Wonders Of The Weather

Subject ATOC10001 (2016)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2016.

Credit Points: 12.5
Level: 1 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

Semester 2, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period 25-Jul-2016 to 23-Oct-2016
Assessment Period End 18-Nov-2016
Last date to Self-Enrol 05-Aug-2016
Census Date 31-Aug-2016
Last date to Withdraw without fail 23-Sep-2016


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 36 hours comprising three 1-hour lectures per week and one 2-hour practical per week
Total Time Commitment:

170 hours

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Dr Robyn Schofield

Contact

robyn.schofield@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

The weather controls the quality of the air we breathe, the water we drink and the food we eat. The atmosphere and oceans influence decisions about what we wear, how we travel, where we live and how we spend our weekends and holidays. This subject explores how the atmosphere and oceans determine many aspects of our lives. Questions such as what controls when and where it rains, the surf on a beach, ocean currents, seasonal snowfalls, and tropical cyclones will be explored. How the weather controls flooding and bushfire danger and why it is essential for water, energy and food security are discussed. Our health (heart attacks, allergies, respiratory and psychological wellbeing) is correlated with weather events. This subject will provide an introduction to understanding the weather and weather forecasting tools so important for the world we live in.

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this subject, students will have learnt to:

  • describe the atmospheric and ocean structure and how it influences weather and climate of the Earth system
  • interpret weather maps and weather forecasts
  • explain atmospheric phenomena such as urban air pollution and extreme weather events such as heat waves and cyclones

reflect as active global citizens sensitively and sustainably about how weather affects our environment, food, water and energy resources

Assessment:

10 Short quizzes as part of each weekly practical session starting in semester 2 (20%). two 1000 word written reports (first report due mid-semester, second report due end of semester), a weather diary for one week and a small group report on a weather phenomenon (20%). 2 hour end of semester examination (60%).

Prescribed Texts:

None.

Extensive online references will be provided.

Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

Students can expect to gain generic skills in:

  • demonstrate a high level of achievement in writing
  • reflect and critique information as life-long learners
  • demonstrate excellent organisational, planning and time management skills
  • apply knowledge and attitude to adapt to technological and social changes

examine critically and evaluate knowledge across a range of disciplines

Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Science-credited subjects - new generation B-SCI and B-ENG.
Selective subjects for B-BMED

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