2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
SOEE3535 Atmospheric Physics
10 creditsClass Size: 100
Module manager: Ken Carslaw
Email: k.s.carslaw@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2024/25
Pre-requisite qualifications
A level in Physics or SOEE1541Pre-requisites
SOEE1541 | Foundation Physics |
Module replaces
SOEE2530 Atmospheric PhysicsThis module is not approved as a discovery module
Module summary
This module provides a solid foundation in the physical processes that govern the structure and behaviour of Earth's atmosphere. The module covers the basic physics necessary to understand temperature variations in the atmosphere, aerosol and cloud formation, solar and terrestrial radiation, the greenhouse effect and optical effects in the atmosphere. This is a quantitative module designed to provide students with problem-solving skills. An emphasis is put on the understanding of natural phenomena in terms of basic physics and applications of basic physics to real problems is stressed throughout the module. Students will exercise their knowledge through a series of numerical, descriptive and graphical problems. Students will also develop skills in reporting scientific findings in a concise and accurate manner through computer project reports.Objectives
You will gain a solid foundation in the physical processes that govern the structure and behaviour of the Earth's atmosphere. By the end of this module you will have an understanding of the thermodynamics of the atmosphere, atmospheric phase changes of water, aerosol growth, cloud formation, the behaviour of light in the atmosphere, and the effects of greenhouse gases and aerosols in climate change. An emphasis is put on the understanding of natural phenomena in terms of basic physics and applications of basic physics to real problems is stressed at all points.Learning outcomes
1. Understand the physical processes that govern the structure and behaviour of Earth's atmosphere.
2. Explain phenomena in the atmosphere in terms of physical processes
3. Perform quantitative calculations describing physical processes in the atmosphere
4. Develop skills in reporting scientific findings in a concise and accurate manner
5. Solve scientific problems and present answers in the form of equations, graphs and written descriptions
Syllabus
- Basic structure and composition of the atmosphere
- Motion of molecules, gas diffusion and collision with particles
- Thermodynamics of the atmosphere and atmospheric temperature structure
- Atmospheric water and phase diagrams
- Evaporation and condensation of water to form water and ice clouds.
- Aerosol particles and formation of cloud droplets
- Nucleation of ice particles.
- Solar and terrestrial radiation
- Transmission and absorption in the atmosphere
- Light scattering by aerosols and clouds
- Radiative effects of atmospheric aerosols and clouds (climate effects).
- Atmospheric optical phenomena
Teaching methods
Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
Lecture | 11 | 1.00 | 11.00 |
Tutorial | 11 | 1.00 | 11.00 |
Private study hours | 78.00 | ||
Total Contact hours | 22.00 | ||
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100.00 |
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Weekly question sheets requiring private study. Students submit answers through Tophat and get feedback (correct/incorrect and opportunity to resubmit). We provide written feedback on a selection of their written answers to improve the structure and layout of their answers and to correct errors. A dedicated feedback session (1 hour/week) involves going through all questions and highlighting common problems.Methods of assessment
Coursework
Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
Computer Exercise | 1000 | 30.00 |
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 30.00 |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Exams
Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) (S1) | 1 hr 30 mins | 70.00 |
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 websiteLast updated: 29/04/2024 16:20:31
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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