Statistics in Climate Dynamics (ATOC90010)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Off Campus
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 - Off Campus |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
The subject will discuss some basic statistical methods for analysing climate dynamics with the aim of understanding the physical mechanisms driving the observed structures (statistics). The subject will emphasise how these methods can be applied and will explore the potential pitfalls in interpreting statistical results. The subject will start with a discussion on the basics of probability theory, time series analysis, stochastic models and multivariate data (pattern) analysis. It will then focus on the principles of decision making in statistical analysis (significance tests), which is followed by a discussion of the pitfalls and general strategies in statistical analysis.
Intended learning outcomes
Upon completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- Complete statistical analysis on probability distributions, time series, and multi-variate data;
- Apply standard statistical methods in climate dynamics data analysis;
- Interpret the outcomes of the statistical analysis in the context of climate dynamics; and
- Read, understand and critically analyse the scientific literature on data analysis in climate dynamics.
Generic skills
Upon completion of this subject, students should have gained the following generic skills:
- The ability to exercise critical judgement;
- Rigorous and independent thinking;
- Adopting a problem-solving approach to complex or ambiguous questions; and
- High-level written report presentation skills; oral communication and presentation skills.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
This subject requires basic university level math. This includes basic calculus and linear algebra. Some knowledge of introductory statistics and climate dynamics is recommended.
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 March 2025
Assessment
Additional details
- Five assignments, weekly, due throughout weeks 2 - 7, 40%
- Examination (closed book; 3hrs): 60% to be held approximately 2 weeks after the end of the course.
Note: The assignments should be solved in teams of two to three students. Most of the assignments involve computations with MATLAB.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 1 - Off Campus
Coordinator Josephine Brown Mode of delivery Off Campus Contact hours Total of 48 contact hours : Please note that this subject is delivered cross-institutionally and the timetable has yet to be finalised. Students will be required to check the VIEPS website closer to the subjects' start date for specific time-related information. Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 3 March 2025 to 1 June 2025 Last self-enrol date 14 March 2025 Census date 31 March 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 9 May 2025 Assessment period ends 27 June 2025 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.
Additional delivery details
This subject is taught through the Victorian Institute of Earth and Planetary Sciences: https://vieps.earthsci.unimelb.edu.au/.
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NOTE - This intensive subject is hosted by Monash University
While there are no pre-teaching requirements, students are encouraged to make themselves familiar with the basics of MATLAB.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Master of Science (Earth Sciences) Informal specialisation Earth Sciences - 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.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
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
Last updated: 4 March 2025