6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL
Undergraduate - Unit
Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.
Faculty
Organisational Unit
School of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment
Chief examiner(s)
Coordinator(s)
Unit guides
Synopsis
From the humid tropics to the polar deserts, Earth's diverse array of climates are the result of complex physical, chemical and biological processes and their interactions. This unit provides an introduction to the Earth's climate system and its operation. Students will gain an appreciation of the climate of the Earth's surface, subsurface and upper atmosphere, and how these vary in space and time. Key processes that regulate the climate on the global, regional and micro-scale will be introduced. The natural operation of these processes and their operation with human influence will be examined. Students will be exposed to the techniques and instrumentation used to measure and monitor the atmosphere and the real-world
applications for climate monitoring will be described. Practical experience in meteorological measurement will be gained through laboratory classes and a weekend field experience.
Outcomes
On completion of the unit students will be able to:
- Define the concept of 'climate' and key processes that regulate the climate on the global, regional and micro-scales;
- Describe how various elements of the climate system are measured and observed, including the instruments employed, how they operate, and application to real-world climate problems;
- Describe how the climate varies on a number of time and space scales. Explain some of the key physical mechanisms and their interactions that cause these variations, and appreciate their complexity;
- Know some of the modifications made by humans that can influence the climate and the associated processes by which this occurs;
- Communicate complex concepts in climate science to scientific and non-scientific audiences.
Assessment
Examination (2 hours): 40%
Practical reports: 25%
Major assignment: 20%
Field trip and group presentation: 15%
Workload requirements
- Three hours of lectures
- One 2-hour practical per week
See also Unit timetable information