units

ATM3040

Faculty of Science

18 September 2017 22 December 2024
Monash University

Undergraduate - Unit

This unit entry is for students who completed this unit in 2015 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.

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6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL

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

LevelUndergraduate
FacultyFaculty of Science
Organisational UnitSchool of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment
OfferedClayton First semester 2015 (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:

  1. Understand the physical theory of precipitation and radiation in the atmosphere and apply these principles to weather radar and satellite imagery using mathematical models;

  1. Demonstrate skills in using mathematical techniques to understand the physics of the atmosphere;

  1. Demonstrate high-level knowledge of the important techniques and terminology in physical meteorology;

  1. Demonstrate competence in information technology, data handling, and laboratory skills;

  1. Apply knowledge to analyse and solve problems in physical meteorology;

  1. Convey physical meteorology concepts, processes and results to diverse audiences.

Assessment

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

Workload requirements

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

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

Associate Professor Steven Siems

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

Atmospheric science
Mathematics and statistics

Prerequisites

ATM2030

Co-requisites

MTH2010 or MTH2015

Prohibitions

ATM3010