Statistics in Climate Dynamics

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

This subject is taught through the Victorian Institute of Earth and Planetary Sciences: https://vieps.earthsci.unimelb.edu.au/.

170 hours

Some knowledge of introductory statistics and climate dynamics.

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

The subject will outline basic statistical methods for analyzing climate dynamics, with the aim of understanding the physical mechanisms driving the observed structures . The subject will start with the principles of decision making in statistical anlaysis (significance tests), will then dicsuss the basics of probability theory, time series, stochastic models and multi-variate data (pattern) analysis. The focus here will not be on deriving statistical parameters, but will rather be on discussing how these methods could be applied and what the potential pitfalls in interpreting the statistical results could be.

• An ability to calculate and interpret the main modes of variability in the climate system;
• an ability to assess the statistical significance of climate variations and variables and to relate these to inferences about the behaviour of the climate system.

Practical exercises and problem sets due throughout the teaching period (60%) and an oral examination due in the week beginning 7 June 2016 (40%).

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• Developing the ability to exercise critical judgement
• rigorous and independent thinking
• adopting a problem-solving approach to complex or ambiguous questions;
• high-level written report presentation skills; oral communication and presentation skills.