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Extreme Weather and Climate (ATOC20001)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
To learn more, visit 2023 Course and subject delivery.
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
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 answer 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, a virtual field-trip or incursion, 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:
- Problem-solving skills: Demonstrated and high level of achievement in writing and problem-solving;
- Technical skills: Capacity to apply quantitative and technical abilities to problem solving;
- Critical thinking skills: Ability to reflect and critique information as life-long learners;
- Systems thinking skills: Capacity to apply knowledge and adapt to scientific, technological and social changes;
- Time management skills: Demonstrated excellent organisational, planning and time management;
- Analytical skills: Ability to examine critically, synthesise and evaluate knowledge across a broad range of disciplines.
Last updated: 7 September 2023
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Students are required to have a knowledge of single variable calculus:
25 (or higher) in VCE Unit 3/4 Mathematical Methods or Specialist Mathematics (or equivalent)
OR
a minimum of 12.5 credit points of Level 1 Mathematics subject (or equivalent)
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
It is recommend that students have some background knowledge in weather and climate or have completed at least one of the following subjects:
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| EVSC10001 | The Global Environment | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Some knowledge of physics or fluid dynamics would be an advantage.
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: 7 September 2023
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
8 short online quizzes
| Equally spaced throughout the semester | 25% |
Written essay
| Week 6 or 7 | 25% |
Group oral presentation or video
| From Week 11 to Week 12 | 15% |
Examination
| During the examination period | 35% |
Last updated: 7 September 2023
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 2 x one hour lectures per week; 1 x two hour practical class per week; Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 27 February 2023 to 28 May 2023 Last self-enrol date 10 March 2023 Census date 31 March 2023 Last date to withdraw without fail 5 May 2023 Assessment period ends 23 June 2023
Time commitment details
170 hours
Last updated: 7 September 2023
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
There are no specifically prescribed or recommended texts for this subject.
- Subject notes
This subject is available for science credit to students enrolled in the BSc (both pre-2008 and new degrees), BASc or a combined BSc course.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Bachelor of Science Informal specialisation Science Discipline subjects - new generation B-SCI - Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Design
- Bachelor of Environments
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art)
- Bachelor of Music
- 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: 7 September 2023