Handbook home
Extreme Weather and Climate (ATOC20001)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
Overview
Availability | Semester 1 |
---|---|
Fees | Look up fees |
The impacts of climate change will not be felt by changes in our average temperature, but by changes to the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. But why is that? And what does it mean for Australia?
These are the questions you will explore in this subject.
You will examine the circulation of our atmosphere and learn the connection between weather systems like thunderstorms and global patterns such as the El Niño Southern Oscillation phenomenon.
You will learn the difference between global climate variability and human-induced climate change and understand how both play a role in the extreme weather experienced around the world today.
You will also look to the future and gain an appreciation for how climate models project what the world will look like in 20, 50 and 200 years. Through case studies, guest lectures, field experiments, and the latest climate research, you will explore the biggest challenge of our time.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- Describe the key large-scale circulation features of the Earth system, ranging from regional to global
- Analyse the role of atmospheric phenomena on extreme weather events at various scales
- Apply critical thinking to the impact of human-induced climate change on extreme weather events
- Describe and implement experimental techniques for monitoring climate variability and change
- Interpret standard climate products and datasets, including weather and climate maps and diagrams, seasonal forecasts and model output
Generic skills
On completion of this subject students should have developed the following generic skills:
- Communicate effectively in written form and via oral presentation;
- Apply quantitative and technical problem-solving skills to interrogate scientific information;
- Reflect on and critique information from a range of sources, building skills as life-long learners and critical thinkers;;
- Demonstrate excellent organisational, planning and time management skills;
- Examine and evaluate knowledge across a broad range of disciplines to meaningfully consider real world scientific, technological and social changes;
Last updated: 8 November 2024