ATM3370

Applied environmental climatology ( 6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Professor Nigel Tapper

Offered:
Clayton Second semester 2006 (Day)

Synopsis: Applied climatology addresses the role climate plays in the provision of food, shelter, energy and a healthy environment. The unit begins by acknowledging the role of traditional climate knowledge systems. Then a range of contemporary climate issues will be discussed along with approaches to addressing them. Issues include urban climate and design, air pollution, renewable (solar/wind) energy, and agriculture. Issues will be considered within the Australian context of climate change and variability (including extremes). Emphasis is placed on employment related theoretical, observational, analytical and modelling skills that will be developed through lectures, practicals and project work.

Objectives: Students will 1) appreciate indigenous climate knowledge 2) be able to apply climate knowledge to a range of problems, 3) have gained practical experience in problem formulation and solution, d) Level 4 students, have developed specialised skills in research/project formulation.

Assessment: Literature review (1000 words): 20% + Practicals (1000 words): 20% + Group or individual project report/presentation (1500 words): 30% + Examination (2 hours): 30%

Contact Hours: Two x 1-hour lectures per week, one x 3-hour practical per fortnight, plus private study/research time.

Off-campus attendance requirements: One x 3-hour practical per fortnight

Prerequisites: 18 points of geography and environmental science, atmospheric science at second level or permission of the Head of the School of Geography and Environmental Science.

Prohibitions: GES3370 or GYM4370