Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

Faculty of Regional Professional Studies (Bunbury)

School: Regional Professional Studies

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  Meteorology

• Unit Code

  SST2117

• Year

  2015

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  2

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  Online

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Description

Air and the atmosphere, Earth/Sun relationships, heat and temperature, wind, condensation and precipitation are some of the meteorological concepts examined in this unit. Students undertake a weather monitoring project considering atmospheric observation and forecasting. Input from the Bureau of Meteorology is an interesting aspect of the unit.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Calculate relative humidity, dew point and mixing ratio for a range of atmospheric conditions; elaborate the dynamic physical processes involved with mid-latitude weather.
2. Collect, present and analyse weather data.
3. Discuss the processes involved in cloud formation.
4. Discuss the structure and function of Earth's atmosphere.
5. Elaborate the significant features involved in condensation and precipitation.
6. Explain the effect of atmospheric water in the functioning atmosphere.
7. Explain the forces involved in determining wind strength and direction.
8. Identify clouds using recognised meteorological taxonomy.
9. Outline the significance of the Earth/Sun system in determining global weather.
10. Predict meteorological events using synoptic surface data.

Unit Content

1. Air masses.
2. Atmospheric moisture.
3. Atmospheric stability.
4. Condensation and precipitation.
5. Global circulation.
6. Heating the planet.
7. Mid-latitude weather.
8. Polar Front Theory.
9. Surface and upper level winds.
10. The Earth/Sun complex.
11. The atmosphere.
12. Weather analysis and forecasting.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Lectures, tutorials and laboratory classes.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

Text References

• Moran, J.M., & Morgan, M.D. (2000). Meteorology. New Jersey: Prentice Hall.
• Wells, N. (1999). The atmosphere and ocean. New York: Wiley.
• Trujillo, A. P., & Thurman, H. V. (2011). Essentials of oceanography. New Jersey: Prentice Hall.
• Pinet, P. R. (2006). Invitation to oceanography. Mississauga: Jones & Bartlett.
• Lutgens, F.K., & Tarbuck, E.J. (2013). The atmosphere: An introduction to meteorology. New Jersey: Prentice Hall.
• Barry, R.G., & Chorley, R.J. (2001). Atmosphere, weather and climate. London: Routledge.
• Crowder, B. (2000). Wonders of weather. Melbourne: Bureau of Meteorology.
• Duxbury, A. C., Duxbury, A. B., & Sverdrup, K. A. (2005). An introduction to the world's oceans. Boston: McGraw Hill.
• Grellier, J., & Goerke,V. (2006). The communication skills toolkit. South Melbourne: Thomson Learning.
• Aguado, E., & Burt, J. (2009). Understanding weather and climate. New Jersey: Prentice Hall.

Journal References

• Weather. Royal Meteorological Society
• Weatherwise. Heldref Publications
• Australian Meteorological Magazine

Website References

• Commonwealth Bureau of Meteorology http://www.bom.gov.au/
• CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research http://www.cmar.csiro.au/
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) http://www.noaa.gov/

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