MTMG01-Introduction to weather systems

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:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Tom Frame
Email: t.h.a.frame@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
In this module students will be introduced to the fundamentals of weather systems; clouds, fronts and air masses. They will learn about observing systems and the basics of synoptic dynamics.

Aims:

• To introduce meteorological observation networks and to relate their data to day-to-day changes in the weather;

• To develop a basic knowledge and understanding of mid-latitude synoptic-scale weather systems, including the relevance of fundamental dynamical concepts to their nature;

• To illuminate lecture material through synoptic weather practicals.

Assessable learning outcomes:

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

• Analyse and interpret surface and upper-air weather maps, weather satellite images and tephigrams;

• Understand the meaning and significance of various dynamical meteorological concepts and be able to apply them to real weather situations;

• Describe and explain the structure, the evolution and the weather associated with selected mid-latitude weather systems.

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:

Lectures: 

• Observations: the nature and significance of the surface, upper-air, radar and satellite networks;


• Basic dynamical concepts: geostrophic wind on constant-level and isobaric surfaces, the thermal wind and thermal advection, the gradient wind, vorticity and divergence, frictional convergence;


• Synoptic systems: the 3-D circulation and weather associated with mid-latitude systems including frontal cyclones, troughs,ridges and anticyclones.

Practicals:

Four two-hour sessions that utilise surface, upper-air and satellite observations. Attention will focus on the skills of analysis and interpretation, followed by examples of the utility/meaning of selected dynamical concepts.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Half the course will consist of lectures. The other, practical, half will involve students in learning about the lecture material by applying their knowledge and understanding to real weather situations.

Reading lists for meteorology modules are available here https://reading.rl.talis.com/departments/mps_met.html

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	18
Practicals classes and workshops	8
Guided independent study:	74
Total hours by term	100
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Set exercise	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:
N/A

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
100% from coursework.

Formative assessment methods:
Students will receive formative feedback on unassessed work.

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy 'Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes', which can be found here: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
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:
An overall mark of 50%

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):

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: 30 March 2023