The Global Circulation

Module Provider: Meteorology
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites: MT24A Atmosphere and Ocean Dynamics MT24B Atmospheric Physics
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Module version for: 2016/7

Summary module description:
A classroom based module in which students learn how to describe the physical origin of the major dynamical features of the atmospheric circulation

Aims:
This module aims to provide students with an understanding of the major features of the global circulation of the atmosphere, with reference to the physical and dynamical concepts introduced in earlier modules.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of this module the student should able to:
Describe in physical terms the basic features of the global circulation,
Explain qualitatively the causes of these features.
Write succinctly and quantitatively about the circulation
Additional outcomes:
Outline content:
How do we make sense of the global circulation using the data available? The Hadley circulation: what controls its strength and extent? Why are there surface westerlies at midlatitudes? The angular momentum budget. What keeps the atmosphere in motion, and why is its kinetic energy so small? What causes local climate features in the tropics? The stratosphere: quasi-biennial oscillation and sudden warmings. How would we design a model of the global circulation?

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
The module is taught using a flipped classroom approach, there are no formal lectures:
in their own time, students review a modular set of notes and supporting short videos which outline a key feature of the global circulation
at the end of each unit they complete an on-line multiple choice quiz to test their knowledge of the content and provide formative feedback
in a two hour class each week, students work on problems related to the content in order to fix and explore concepts related to the ideas considered
at the end of each unit, students complete a four page essay of their own choosing for their portfolio, they are provided with peer feedback and the essay is marked to provide summative assessment

Contact hours:
Tutorials- 20
Guided independent study- 80
Total hours by term- 100
Total hours for module- 100

Summative Assessment Methods:
Portfolio- 100%

Other information on summative assessment:
Formative assessment methods:
Each unit has an on-line quiz
For each element of the portfolio, student receive peer feedback

Length of examination:
NA

Requirements for a pass:
40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:
Resubmission of revised portfolio