1999 Science Handbook - Atmospheric science

Atmospheric science

Discipline objectives
The discipline
- Recommended texts
- Coordinators
First year
- Subjects offered
Second year
- Subjects offered
Third year
- Subjects offered
Fourth year
- Subjects offered

Discipline objectives

Students studying atmospheric science will gain an understanding of the nature of the earth's atmosphere, atmospheric processes and many problems faced by the atmosphere. In particular they will gain:

an understanding of climatology at scales ranging from local to global, including the issues of climate change and global warming;
an understanding of atmospheric environmental issues (eg air pollution, ozone depletion, acid rain) and an appreciation of the effect that modern society has on these processes;
an understanding of the scientific principles and mathematical modelling techniques used in studying meteorology and weather related phenomena;
hands-on experimentation and learning through field trips;
an understanding of the dynamics and thermodynamics of the atmosphere;
computational and mathematical skills necessary in solving various quantitative problems;
skills in gathering, analysis and interpreting data.

The discipline

Atmospheric science includes the study of our earth's climate and weather as well as modern environmental issues related to our atmosphere. It is a multi-departmental discipline drawing on the strengths of environmental science, applied mathematics, physical geography and earth sciences. Subjects are available on an individual basis or as a sixteen-point minor or major sequence at second year and a twenty-four point major sequence at third year.
The atmospheric science program is supported by the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, the Department of Geography and Environmental Science and the Cooperative Research Centre for Southern Hemisphere Meteorology (Meteorology CRC). The Meteorology CRC, located on the Clayton campus, is a collaborative effort between Monash University (Department of Mathematics and Statistics), the Bureau of Meteorology, the CSIRO Divisions of Atmospheric Research and Telecommunications and Industrial Physics and Silicon Graphics Incorporated. The Meteorology CRC has three linked strategic research programs on stratospheric ozone, global transport modelling and climate dynamics, together with an education program and a technology transfer and communication program.

Recommended texts

Holton J R An introduction to dynamic meteorology 3rd edn, Academic Press, 1992
Sturman A P and Tapper N J The weather and climate of Australia and New Zealand Oxford University Press, 1996
Website http://www.meteorology.monash.edu.au/

Coordinators

Dr Steve Siems (Department of Mathematics and Statistics), Associate Professor Nigel Tapper (Department of Geography and Environmental Science)

First year

One atmospheric science subject, ATM1010 is offered at first year. It is not a prerequisite for higher-year subjects, but students wishing to take atmospheric science at second year are encouraged to take ATM1010. Prerequisites for second-year core atmospheric science subjects, however, require a minimum of one first-year subject in mathematics, either MAT1010, MAT1050 or, for students completing first year from 1999, MTH1020. It is recommended that students complete a first-year sequence in mathematics with either MAT1020 or MAT1080 or, from 1999, MTH1030. The first-year sequence in geography and environmental science, GES1000 and GES1020, is also recommended. Finally, as atmospheric science is a broadly based discipline, a sequence in either physics or chemistry is recommended.

Subjects offered

ATM1010 The dynamic atmosphere

Second year

Students taking atmospheric science as a sixteen-point sequence at second year should take ATM2121, ATM2211, ATM2132 and ATM2242. However, students need to be aware that additional prerequisites exist for some third-year ATM subjects; for example those planning to major in atmospheric science in third year should also take MAT2030 and MAT2040. Students taking MAT2030 and MAT2040 in their second year are also permitted to take ATM3172 at second year. An eight-point sequence in geography and environmental science is recommended.

Subjects offered

ATM2121 Introduction to atmospheric sciences
ATM2132 Numerical methods
ATM2211 Climates of the earth boundary layer
ATM2242 Environmental hydrology

Third year

Students taking atmospheric science as a twenty-four points discipline at third year should normally include the five core subjects: ATM3121, ATM3162, ATM3172, ATM3212 and ATM3251. However, some substitution may be allowed by subjects not yet taken at second year. If ATM3172 has been taken at second year, students may take either ATM3131 or ATM3141.

Subjects offered

ATM3121 Air pollution meteorology and modelling
ATM3131 Advanced fluid dynamics
ATM3141 Numerical solution of partial differential equations
ATM3162 Dynamical meteorology
ATM3172 Introduction to fluid dynamics
ATM3212 The Australian environment: a synoptic scale approach
ATM3251 Climate change and variability

Fourth year

Students choosing to advance to honours studies in atmospheric science should enrol in ATM4000. Students may enter ATM4000 through satisfactory third-year work in either atmospheric science, mathematics or geography and environmental science. ATM4000 is a full-year (forty-eight point) subject that satisfies the requirements for a BSc (Honours) degree. Students will further develop their research skills through individual research projects supervised by staff members. ATM4000 also offers lectures on advanced topics and a team environment for field work.
Students also have the option of studying atmospheric science at the honours level through either the Department of Mathematics and Statistics or the Department of Geography and Environmental Science. Students choosing this option should see the corresponding entries in this handbook.

Subjects offered

ATM4000 Atmospheric science honours