Physics of the Atmosphere and Ocean
Undergraduate course
- ECTS credits
- 10
- Teaching semesters
- Autumn
- Course code
- GEOF105
- Number of semesters
- 1
- Teaching language
- Norwegian
- Resources
- Schedule
- Reading list
Course description
Objectives and Content
Learning Outcomes
On completion of the course the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:
Knowledge
The student should
- know how to use the correct terminology to describe and evaluate key processes in ocean and atmosphere physics
- recognize derivations of fundamental equations for processes in ocean and atmosphere physics, such as adiabatic processes, hydrostatic balance, and radiation
- be able to describe the basic principles of atmospheric thermodynamics, radiation, microphysics, and dynamics
- be able to explain how the ocean circulation is affected by the atmosphere and by the Earth's rotation
- be able to sketch estuarine circulation and Ekman transport
- explain the theory for geostrophic balance and give examples of systems in geostrophic balance
- describe measurements principles and error sources for various instruments used in oceanography and meteorology
- be able to describe/explain the connections between different processes in weather systems
- be able to describe processes that affect the structure and thickness of the upper ocean mixed layer
- be able to define and discuss fluxes of heat, momentum and mass in and between the ocean and the atmosphere
Skills
The student should know how to:
- interpret atmospheric observations from weather stations, radiosondes, weather radar, and satellites
- use software for analyzing current and predicted weather situations
- calculate properties and fluxes and estimate processes in the ocean and atmosphere using relevant methods and equations
- sketch the development of a mixed layer that is under influence of heat fluxes, salt fluxes, and wind
- perform meteorological and oceanographic observations in the field and in the laboratory
- use programming tools for analyzing data, plot figures, and discuss the outcome
General competence
The student should know how to
- describe, analyze and report observations from laboratory experiments
- plan and perform simple field experiments under supervision
- present results from group work as a written report and oral talk
ECTS Credits
Level of Study
Semester of Instruction
Autumn This course has a limited capacity, enrolment is based on application. Application deadline is wednesday in week 33 for the autumn semester. Please see this page for more information: www.uib.no/en/nt/53431/admission-courses-limited-capacity
The time of the first lecture/orientation meeting can be found in the schedule on the course website or on the Mitt UiB learning platform.
It is mandatory to attend the first lecture.
Required Previous Knowledge
Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap
Access to the Course
Teaching and learning methods
The teaching will be given as lectures with a focus on active learning, cruise, laboratory experiments and seminars. The students write a cruise report and give a presentation.
Activity: 4 hours lectures and 2 hours laboratory work or exercises each week/15 weeks.
Cruise: One day.
Compulsory Assignments and Attendance
- mandatory attendance at the first learning session and cruise planning
- Peer evaluation of 1 laboratory report
- Participation on cruise, approved cruise presentation in optional format
Mandatory work requirements are valid in the semester they are approved and for three (3) subsequent semesters.
Forms of Assessment
Portfolio assessment
The portfolio consist of
- A laboratory report in oceanography counts 20 % of the final grade
- A laboratory report in meteorology consisting of a group report and presentation counts 20 % of the final grade
- Written school exam (4 hours) counts 60 % of the final grade
- 12 quizzes that cn give a total oof 7 percentage points bonus on the written exam
The laboratory reports are valid in the semester they are submitted and in one subsequent semester. The scores from the sub-assessments are added together to determine the final grade for the course.