the module only. As it is a referral, the mark will be capped at 50%.

RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

ELE – http://vle.exeter.ac.uk

Reading list for this module:

Type Author Title Edition Publisher Year ISBN
Set Holton, J.R. An Introduction to Dynamic Meteorology 4th Academic Press 2012 978-0123848666
Set Kalnay, E. Atmospherics Modelling, Data Assimilation and Predictability Cambridge University Press 2010
Set Hartmann, D. Global Physical Climatology Academic Press 1994
Set Peixoto, J.P. and Oort, A.H. Physics of Climate American Institute of Physics 1997 978-0883187128
Set Andrews, D.G. Introduction to Atmospheric Physics 2nd Cambridge University Press 2010
CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES MTH3001
CO-REQUISITE MODULES
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 7 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Tuesday 10th July 2018 LAST REVISION DATE Friday 10th February 2023
KEY WORDS SEARCH Weather; Climate; Numerical; Clouds; Radiation; Boundary Layer

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.