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PHY-30031 - Module Specification
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2024/25 Last Updated: 21 November 2024

PHY-30031 - Atmospheric Physics
Coordinator: Barry Smalley Room: LJ2.05 Tel: +44 1782 7 34229
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 6
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 734921

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

This module explores the physical processes governing the structure and circulation of atmospheres, including thermodynamics, radiative transfer, dynamics and waves. While primarily concentrating on the Earth's atmosphere, the physics explored will, nevertheless, be relevant to the study of the atmospheres of other planets in our Solar System and elsewhere.

Aims
This module aims to develop an understanding, at the undergraduate level, of how physics is applied to explain the properties and phenomenology of atmospheres. The concepts from core studies of mechanics, electromagnetism and thermodynamics will be used and extended as applied to the study of atmospheres.

Intended Learning Outcomes

describe quantitatively the structure and dynamics of atmospheres.: 2
solve the equation of radiative transfer to evaluate the effect of radiation on atmospheric structure.: 1,2
apply the laws of motion to describe atmospheric dynamics and waves.: 1,2
use the principles of thermodynamics to determine the structure of atmospheres.: 1,2

Study hours

Active learning hours:
Lectures: 24 hours
Tutorials: 12 hours
Independent study:
Problem Sheets: 24 hours
Private Study and Directed Reading: 90 hours

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Problem Sheets weighted 30%
Three assessed problem sheets


2: Unseen Exam weighted 70%
2-hour unseen written examination


The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 21 November 2024