Course Details in 2025/26 Session

Module Title	LM Dynamics and Modelling of Weather and Climate
School	School of Geog Earth & Env Sci
Department	Earth and Environ Sciences
Module Code	03 34012
Module Lead	Martin Widmann
Level	Masters Level
Credits	20
Semester	Semester 2
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Contact Hours	Lecture-44 hours Tutorial-7 hours Practical Classes and workshops-6 hours Guided independent study-143 hours Total: 200 hours
Exclusions
Description	The first part of this module provides an understanding of governing equations and fundamental theories of atmospheric dynamics at a variety of scales. Specifically the module covers the following aspects: (i) Introduction of the equations of motion as a basis for understanding atmospheric dynamics, (ii) Analysis of force balance using dynamics equations, (iii) to quantification of geostrophic wind, gradient wind, potential vorticity, thermal wind, surface fluxes, and gravity waves, and (iv) Discussion of atmospheric dynamics at a variety of scales (micro-, meso-, and synoptic scales). The second part provides an understanding of practical and theoretical aspects of numerical weather forecasting and climate modelling with General Circulation Models. An in depth appreciation of the nature and physical foundations of numerical weather prediction products and climate simulations is developed, which provides the requisite skills for assessing the quality and relevance of weather forecasts and climate predictions.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: understand the fundamentals of atmospheric dynamics analyse force balance using dynamics equations quantify geostrophic wind, gradient wind, potential vorticity, thermal wind, surface fluxes, gravity waves, etc.; interpret physical meaning of important parameters such as Rossby number, Richardson number, etc. identify dominating processes at micro-, meso-, and synoptic-scales explain the general concept and purpose of models of different complexity, as well as of model validation critically assess to what extent the processes that govern the climate system are taken into account in weather forecasting and climate models explain the methods for solving differential equations on a spatial grid and with discrete time steps explain the relevance of parametrisation of unresolved processes and key approaches for cloud and convection parametrisations explain the main results of simulations for past and future climate critically assess the level of uncertainty and explain the reasons for uncertain in weather forecasts and climate simulations and judge the value of these simulations
Assessment	34012-01 : Modelling Coursework : Coursework (15%) 34012-02 : Modelling Exam : Exam (School Arranged) - Open Book (35%) 34012-03 : Atmospheric Dynamics Exam : Exam (School Arranged) - Open Book (50%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessment: Coursework (50%) Examination (50%) Reassessment: A second attempt is allowed, normally conducted during the supplementary exam period, also centrally timetabled.
Other
Reading List