MTMG06-Statistics for Weather and Climate Science

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: Understanding of the basics of matrix algebra and some programming experience (ideally in python) would be an advantage for students taking this course.
Co-requisites: MTMA33 Introduction to Computing or MTMW12 Introduction to Numerical Modelling
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

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

Module Co-convenor: Dr Reinhard Schiemann
Email: r.k.schiemann@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
This module aims to introduce the basic statistical concepts and reasoning relevant to atmospheric science as well as providing experience in the proper use of statistical methods for the analysis of weather and climate data.

Aims:
This module aims to introduce basic statistical concepts and reasoning relevant to environmental science, as well as provide experience in the proper use of statistical methods for the analysis of weather and climate data.

Assessable learning outcomes:

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

• Describe the main concepts in statistical science;


• Select and compare appropriate analysis methods;


• Critically analyse data and draw correct inferences;


• Implement statistical methods in the python programming language.

Additional outcomes:

• Discuss the development and importance of statistics;


• Appraise and criticise quoted statistics (transferable skill) especially in the geosciences.

Outline content:

The lecture content covers:

• Exploratory data analysis;


• Probability distributions;


• Statistical inference and testing;


• Linear modelling;


• Multivariate methods;


• Time series analysis.

The practical content involves supervised hands-on experience using statistical software to analyse and interpret data.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Lectures and computer practicals.

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

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		12
Practicals classes and workshops		6
Guided independent study:		82
Total hours by term		100
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

N/A.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

assignment 1: handed out week 5, due end of week 8 - 50%

assignment 2: handed out week 11, due first day of summer term - 50%

Formative assessment methods:
Practical exercise, which is an introduction (or review) to python and to exploratory data analysis. This does not count to the final mark but allows students to practice before the real assignment.

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:
A mark of 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):

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: 8 June 2023