Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2025-2026
Module GEOL4267: Atmospheric Circulation and Dynamics IV
Department: Earth Sciences
GEOL4267: Atmospheric Circulation and Dynamics IV
| Type | Open | Level | 4 | Credits | 10 | Availability | Available in 2025/2026 | Module Cap | Location | Durham |
|---|
Prerequisites
- None
Corequisites
- None
Excluded Combination of Modules
- GEOL3387 Atmospheric Circulation and Dynamics
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.
- Acquire skills necessary for self-managed lifelong learning including independent research, critical analysis, and time management.
- Identify and work towards targets for personal and academic development.
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.
- Practical sessions to promote advanced critical reasoning, scientific research, scientific writing skills, and writing skills.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total/Hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 10 | Weekly | 1 hour | 10 | ■ |
| Practicals | 10 | Weekly | 2 hours | 20 | ■ |
| Tutorials | 2 | Twice per term | 2 hours | 4 | ■ |
| Preparation and Reading | 66 | ||||
| Total | 100 |
Summative Assessment
| Component: Continual Assessment | Component Weighting: 100% | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| General Test | 2 hours | 24% | |
| Report | 1500 words | 36% | |
| Essay | 2000 words | 40% | |
Formative Assessment:
Online learning activities.
■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University