MTMG60-Atmospheric Chemistry and Transport

Module Provider: Meteorology
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: A-level chemistry or equivalent
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2020/1

Email: w.collins@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module develops the concepts of chemical and physical processing of atmospheric pollutants and their transport in the atmosphere from local to global scales. The processes covered include air quality, photochemistry, anthropogenic and biogenic emissions, wet and dry deposition. The transport mechanisms include micro-scale, meso-scale, synoptic-scale and global-scale processes.

Aims:

To help the student attain an understanding of the processing and transport of gaseous and aerosol pollutants, and the consequences for their distributions on local and global scales.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of this module, the student should be able to:

• Explain the chemical and physical processing of atmospheric pollutants;


• Utilise rate equations to determine how composition changes;


• Demonstrate understanding of the transport mechanisms affecting the distribution of chemicals and aerosols in the atmosphere;


• Describe how clouds interact with chemicals and aerosols.

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:

Transport mechanisms: from local to global scales within the boundary layer, free troposphere and stratosphere;

• Emissions, deposition and mixing of chemicals and aerosols;


• Chemistry of the troposphere;


• Stratospheric ozone depletion;


• Anthropogenic and biogenic emissions;


• Chemistry in clouds.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Note that the 20-hours listed in 'Other' in the Independent Study Hours table relates to summative assessments.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

The final class test will be 2 hours (70%).

Two assessed problem sheets (15% each).

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:

50% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

For candidates who have failed, an opportunity to take a resit examination will be provided within the lifetime of the course.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 4 April 2020