This is an archived handbook for a previous year. The current undergraduate and postgraduate handbooks can be viewed using the links above.
Undergraduate Handbook 2025-2026 (archived)
Module GEOL3387: Atmospheric circulation and dynamics
Department: Earth Sciences
GEOL3387: Atmospheric circulation and dynamics
| Type | Level | Credits | Availability | Module Cap | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 3 | 10 | Available in 2025/2026 | None. | Durham |
Pre-requisites
- None.
Corequisites
- None.
Excluded Combinations
- None.
Aims
- To introduce fundamental principles of atmospheric circulation and dynamics, and the analysis of atmospheric data.
Content
- Fundamentals of atmospheric motion.
- Global energy budget and radiative transfer.
- Structure and composition of the atmosphere.
- Tropospheric and stratospheric circulation.
- Atmospheric dispersion.
- Climate modelling.
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge
- Explain the structure and circulation of the atmosphere, and how these are observed and modelled.
- Describe how atmospheric processes may change in the future.
Subject-specific Skills
- Analyse and interpret atmospheric data from observations and from climate model simulations.
Key Skills
- Analyse data using Excel and/or programming.
- Write clear and concise reports.
Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module
- This module will be delivered by the Department of Earth Sciences through flexible 3-hour sessions combining the lecture and practical, including discussion, and computer-based material.
- The module will be assessed via one report, based on practical tasks worked on over several weeks, as well as one in-class test.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total Hours | Attendance Monitored |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 10 | Weekly | 1 Hour | 10 | Yes |
| Practicals | 10 | Weekly | 2 Hours | 20 | Yes |
| Preparation, online learning activities, reading | 70 | ||||
| Total | 100 | ||||
Summative Assessment
| Component | Component Weighting | Element | Length/Duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 100% | Report | 1500 words | 60% | |
| In-class Test | 40% |
Formative Assessment
Online learning activities.
Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods
and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative
assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress
procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be
required to leave the University.