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Climate Analysis and Modelling (ATOC90006)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Not available in 2018
Overview
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The course introduces students to the philosophy and techniques of the quantitative analysis of weather and climate data, and modelling the large-scale atmospheric system. Among the topics to be covered are the maintenance of the general circulation of the atmosphere, a discussion of the global energy balance and momentum balance, and the role of baroclinic eddies and the meridional circulation. The subject will also cover the growth of error in numerical models and its implications for predictability and climate simulation, as well as an introduction to the structure of General Circulation Models (GCMs) and an appraisal of their simulations of climate. Other parts will include an examination of the philosophy of the design and implementation of climate sensitivity experiments with GCMs. Also covered will be an introduction to the statistical foundations for the analysis of observed and simulated data (including spectral methods, Principal Component Analysis, Monte-Carlo testing, non-parametric tests, trend analysis, the t-test). Other topics to be covered will include the climatology of ozone and the ozone hole, and the mechanics and variability of the ‘semi-annual oscillation’ and the ‘southern annular mode’ and the relevance of these to climate change.
Intended learning outcomes
The objectives of this subject are to provide students with:
- up to date knowledge of current research topics in climate analysis and modelling;
- experience in critical synthesis and assessment of the current literature;
- an appreciation of the strengths and limitations of different approaches to modelling complex data.
Generic skills
On completion of this subject students will have gained experience in:
- developing the ability to exercise critical judgement;
- rigorous and independent thinking;
- adopting a problem-solving approach to complex or ambiguous questions;
- high-level written report presentation skills;
- oral communication and presentation skills.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
The subjects below, or equivalent (can be taken concurrently).
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
ATOC30004 | Dynamical Meteorology and Oceanography | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
ATOC30006 | Modern and Future Climate | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
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: 3 November 2022
Assessment
Additional details
Written assignments totalling 3,000 words (70%) and a 15 minute presentation (30%). Assessment is due within six weeks of the completion of intensive lecture modules.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
Not available in 2018
Time commitment details
170 hours
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
None
Recommended texts and other resources
None
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Master of Science (Earth Sciences) Major Earth Sciences Informal specialisation Earth Sciences Major Honours Program - Earth Sciences - 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.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 3 November 2022