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Atmospheric Processes and Composition (ATOC30008)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 1
Overview
Availability | Semester 1 |
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Fees | Look up fees |
This subject presents a comprehensive view of the processes that are responsible for the structure, composition and properties of the atmosphere. It will focus on local and regional scales, covering aerosol and cloud processes such as formation, precipitation and lightning. It will address how these atmospheric processes interact with the climate system - discussing major weather systems, land use, air quality and greenhouse gas fluxes. This subject will involve a weekend field trip to the Creswick campus to observe the atmospheric boundary layer state and chemical composition using state of the art monitoring equipment.
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- describe the thermal structure of the atmosphere using the fundamental principles of thermodynamics, surface energy fluxes and cloud microphysics
- use these principles to explain regional scale meteorological processes such as clouds, precipitation, stability and boundary layer behaviour including air pollution
- assess the dependence and influence of these processes on external factors such as larger scale weather systems, local land use, coastlines and topography
- describe and implement observational techniques for measuring the atmospheric state and composition
- present implications of observed atmospheric conditions and composition as written technical reports
Generic skills
On completion of this subject students should have developed the following skills:
- demonstrate a high level of achievement in writing and problem-solving
- apply outstanding analytical, quantitative and technical skills to problem solving
- reflect and critique information as life-long learners
- demonstrate excellent organisational, planning and time management skills
- apply knowledge, skills and attitude to adapt to scientific, technological and social changes
Last updated: 11 April 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
VCE Unit 3/4 Mathematical Methods (which can be established by entry to the BBiomed, BCom or BSc), or equivalent
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
ATOC20002
Recommended background knowledge
At least one of
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
ATOC20001 | Weather and Climate Systems | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
MAST10006 | Calculus 2 |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
CHEM20011 | Environmental Chemistry | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
PHYC10001 | Physics 1: Advanced | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
PHYC10002 | Physics 2: Advanced | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
PHYC10003 | Physics 1 | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
PHYC10004 | Physics 2: Physical Science & Technology | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
PHYC10005 | Physics 1: Fundamentals | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
PHYC10006 | Physics 2: Life Sciences & Environment | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
PHYC10007 | Physics for Biomedicine | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 11 April 2024
Assessment
Additional details
- Three short practical assignments/problem sets at approximately equal intervals throughout the semester not exceeding 1000 words in total (30%)
- Field-trip report, 1000 words due week 9 (20%)
- 2-hour examination (50%)
Last updated: 11 April 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Robyn Schofield Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 48 hours Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 27 February 2017 to 28 May 2017 Last self-enrol date 10 March 2017 Census date 31 March 2017 Last date to withdraw without fail 5 May 2017 Assessment period ends 23 June 2017 Semester 1 contact information
Time commitment details
Estimated Total Time Commitment - 170 hours
Last updated: 11 April 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Recommended texts and other resources
Atmospheric Science, An Introductory Survey by J.M.Wallace and P.V.Hobbs (students are not required to purchase this text)
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Master of Environmental Science Informal specialisation Science-credited subjects - new generation B-SCI and B-ENG. Major Climate and Weather - Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Last updated: 11 April 2024