MTMG60-Atmospheric Chemistry and Transport

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: A-level Chemistry or equivalent
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Prof Bill Collins
Email: w.collins@reading.ac.uk

Module Co-convenor: Prof Helen Dacre
Email: h.f.dacre@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module develops the concepts of chemical and physical processing of atmospheric pollutants and their transport in the atmosphere from local to global scales. The processes covered include air quality, photochemistry, anthropogenic and biogenic emissions, wet and dry deposition. The transport mechanisms include micro-scale, meso-scale, synoptic-scale and global-scale processes.

Aims:

To help the student attain an understanding of the processing and transport of gaseous and aerosol pollutants, and the consequences for their distributions on local and global scales.

Assessable learning outcomes:

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

• Explain the chemical and physical processing of atmospheric pollutants;


• Utilise rate equations to determine how composition changes;


• Demonstrate understanding of the transport mechanisms affecting the distribution of chemicals and aerosols in the atmosphere;


• Describe how clouds interact with chemicals and aerosols.

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:

Transport mechanisms: from local to global scales within the boundary layer, free troposphere and stratosphere;

• Emissions, deposition and mixing of chemicals and aerosols;


• Chemistry of the troposphere;


• Stratospheric ozone depletion;


• Anthropogenic and biogenic emissions;


• Chemistry in clouds.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Note that the 20-hours listed in 'Other' in the Independent Study Hours table relates to summative assessments.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		20
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)		20
Wider reading (directed)		20
Other		20
Revision and preparation		20
Total hours by term	0	100	0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	30
Class test administered by School	70

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

The final class test will be 2 hours (70%).

Two assessed problem sheets (15% each).

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:

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):

Last updated: 30 March 2023