MTMG02-Atmospheric Physics

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: Prof Maarten Ambaum
Email: m.h.p.ambaum@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
In this module we will cover thermal physics as applicable to the atmosphere. We will cover phase transitions, cloud formation, radiation, vertical stability, and related topics in atmospheric science.

Aims:

To present thermodynamics relevant to the atmosphere and its applications to the vertical structure of the atmosphere, cloud drop formation, and radiation in the climate system.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of this module students should be able to: understand and apply relevant thermodynamic laws and perform calculations applicable to problems of atmospheric thermal physics, including the role of water in all its phases, gravity and the vertical structure of the atmosphere, droplet and cloud formation, radiative processes and the greenhouse effect.

Additional outcomes:
Students will become equipped to tackle more specialized subjects in atmospheric science. They will get a good idea of typical values of important quantities in the atmosphere. They will improve their skills in scientific thinking, problem solving, and use of mathematics to analyze physical systems.

Outline content:

1. Ideal gases


2. Thermodynamics and its applications


3. Gravity and vertical structure of the atmosphere


4. Cloud drop formation


5. Radiation

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Lectures and problem solving tutorials. The course will be based on the book Thermal Physics of the Atmosphere, 2nd Ed. by M. H. P. Ambaum, Elsevier Publishers (ISBN: 9780128244982).

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	24
Tutorials	20
Guided independent study:	56
Total hours by term		0	0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Set exercise	20
Class test administered by School	80

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

3 hour exam (80%) with a choice of two from three questions in January.

Set exercise (20%) - problem sheet on moist thermodynamics.  Submission date as detailed on Blackboard.

Formative assessment methods:

Problem classes in guided tutorials with individual feedback from teaching assistants.

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:
50% overall.

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

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