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2018/19 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

SOEE1400 Introduction to Meteorology and Weather Forecasting

10 creditsClass Size: 94

Module manager: Dr Andrew Ross
Email: A.N.Ross@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2018/19

This module is approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module is a general, non-mathematical, introduction to meteorology and weather forecasting. The course emphasises the basic physical concepts and processes that underlie our weather, explaining the nature of important features such as warm and cold 'fronts', depressions, cloud types, and the weather associated with them. It explains how to understand and interpret the wide range of publicly available weather information - from the maps on television weather forecasts, to the forecast charts and observations provided online by national meteorological agencies around the world, and how to use this information to make your own forecasts. Practical classes will utilise current real-world observations and charts to forecast and explain the weather during the duration of the course - can you do better than the Met. Office? This module is taught in semester 2 and is assessed by a one hour examination and a written forecast.

Objectives

On completion of this module students will:
- have a basic understanding of the fundamental physical processes that drive our weather, the structure of important atmospheric features - such as centres of high and low pressure and frontal systems - and the weather associated with them;
- be able to interpret standard meteorological charts, observation reports, and satellite imagery, and to use these to make basic forecasts.

The course will emphasise physical concepts and the practical application of these concepts to making forecasts, rather than formal theoretical or mathematical treatments of atmospheric processes.

Skills outcomes
The module places considerable emphasis on:
- recognising and using subject-specific theories, paradigms, concepts and principles;
- developing the skills necessary for self-managed and lifelong learning (eg working independently, time management and organisation skills).

The module places moderate emphasis on:
- analysing, synthesising and summarising information critically, including prior research;
- applying knowledge and understanding to address familiar and unfamiliar problems;
- receiving and responding to a variety of information sources (eg textual numerical, verbal, graphical);
- communicating appropriately to a variety of audiences in written, verbal and graphical form;
- appreciating issues of sample selection, accuracy, precision and uncertainty during collecting, recording and analysis of data in the field and laboratory.

The module places some emphasis on:
- collecting and integrating several lines of evidence to formulate and test hypotheses;
- developing an adaptable and flexible approach to study and work.


Syllabus

This module is a general, non-mathematical, introduction to meteorology and weather forecasting. The course emphasises the basic physical concepts and processes that underlie weather, explaining the nature of important features such as warm and cold 'fronts', depressions, cloud types, and the weather associated with them.

It explains how to understand and interpret the wide range of publicly available weather information - from the maps on television weather forecasts, to the forecast charts and observations provided online by national meteorological agencies around the world, and how to use this information to make your own forecasts.

Practical classes will utilise current real-world observations and charts to forecast and explain the weather during the duration of the course

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Workshop61.006.00
Lecture121.0012.00
Private study hours82.00
Total Contact hours18.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)100.00

Private study

16 hours worksheets and workshop presentation
16 hours assessed forecast
50 hours reading and revision

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Assessment of work completed in preparation for, and during workshop classes: worksheets and forecasting exercises.

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
Written Work1 assessed written forecast and subsequent evaluation of actual weather for a given period towards the end of the course30.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)30.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated


Exams
Exam typeExam duration% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)1 hr 00 mins70.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)70.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 18/01/2019

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