units

ATM3040

Faculty of Science

Monash University

Undergraduate - Unit

This unit entry is for students who completed this unit in 2012 only. For students planning to study the unit, please refer to the unit indexes in the the current edition of the Handbook. If you have any queries contact the managing faculty for your course or area of study.

print version

6 points, SCA Band 0 (NATIONAL PRIORITY), 0.125 EFTSL

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered, or view unit timetables.

LevelUndergraduate
FacultyFaculty of Science
OfferedClayton First semester 2012 (Day)
Coordinator(s)Associate Professor Steven Siems

Synopsis

Physical meteorology examines the major physical forces that affect the behaviour of the atmosphere, specifically radiative transfer and precipitation. The radiative transfer section focuses on the scattering, absorption and emission of radiant energy within the atmosphere and how this knowledge is exploited by remote satellite and ground-based instrumentation. The cloud microphysics section focuses on the development of precipitation, as well as the interaction between clouds and aerosols.

Outcomes

On completion of this unit students will be able to demonstrate: an understanding of the development of precipitation through nucleation, condensation and then collision and coalescence; an understanding of the basic principles of long wave and short wave radiative transfer and apply these principles to weather radar and satellite imagery. Students will also be able to demonstrate competence in information technology, data handling, laboratory skills, communication skills and teamwork as appropriate for the discipline of atmospheric science.

Assessment

Final Examination (3 hours): 60%
Laboratory work, assignment and tests: 40%

Chief examiner(s)

Associate Professor Steven Siems

Contact hours

Three 1-hour lectures per week, one 2-hour laboratory/support class per week, plus private study/research time.

Prerequisites

ATM2030

Co-requisites

MTH2010 or MTH2015

Prohibitions

ATM3010