2013/14 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

SOEE1280 The Atmosphere of Planet Earth

10 creditsClass Size: 160

Module manager: Dr Xianyun Wen
Email: x.wen@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2013/14

Pre-requisite qualifications

GCSE General Science or equivalent

Module replaces

ENVI1280

This module is approved as an Elective

Module summary

The course provides an introduction to some fascinating phenomena in Earth's atmosphere from the origin of life-sustaining air itself to current global warming. It aims to present a diverse range of topics to illustrate all aspects of the atmosphere at a highly accessible level. The course is pitched at an appropriate level for scientists and non-scientists alike, no mathematics of science beyond GCSE is assumed. Students will appreciate the complexity of the atmosphere system and the difficulty of predicting the future evolution of the atmosphere. The course will also explore the influence that humans have had on the atmosphere and will address issues from urban pollution and the associated human health impacts to ozone depletion and climate change. At every stage, controversial topics will be presented in a balanced scientific way, enabling students to comprehend current debates. The course will also deal with some atmospheric phenomena of common experience, such as thunderstorms and air pollution. This module is taught in semester 2 and is assessed by a 1.5 hour long MCQ examination.

Objectives

This course provides an introduction to some fascinating phenomena in Earth's atmosphere from the origin of life-sustaining air itself to current global warming. No mathematics or science beyond GCSE is assumed. Students will appreciate the complexity of the natural atmosphere and the difficulty of predicting how it might change in the future.

The course will also explore the influence that humans have had on the atmosphere and will address issues from urban pollution and the associated human health impacts to ozone depletion and climate change. At every stage, controversial topics will be presented in a balanced scientific way, enabling students to comprehend current debates.

The course will also deal with some atmospheric phenomena of common experience, such as thunderstorms and air pollution.

Skills outcomes
The module places considerable emphasis on:
- receiving and responding to a variety of information sources (eg textual numerical, verbal, graphical);
- using the Internet critically as a means of communication and a source of information;
- developing the skills necessary for self-managed and lifelong learning (eg working independently, time management and organisation skills);

The module places moderate emphasis on:
- developing an adaptable and flexible approach to study and work;
- recognising and using subject-specific theories, paradigms, concepts and principles;
- analysing, synthesising and summarising information critically, including prior research;

The module places some emphasis on:
- collecting and integrating several lines of evidence to formulate and test hypotheses;
- applying knowledge and understanding to address familiar and unfamiliar problems;
- planning, conducting and reporting on investigations, including the use of secondary data;
- identifying and working towards targets for personal, academic and career development.

Syllabus

Some of the topics to be covered in the module are:
1. The origin of the atmosphere
2. Introduction to air pollution
3. Atmospheric chemistry of polar regions and paleoclimatology
4. The Antarctic Ozone Hole
5. Light and colour in the atmosphere
6. Fossil fuels and combustion
7. Cyclonic storms 1: The rotating atmosphere
8. The effects of aircraft on the atmosphere
9. Cyclonic storms II: Thunderstorm dynamics
10. Measuring the atmosphere
11. A flight through a cumulus cloud
12. Climatic Dynamics
13. Weather Forecasting
14. Electrical storms
15. The West African Monsoon
16. Energy in nature
17. The future of the atmosphere - global warming
18. Dust in the atmosphere
19. Laboratory measurements for atmospheric chemistry studies.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	21	1.00	21.00
Private study hours			79.00
Total Contact hours			21.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			100.00

Private study

- 2.5 hours reading per lecture
- 26.5 hours exam revision.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Questions to evaluate understanding given to students to reflect on understanding.

Methods of assessment

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)	1 hr 30 mins	100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		100.00

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: 21/01/2015

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