MTMG34-Experiencing the weather 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:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Prof Chris Scott
Email: chris.scott@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This field course focuses on weather variation.

Aims:

• To understand that weather variation occurs on a variety of time and space scales, some of which are sampled during the weekend;


• To illuminate the material presented in the concurrent MTMG01 and MTMG02 modules by experiencing an uninterrupted spell of weather in the outdoors;


• To appreciate the importance of working effectively in teams and individually;

Assessable learning outcomes:

At the end of the module the student should:

• Know that weather can vary locally, and to understand that it is related to larger-scale variation;


• Appreciate the errors and uncertainties associated with the use of meteorological instruments in the field;


• Be able to explain the interlinked nature of the different ways of observing the atmosphere by producing a written synthesis of selected aspects of the weekend's meteorological observations;

Additional outcomes:
Students will enhance their ability to work in teams to a firm schedule Students will understand the value of basic fieldwork skills in weather science.

Outline content:

The field course will involve teams of students fulfilling four different tasks during the weekend. These are:

• To take part in a radiosonde launch and log, plot and interpret an ascent;


• To undertake a roughly two-hour instrumented walk, and to plot and interpret the observations taken;


• To plot and interpret detailed time series from an instrumented mast;


• To keep abreast of various analysis and forecast products.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Teaching will consist of groups being guided by a lecturer during each of their four tasks. On completion of each task the students should understand its significance, be able to interpret the information gathered and understand how it fits with data accumulated during the other tasks. Detailed briefings occur before each day's activities. Students experience the complementary nature of different forms of weather observation, and learn how they are different expressions of the same atmosp heric evolution, possibly on different time and space scales. They experience weather variations outdoors in a continuous way that in itself is an invaluable aspect of their meteorological education. At the end of the field course, students, working in small groups, produce presentations of various aspects of the weather they have experienced.

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

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Fieldwork	20
Guided independent study:	80
Total hours by term		0	0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	40
Oral assessment and presentation	40
Class test administered by School	20

Summative assessment- Examinations:

N/A.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

1. An on-line test (20%) 

In the week before the field course, an online test will be made available via Blackboard. This is a multiple-choice test consisting of twenty questions drawn from the ‘Experiencing the Weather’ handbook. You can take this test at any time before departure on the field course. It is an open-book test (you can refer to the handbook while taking the test) there is no time limit and you have multiple attempts in which to complete it. Some questions will require the use of a calculator. Students are expected to do this test individually in order to be better prepared for the field course. 

2. Two assessed presentations (2 x 20% = 40%) 

While at Leeson House, each of the six groups will be required to give two presentations over the course of the weekend. It is expected that everyone will present at some point over the weekend. The first will be  on Saturday evening and the second will be before departure on the Sunday afternoon. Each group will be given a focus for their presentation, which will involve some aspect of the day’s activities. Each group will be allotted ten minutes in which to present five slides, with a further five minutes for questions. Presentation will be assessed by members of staff who will consider content and style. 

3. An individual written assignment (40%) Each student will be required to write a short report on the Microclimate Activity that takes place on Sunday.

Formative assessment methods:

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:
Re-submit report 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