Weather and Climate Systems

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

Estimated total time commitment of 170 hours

Students are required to have a knowledge of single variable calculus:

• >=25 in VCE Unit 3/4 Mathematical Methods or Specialist Mathematics (or equivalent); or

• 12.5 points in level 1 tertiary level mathematics (or equivalent)

None

Some knowledge of physics would be an advantage

None

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

This subject deals with weather systems ranging from global to human scales; the general circulation of the ocean and atmosphere; mesoscale systems and severe local weather; mid-latitude systems: extra-tropical cyclones and anti-cyclones; and low latitude systems: subtropical and tropical cyclones, heat lows and monsoons.

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

• describe the drivers of the Earth’s weather systems over spatial scales ranging from local to global
• analyse the interactions of atmospheric phenomena at various scales
• interpret standard Bureau of Meteorology products
• describe and implement observational techniques for measuring weather

Practical work/problem sheets, including a field trip report, totalling not more than 3500 words due during the semester (50%); a 2-hour written examination in the examination period (50%).

None

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

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music

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.

Students who successfully complete this subject will:

• demonstrate a high level of achievement in writing and problem-solving
• apply analytical, quantitative and technical skills to problem solving
• reflect and critique information as life-long learners
• demonstrate excellent organisational, planning and time management skills
• apply knowledge, skills and attitude to adapt to scientific, technological and social changes
• examine critically, synthesise and evaluate knowledge across a broad range of disciplines

This subject is available for science credit to students enrolled in the BSc (both pre-2008 and new degrees), BASc or a combined BSc course.