GES2230

Climatology ( 6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Claudia Holgate

Offered:
South Africa Second semester 2006 (Day)

Synopsis: This unit deals with the basic understanding of climatic systems and human interaction with such systems. It provides a scientific basis for understanding major weather patterns and climatic environmental issues as well as providing a foundation for more advanced study in climatology and environmental science.

Objectives: Upon satisfactory completion of this subject, students will be: 1. Able to understand the major components of climatology systems and how they interact to create the weather systems we experience. 2. Able to understand the interactions that humans have with the climatic environment. 3. Able to synthesise and interpret relevant material and to communicate ideas to others in a coherent manner, by either written or verbal means. 4. Familiar and proficient with some simple techniques for analysing basic climatic data including interpreting synoptic charts and tephigrams.

Assessment: Essay (1500 words): 30% + Examination (2 hours): 40% + Oral presentation: 10% + Practical reports and tutorial assessments (1000 words): 20%

Contact Hours: One 2 hour lecture and a one-hour tutorial/practical per week

Prerequisites: First year sequence in Geography and Environmental Science or Permission from the Head of School