Atmosphere Ocean Interaction and Climate

Subject ATOC90005 (2016)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2016.

Credit Points: 12.5
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2016.

Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Forty hours comprising two weeks of workshop-style lecture and practical activities 10.00am - 4.00pm daily, with breaks as appropriate to conduct exercises and project work.
Total Time Commitment:

170 hours

Prerequisites:

The following subject, or equivalent (can be taken concurrently).

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
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

Subject Overview:

This course aims to introduce the student to processes of atmosphere-ocean interaction, their importance in the climate system and its variability, with a particular emphasis on tropical meteorology. Specific topics will include: wind and buoyancy driven ocean circulation, atmospheric convection, atmospheric and oceanic wave phenomena, SST and atmospheric circulation, El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO), decadal to centennial scale variability and large scale modelling.

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this subject students will be able to:

  • explain fundamental processes of atmosphere-ocean interaction;
  • describe the importance of these processes in the climate system and its variability, with a particular emphasis on tropical meteorology;
  • review and synthesise the current literature, making judgements in cases of conflicting hypotheses.
Assessment:

Three practical exercises totalling not more than 2000 words (30%), a critical review of a journal article not exceeding 1,000 words with a 15 minute class presentation (60%). participation (10%). Assessment of practical work is due within two weeks of the completion of intensive lecture modules; assignment work is due within six weeks.

Prescribed Texts:

None

Recommended Texts:

None

Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

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

On completion of this subject students will have gained experience in:

  • developing the ability to exercise critical judgement;
  • rigorous and independent thinking;
  • adopting a problem-solving approach to new or unfamiliar tasks;
  • high-level written report presentation skills;
  • oral communication and presentation skills.
Related Course(s): Master of Science (Earth Sciences)
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Earth Sciences
Earth Sciences
Honours Program - Earth Sciences

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