Introduction to Meteorology

Summary module description:
This module introduces key concepts in atmospheric science, and skills in interpreting meteorological data, and provides an introduction to a wide range of topics in meteorology.

Aims:
This module aims to provide the student with a basic understanding of atmospheric structure and composition and the observational network which is used to monitor atmospheric variables. It aims also to provide knowledge and understanding of global mean seasonal patterns of atmospheric variables and their inter-relationships as well as the basic nature of selected weather disturbances and climate phenomena. Additionally it provides an introduction to the forecasting of atmospheric phenomena.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module, the student should be able to:
- Describe and explain the basic structure and composition of the atmosphere, and the nature and significance of observational networks, including surface and satellite data.
- Analyse surface and upper air observations to identify fronts, depressions and anticyclones
- Understand and be able to explain the basic characteristics of air masses, selected types of weather disturbance and the methods used to predict weather
- Identify the main cloud types and understand the processes that produce them
- Understand the workings of selected global phenomena such as El Nino, hurricanes, the stratospheric winter vortex, monsoons
- Use a combination of atmospheric data fields to identify the evolution of certain weather systems

Additional outcomes:
The application of physical laws and concepts to the atmosphere has a direct link to the parallel course on Weather and Climate Fundamentals

Outline content:
- Atmospheric composition and structure
- Observing the atmosphere
- Atmosphere/surface interactions
- Global seasonally averaged patterns
- Air masses, weather systems and forecasting
- Clouds and precipitation
- El Nino and teleconnections
- Introductions to climate change, boundary layer meteorology, tropical meteorology

Practicals
- Synoptic observations and isobaric charts, frontal analysis, weather systems analysis
- Enquiry based learning activities ? the use of online resources

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
In the 1st term through a combination of lectures and practicals combined with occasional problem-solving sessions (within lecture periods) and a weekly brief presentation of current and predicted weather. In the 2nd term through lectures and seminars, enquiry based learning activities within lecture periods, and, where practical, occasional field visits.

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy.
The following penalties will be applied to coursework which is submitted after the deadline for submission:
where the piece of work is submitted up to one calendar week after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for the piece of work will be deducted from the mark;
where the piece of work is submitted more than one calendar week after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.
(Please refer to the Undergraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guideUG.aspx)

The Module Convener will apply the following penalties for work submitted late, in accordance with the University policy.
where the piece of work is submitted up to one calendar week after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for the piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Length of examination:
1.5 hours.

Requirements for a pass:
40% overall