Monash University: University handbooks: Undergraduate handbook: Units indexed by faculty
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Atmospheric science

Coordinators: Dr Steve Siems (School of Mathematical Sciences), Professor Nigel Tapper (School of Geography and Environmental Science)

The discipline

Atmospheric science explores the structure and evolution of the atmosphere, and includes the problems of forecasting the day-to-day weather, the climate and the role of both in environmental issues. The undergraduate program is designed to introduce the scientific principles behind these phenomena as well as provide a broad understanding of them. An interdisciplinary approach is essential in studying atmospheric science. The field draws on the strengths of environmental science, applied mathematics and physical geography; it involves applications of concepts in physics and chemistry. Modern scientific and computing techniques are employed to approach some of the fundamental problems facing our society. The discipline offers a balance of field work, data analysis, theoretical research and state-of-the-art modelling.

The atmospheric science program is offered jointly by the School of Mathematical Sciences and the School of Geography and Environmental Science.

Units offered

Level one

• ATM1010 The dynamic atmosphere
• MTH1020 Analysis of change
• MTH1030 Techniques for modelling
• MTH2010 Multivariable calculus

Level two

• ATM2020 Large-scale weather and climate
• ATM2030 Clouds, weather and forecasting
• ATM2211 Climatology: surface atmosphere processes and interactions
• ATM2250 Climate change and variability
• MTH2032 Differential equations and modelling
• MTH2051 Introduction to computational mathematics
• MTH2222 Mathematics of uncertainty

Level three

• ATM3010 Weather phenomena
• ATM3210 The Australian atmospheric environment: a synoptic scale approach
• ATM3261 Earth systems interactions: from biogeochemical cycles to global change
• ATM3370 Applied environmental climatology
• MTH3011 Partial differential equations
• MTH3051 Introduction of computational mathematics
• MTH3230 Time series and random processes in linear systems
• MTH3360 Fluid dynamics

Sequence requirements

Minor sequence in atmospheric science (24 points):

• MTH1020 and MTH1030, or MTH1030 and one of ATM1010 and MTH2010, and
• Two of ATM2020, ATM2030, ATM2211 and ATM2250

Major sequence in atmospheric science (48 points):

• A minor sequence in atmospheric science, and
• At least one of ATM3010, ATM3210, ATM3370, and
• The remaining 18 points from level two and three units listed above, with at least a total of 18 points at level three

MTH2010 and MTH2032 must also be completed as prerequisites for some of the level three units.

Recommendations

Level one

ATM1010 is designed for any science student, not necessarily those wishing to major in the discipline, and it is not a prerequisite for any higher-level units. However, students wishing to take a minor sequence in atmospheric science are encouraged to take ATM1010.

Students considering taking a major sequence in atmospheric science, however, will need to complete a 12-point sequence of level-one mathematics (either MTH1020 and MTH1030 or MTH1030 and MTH2010). Also, as atmospheric science is a broadly based discipline, a level-one unit in either physics or chemistry is recommended.

Level two

Students considering taking a major sequence in atmospheric science must complete the prerequisite mathematics unit MTH2010 and are strongly encouraged to take MTH2032 as well (as it is a prerequisite for MTH3360).

Level three

Students taking a major sequence in atmospheric science should take at least one of ATM3010, ATM3210 and ATM3370, although some substitution is allowed with the approval of the coordinator.

Honours

Students may apply for honours studies in atmospheric science through the completion of satisfactory level-three studies in either atmospheric science, mathematical sciences or geography and environmental science. Students will further develop their research skills through individual research projects supervised by staff members, as well as through lectures on advanced topics.

Students also have the option of studying some atmospheric science at the honours level through either the School of Mathematical Sciences or the School of Geography and Environmental Science. Students choosing this option should see the entries for those areas in this handbook.

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