AZA3550 - Climatology - 2017

The unit is linked to the subject of climatology which is the science that seeks to describe and explain the nature of climate, why it differs from place to place, and how it relates to other elements of the natural environment and to human activities.

In order to successfully complete the unit the student will need to:

1. Understand basic atmospheric processes and how they lead to weather and climate over Southern Africa;
2. Appreciate the land surface-ocean-atmosphere interactions and how they affect the weather and climate of southern Africa;
3. Be able to apply climate knowledge to a range of practical and social problems;
4. Understand the concept of climate change and how this varies from climate variability;
5. Show an awareness of the social and political context to climate change and the impacts, adaptation and mitigation of such change;
6. Develop knowledge and skill of weather and climate interpretation and forecasting.

Within semester assessment: 50% + Exam: 50%

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. A unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

See also Unit timetable information

Dr Marshall Mdoka

Geography and environmental science - South Africa

Twelve credit points of second-year Arts units.

AZA2550, ATS2550, ATS3550