Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Area of Study

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 (in the Faculty of Arts).

Objectives

On completion of the major sequence in atmospheric science students will:

• have achieved a broad understanding of the physical theory of the Earth's atmosphere and its relation with climate and weather forecasting
• have achieved an understanding of how physical theories of the atmosphere are constructed from basic principles and using mathematical analysis and numerical modelling
• have acquired an insight into at least one broad area of atmospheric science such as clouds, weather forecasting, large-scale weather, climate variability, Australian atmospheric environment and the earth boundary layer
• have learned a number of mathematical models and their applications in atmospheric science and weather forecasting
• have learned a number of higher level atmospheric science methods and their applications
• have developed skills in the effective use of mathematical computer software and spreadsheets
• have developed, in the context of the discipline, the graduate attributes of effective communication, information and communication literacy, inquiry and critical thinking, and ethical, social and international understanding.
• be prepared for a range of further learning and training in atmospheric science and other disciplines, including honours studies in atmospheric science
• be suitable for employment, both national and international, in a range of areas requiring analytical and quantitative skills.

Level one

• ATM1020 The science of climate
• ATM1030 The science of weather

Level two

• ATM2020 Climate dynamics of the atmosphere and oceans
• ATM2030 Clouds, weather and forecasting
• ATM2211 Climatology: Land, ecosystems and the atmosphere
• ATM2250 Climate change and variability

Level three

• ATM3040 Physical meteorology
• ATM3050 Dynamical meteorology
• ATM3261 Global change and the earth system
• ATM3370 Designing urban futures: Urban climate, water and adaptation

Minor sequence in atmospheric science (24 points)

• ATM1020 and ATM1030, or MTH1020 and MTH1030, or MTH1030 and MTH2010
• two of ATM2020, ATM2030, ATM2211, or ATM2250

The level two units ATM2020 and ATM2030 have a co-requisite/pre-requisite of MTH1030.

Major sequence in atmospheric science (48 points)

• a minor sequence in atmospheric science
• at least two of ATM3040, ATM3050, ATM3261 or ATM3370
• any remaining points to be made up from MTH3051, MTH3230, MTH3360 or the level two or three ATM units listed above, with at least 18 points of level three units

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

Requirements for honours in atmospheric science

• 24 points of relevant level-three units, of which normally 18 points are atmospheric science units

Additional requirements

Level one

ATM1020 and ATM1030 are designed for any science student, not necessarily those wishing to major in this discipline. They may form part of a minor sequence in atmospheric science, however they are not a pre-requisite for higher-level units.

Students considering taking a major sequence in atmospheric science 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 two of ATM3040, ATM3050, ATM3261 and ATM3370, although some substitution is allowed with the approval of the coordinator.

Honours

In addition to the requirements listed above, students must meet the entry requirements for the Science honours program relevant to their course of enrolment. See the entries for:

• 2340 Bachelor of Environmental Science
• 3520 Bachelor of Science Advanced with Honours
• 0051 Honours degree of Bachelor of Science
• 2188 Honours degree of Bachelor of Science (Science Scholar Program)

Full details regarding the course structure for honours in this area of study are outlined in course 0051 Honours degree of Bachelor of Science.

Single degrees

• 2340 Bachelor of Environmental Science
• 0050 Bachelor of Science
• 3520 Bachelor of Science Advanced with Honours
• 1120 Bachelor of Science (Science Scholar Program)

Double degrees

• 0530 Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science
• 3537 Bachelor of Arts (Global) and Bachelor of Science
• 1469 Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Science
• 3517 Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Computer Science
• 3711 Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Education
• 1633 Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Education
• 3278 Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering and Bachelor of Science
• 4609 Bachelor of Environmental Engineering and Bachelor of Science
• 3282 Bachelor of Mechatronics Engineering and Bachelor of Science
• 0085 Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Engineering
• 0086 Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Laws

Honours degrees

• 0051 Honours degree of Bachelor of Science
• 2188 Honours degree of Bachelor of Science (Science Scholar Program)