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Modern and Future Climate (ATOC30006)
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
Overview
| Availability | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
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: 11 April 2024
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 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (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: 11 April 2024
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Problem sheet - 5 questions
| Week 3 | 10% |
Assessed Practical - written work and presentation
| Week 5 | 15% |
Problem sheet - 5 questions
| Week 8 | 10% |
Assessed Practical - written work and presentation
| Week 10 | 15% |
Written examination
| During the examination period | 50% |
Last updated: 11 April 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 48 hours: 4 hours per week - 1 x two hour lecture per week; 1 x two hour practical class per week. Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 22 July 2024 to 20 October 2024 Last self-enrol date 2 August 2024 Census date 2 September 2024 Last date to withdraw without fail 20 September 2024 Assessment period ends 15 November 2024
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: 11 April 2024
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 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: 11 April 2024