Modern and Future Climate (ATOC30006)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 2
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The main area of study in this subject is the examination of the key processes that maintain our present climate and how these may change into the future with climate change. We examine this by studying the controlling mechanisms for key conserved quantities in the Earth System such as energy, moisture, angular momentum and key trace gases.

The subject also introduces the various techniques used for climate predictions globally and locally. These include the modelling of climate change and the use of emission scenarios. Interpretation and statistical analysis of future-climate scenarios and the use of ensemble simulations.

Intended learning outcomes

By the completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • Describe the dynamic balances of key climate variables on climate time scales
  • Derive and apply simple quantitative models of the impact of atmospheric radiative processes on climate
  • Quantitatively analyse the sensitivity of key climate variables to altered forcing
  • Describe at a qualitative level the key tools used for climate prediction
  • Interpret the role of model uncertainty in attribution and prediction of climate change
  • Implement simple numerical models encapsulating the dynamics of key climate variables
  • Explain the underlying concepts of climate change coherently and comprehensibly

Generic skills

On completion of this subject students should have developed the following generic skills:

  • demonstrate a high level of achievement in writing and problem-solving
  • apply analytical, quantitative and technical skills to problem solving
  • critically analyse information as life-long learners
  • demonstrate excellent organisational, planning and time management skills
  • apply scientific knowledge to understand technological and social changes

Last updated: 4 April 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

Undergraduate Students


Option 1

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
ATOC20003 Atmospheric Modelling
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5


Option 2

A minimum of 12.5 credit points of Level 2 Physics or Mathematics subjects

AND


One of either:

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
MAST10005 Calculus 1
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

OR

Study score of 30 or more in VCE Specialist Mathematics 3/4 or equivalent

Postgraduate students

Admission into Master of Climate Science

Corequisites


Non-allowed subjects


Recommended background knowledge

It is recommended that students have taken either ATOC30008, ERTH20003 or ATOC20001, or have some background knowledge of atmospheric, weather and climate systems. It is also recommended that students have some familiarity with Python programming.

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: 4 April 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Problem sheet - 5 questions

  • 400 words
Week 310%

Assessed Practical - written work and presentation

  • 600 words
Week 515%

Problem sheet - 5 questions

  • 400 words
Week 810%

Assessed Practical - written work and presentation

  • 600 words
Week 1015%

Written examination

  • 2 hours
Hurdle requirement: Student will need to achieve a pass grade (50%) for this examination. 		During the examination period50%

Last updated: 4 April 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 2
    Principal coordinatorNavid Constantinou
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours48 hours: 4 hours per week - 1 x two hour lecture per week; 1 x two hour practical class per week.
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period28 July 2025 to 26 October 2025
    Last self-enrol date 8 August 2025
    Census date 1 September 2025
    Last date to withdraw without fail26 September 2025
    Assessment period ends21 November 2025

    Semester 2 contact information

    navid.constantinou@unimelb.edu.au

Time commitment details

Estimated total time commitment of 170 hours

What do these dates mean

Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:

  • Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
  • And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
       -  Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
     

    Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.

Last updated: 4 April 2025

Further information

Last updated: 4 April 2025