MT4XH-Atmospheric Science Field Course

Module Provider: Meteorology
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: MT37H Atmospheric Science Field Course
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Prof Joy Singarayer
Email: j.s.singarayer@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

A 6.5 day residential field course on the Isle of Arran, run jointly by the University of Reading, University of Leeds and University of Edinburgh. Students participate in a wide range of atmospheric measurements and exercises.

Aims:

On completion of this module, students will be familiar with measurement techniques used in atmospheric physics and meteorology. Measurement techniques will have been practised extensively in the field and the laboratory. A wide variety of remote sensing and in-situ instruments will have been used to gather physical data. Data collected in the field will have been recorded in notebooks and analysed using a variety of computer-based and other methods. Data will have been interpreted in order to draw conclusions concerning the natural structure of the atmosphere.

Assessable learning outcomes:

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

• Produce, present and assess the validity of a local weather forecast using synoptic charts and other data;

• Devise measurement strategies, and make observations during intensive periods, recording and analyzing these subsequently;

• Form hypotheses from knowledge of the general synoptic situation and test these using the data collected;

• Consider wider context of measurement strategies in weather and climate science.

This module will be assessed to a greater depth than the excluded module MT37H.

 

Additional outcomes:
Students will enhance their problem solving skills, general IT skills, oral presentation skills and team work / leadership skills.

Outline content:

This module involves a 6.5 day residential field course (with a further 1 day travelling). Students will study a selection of atmospheric science topics taken from:

1. Investigation of atmospheric stability , flow profiles and turbulence in the surface layer;


2. Practical weather forecasting using synoptic charts and other data;


3. Profiling of the atmosphere using radiosondes, tracking of pilot balloons and surface measurements on a mountain;


4. Investigation of the surface energy balance and radiation characteristics of the local area.

Upon return to Reading, students will present a conference paper synthesising the results of one or more of their experiments on Arran in detail.  Instructions will be provided during the field course.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Theory will be presented in a series of short lectures on day 1. The majority of measurements and analyses will take place during the 6.5 day course.  Upon return to Reading, students will work on their conference paper in a series of short tutorials before presenting their work to colleagues and staff.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	5
Tutorials	4
Practicals classes and workshops	50
Guided independent study:	41
Total hours by term	100
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Report	10
Oral assessment and presentation	20
Practical skills assessment	70

Summative assessment- Examinations:
N/A.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Formative assessment methods:

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:
50% overall

Reassessment arrangements:
Resubmitted laboratory notebook

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: Walking boots (£60-£100), waterproof clothing (£40)

Travel, accommodation and subsistence: Contribution to travel and accommodation (£350)

Last updated: 30 March 2023