ENVR06056 2013 Meteorology and Climate Science
Full Title
Meteorology and Climate Science
Transcript Title
Climate Science
Code
ENVR06056
Attendance
N/A %
Subject Area
ENVR - Environmental Science
Department
ESCI - Environmental Science
Level
06 - NFQ Level 6
Credit
05 - 05 Credits
Duration
Semester
Fee
€
Start Term
2013 - Full Academic Year 2013-14
End Term
2019 - Full Academic Year 2019-20
Author(s)
Steve Tonry, Declan Feeney
Programme Membership
SG_SENER_B07 201300 Bachelor of Science in Energy, Sustainability
Description
The module will impart the basis of meteorology and climatology, addressing the structure and function of the oceans and atmosphere in balancing earths’ energy budget. In combination, the student will gain an appreciation of the human impact on these planetary systems, with measures to mitigate the long-term effects in a range of sectors explored.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
1.
Describe and illustrate a range of basic fundamental scientific concepts, laws and principles which govern and give meaning to the role and behaviour of the atmosphere, weather and climate.
2.
Explain the earths global energy budget, the influence of solar radiation and planetary-scale motions in the atmosphere and ocean.
3.
Interpret meteorological data from a climatological weather station and explain synoptic weather maps.
4.
Explain the key natural and human drivers of climate change.
5.
Review the likely impacts and consequences of contemporary climate change.
6.
Identify sector level strategies to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and adapt to climate change.
Module Assessment Strategies
This module will be assessed by Continuous assessment (40%) and Final Exam (60%)
Indicative Syllabus
Introduction to meteorology and climatology
Atmospheric composition, solar radiation and the global energy budget
Atmospheric moisture budget, instability, cloud formation and precipitation processes
Planetary-scale motions in the atmosphere and ocean
Modelling the atmospheric circulation and climate, meteorological data and synoptic systems
Interactions between Electromagnetic Radiation and the atmosphere with increasing levels of Greenhouse gases
Concept of Radiative Forcing (Natural and Human)
Climate Feedback Mechanisms which amplify or diminish climate change
Sources of, and global warming potentials of, Greenhouse gases
Carbon cycle and Fossil Fuels
Impacts, Vulnerability, Adaptation and Response to Climate Change by various sectors (e.g. Agriculture, Energy, Transportation, Water Resources, Ecosystems, Human Health etc.)
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework & Continuous Assessment
40 %
End of Semester / Year Formal Exam
60 %
Coursework Assessment
| Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Assignment Weather Data & Synoptic Charts | Continuous Assessment | UNKNOWN | 20 % | Week 4 | 3 |
| 2 | Assignment Climate Change | Continuous Assessment | UNKNOWN | 20 % | Week 9 | 4,6 |
End of Semester / Year Assessment
| Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Final Exam | Final Exam | UNKNOWN | 60 % | End of Term | 1,2,4,5,6 |
Full Time Mode Workload
| Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Directed Learning | Tiered Classroom | Lecture | 3 | Weekly | 3.00 |
| Independent Learning | UNKNOWN | Self Study | 4 | Weekly | 4.00 |
Total Full Time Average Weekly Learner Contact Time 3.00 Hours
Module Resources
Non ISBN Literary Resources
Barry, R.G. & R. J. Chorley (2009) Atmosphere, Weather & Climate. 9th Edition. Routledge.
Dunlop, S. (2004) Collins Gem Guide: Weather. HarperCollins, London
Everett, B., Boyle G., Peake, S and Ramage, J. (2012). Energy Systems and Sustainability; Power for a Sustainable Future. (2nd ed). Oxford University Press, England.
Dessler, A.E. (2012). Introduction to Modern Climate Change. Cambridge University Press, England.
Other Resources
IT Sligo learn online system (Moodle), with useful websites for students.
Additional Information
Additional resources will be made available on IT Sligo learn online system (Moodle). Will contain pdfs of powerpoint lectures and links to additional reading material for selected topics