Numerical Weather prediction and climate Modelling
Postgraduate course
- ECTS credits
- 10
- Teaching semesters
- Spring
- Course code
- GEOF321
- Number of semesters
- 1
- Teaching language
- English
- Resources
- Schedule
- Reading list
Course description
Objectives and Content
GEOF321 covers the construction and application of numerical weather forecasting and climate/Earth system models, including data assimilation, verification and ensemble prediction. In the first part, the elements of numerical models for weather and climate prediction are explained and guidance for their interpretation is given. Weaknesses and caveats associated with numerical schemes, model grid, parameterised processes, boundary and initial conditions are explored and discussed in relation to constraints in operational forecasting. In the second part, the course covers common verification methods, data assimilation procedures, aspects of predictability, and ensemble predictions.
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
- knows about the construction of numerical weather prediction and climate models
- knows about the history of numerical weather prediction and climate modelling
- knows common parameterisation schemes for small-scale processes, such as the calculation of turbulent fluxes, cloud properties and moist convection
- knows the concepts of data assimilation, predictability and ensemble forecasting
- knows the numerical, computational and conceptual limitations of numerical weather prediction models
- know the procedures and challenges of operational forecasting
Skills
The student
- can assess uncertainties of weather forecasts
- can relate model uncertainties to relevant atmospheric processes
- can display and analyse numerical weather prediction model output using different software products and programming languages
- can apply common forecast verification methods
- can interpret results from deterministic and ensemble prediction systems
General competence
The student
- is able to prepare basic short and medium-range weather forecasts
- is able to analyse and discuss strategies for improving a forecasting system
- is able to evaluate strategies for numerical weather prediction in an operational context
ECTS Credits
10
Level of Study
Master
Semester of Instruction
Spring, the course only runs if enough studens enrol.
Enrolment to this course is based on application. Application deadline is wednesday in week 32 for the spring semester.
Please, see this page for more information: www.uib.no/en/matnat/53431/admission-courses-limited-capacit
Enrolment to this course is based on application. Application deadline is wednesday in week 32 for the spring semester.
Please, see this page for more information: www.uib.no/en/matnat/53431/admission-courses-limited-capacit
Place of Instruction
Bergen
Required Previous Knowledge
Bachelor's Degree in Meteorology and Oceanography or equivalent.
Recommended Previous Knowledge
Access to the Course
Access to the course requires admission to a master's programme at The Faculty of Science and Technology
Teaching and learning methods
3 teaching sessions of 2 hours per week
Compulsory Assignments and Attendance
- At least 1/3 attendance of the teaching sessions
- 2 compulsory assignments
- Participation in 1 group discussion
Compulsory assignments and attendance are valid in four semesters: The semester in which the mandatory coursework is approved and the following three semesters.
Forms of Assessment
Final oral exam, 40 min, must be passed.
Grading Scale
The grading scale used is A to F. Grade A is the highest passing grade in the grading scale, grade F is a fail.
Assessment Semester
Examination both spring semester and autumn semester. In semesters without teaching the examination will be arranged at the beginning of the semester.
Reading List
The reading list will be available within July 1st for the autumn semester and January 1st for the spring semester.
Course Evaluation
The course will be evaluated by the students in accordance with the quality assurance system at UiB and the department.
Examination Support Material
None
Programme Committee
The Programme Committee is responsible for the content, structure and quality of the study programme and courses.
Department
Geophysical Institute