MT11C-Introduction to Meteorology

Module Provider: Meteorology
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Prof Suzanne Gray
Email: s.l.gray@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
This module introduces key concepts in atmospheric science, and skills in interpreting meteorological data, and provides an introduction to a wide range of topics in meteorology.

Aims:

This module aims to provide the student with a basic understanding of atmospheric structure and composition and the observational network which is used to monitor atmospheric variables. It aims also to provide knowledge and understanding of global mean seasonal patterns of atmospheric variables and their inter-relationships as well as the basic nature of selected weather disturbances and climate phenomena. Additionally it provides an introduction to the forecasting of atmospheric phenomena. Through the practicals, this module aims to introduce and develop skills in the analysis of meteorological observations. With the individual essay assignment, this module aims to introduce and develop transferable skills in communication (writing, presentation, and referencing) and research (critical analysis).

Assessable learning outcomes:

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

• Describe and explain the basic structure and composition of the atmosphere, and the nature and significance of observational networks, including surface and satellite data;


• Analyse surface and upper air observations to identify fronts, depressions and anticyclones;


• Explain the basic characteristics of air masses, selected types of weather disturbance and the methods used to predict weather;


• Identify the main cloud types and understand the processes that produce them;


• Use a combination of atmospheric data fields to identify the evolution of certain weather systems;


• Describe the underlying physical mechanisms of selected weather phenomena such as El Niño, hurricanes, the polar vortex, and boundary layer turbulence;


• Describe the basic components of and assumptions made in numerical models for weather and climate prediction;


• Demonstrate how selected weather phenomena may be affected by global climate change.

Additional outcomes:

The application of physical laws and concepts to the atmosphere has a direct link to the parallel course on Weather and Climate Fundamentals.

The individual essay assignment will equip the student with academic skills to prepare for written assignments and independent study beyond Level 4.

Outline content:

• Atmospheric composition and structure;


• Observing the atmosphere; Atmosphere/surface interactions;


• Global seasonally averaged patterns;


• Air masses, weather systems and forecasting;


• Clouds and precipitation;


• Synoptic observations and isobaric charts, frontal analysis, weather systems analysis;


• Introductions to climate change, boundary layer meteorology, tropical meteorology and numerical weather prediction.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

In the 1st term through a combination of lectures and practicals combined with occasional   problem- solving sessions (within lecture periods). In the 2nd term through lectures, enquiry based learning activities within lecture periods, and group and self-study to prepare for writing the assessed essay.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	10	20
Practicals classes and workshops	20	0
Guided independent study:	70	80
Total hours by term			0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	35
Practical skills assessment	40
Set exercise	25

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

The set exercises will be available on Blackboard and include a clouds quiz in Autumn, worth 5%, and two multiple choice quizzes in Spring, worth 10% each.

A selection of topics will be provided for the written assignment and students will initially study a single topic in groups and present their topic as a group. Following formative assessment of these group presentations, students will continue researching the same topic, but will submit individual essays for the written assignment.

Formative assessment methods:

In Autumn, a formative assignment is set for the practical skills to introduce the concept and familiarise the students with this form of assessment.

In Spring, a formative essay (optional) is set for students to practice their scientific writing and familiarise themselves with an essay assignment.  A second formative assignment is set for students to present in groups their topic for the individual essay (written assignment).

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

Resit examination in August/September.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 22 September 2022