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Dynamical Meteorology and Oceanography (ATOC30004)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable (login required)(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 1
Overview
Availability | Semester 1 |
---|---|
Fees | Look up fees |
This subject addresses the fundamental processes that govern atmospheric and oceanic motion, and how these processes interact to control the weather and climate of the Earth. Topics include the fluid dynamics of the atmosphere and ocean, the scaling of the equations of motion, the shallow-water system, vorticity and divergence, buoyancy driven flows, and numerical modelling of atmospheric and oceanic flows. On completion of this subject, students should have an appreciation of the fundamental processes that govern atmospheric and oceanic motion and interactions on a range of time and spatial scales. A qualitative as well as quantitative understanding of the atmosphere is to be gained, with the substantial mathematical analyses covered during the subject. Students will also receive experience in constructing simplified models of the atmosphere and ocean.
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- explain the physical processes that govern atmospheric and oceanic motions on a range of time and spatial scales
- derive from first principles the equations governing atmospheric and oceanic dynamical motions
- explain and quantify how dynamical processes form the basis of atmospheric and oceanic computational models and the methods used to construct them
- derive and explain how high and low pressure systems, Rossby waves, and other key atmospheric and oceanic processes influence our weather and climate and how those influences vary with latitude
- assess how different key processes vary with spatial and temporal scales
Generic skills
On completion of the subject students will have the following generic skills:
- Think critically: organise theory of complex systems into alternative frameworks.
- Problem-solving skills: the ability to engage with unfamiliar problems and identify relevant solution strategies.
- Modelling skills: to design simple computer programs to solve physical problems and test hypotheses.
- Time-management skills: the ability to meet regular deadlines while balancing competing commitments.
Last updated: 22 March 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Pathway 1
One of:
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
MAST10006 | Calculus 2 |
Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
MAST10009 | Accelerated Mathematics 2 | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
MAST10021 | Calculus 2: Advanced | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
AND
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
ATOC20003 | Atmospheric Modelling | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Pathway 2
One of:
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
MAST20009 | Vector Calculus |
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
MAST20029 | Engineering Mathematics |
Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
MAST20032 | Vector Calculus: Advanced | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
It is recommended that students have taken ATOC20001, or have some background knowledge of weather and climate systems.
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: 22 March 2024
Assessment
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Two practical assignments
| Due in Weeks 6 and 12 | 30% |
Two practical assignments
| Due in Weeks 3 and 8 | 20% |
Written Examination
| During the examination period | 50% |
Last updated: 22 March 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Coordinator Craig Bishop Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 48 hours: 2 x one hour lectures per week; 1 x two hour practical class per week Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 26 February 2024 to 26 May 2024 Last self-enrol date 8 March 2024 Census date 3 April 2024 Last date to withdraw without fail 3 May 2024 Assessment period ends 21 June 2024 Semester 1 contact information
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: 22 March 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Recommended texts and other resources
An Introduction to Dynamic Meteorology by J.R. Holton and Atmospheric and Oceanic Fluid Dynamics by G. K. Vallis (students are not required to purchase these books)
- 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 Master of Environmental Science Major Climate and Weather 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: 22 March 2024