EAE2111 Introduction to climate science
Faculty of Science
EAE2111 Introduction to climate science is a level 2, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2026 in Semester 1 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 1 unit.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 1
- Clayton
- Assessment
- Exam 35%
- and 4 other tasks
- Workload
- 144 hours
- per semester
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before EAE2111
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After EAE2111
1 unit list EAE2111 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Enrolment rules
PREREQUISITE: One of EAE1022, ESC1011, ESC1022, ATS1310. If you are a Master of Environment and Sustainability student you are exempt from this prerequisite.
PROHIBITION: ATS2776 and ATS2779
Overview
From the humid tropics to the polar deserts, Earths diverse array of climates are the result of complex physical, chemical and biological processes and their interactions. This unit provides an introduction to the Earth's climate system and its operation. You will gain an appreciation of Earths climate, including the atmosphere, oceans and cryosphere, and how these vary in space and time. Key processes that regulate the climate system on the global, regional and micro-scale will be introduced. The natural operation of these processes and their operation with human influence, including climate change, will be examined. You will be exposed to the techniques and instrumentation used to measure and monitor the atmosphere and the real-world applications for climate monitoring will be described. Practical experience in meteorological measurement will be gained through laboratory classes and a weekend field experience
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- Practical quizzesQuiz / Test25%
- Topic quizzesQuiz / Test10%
- Major assignment: Self-guided essayWritten20%
- Field day reportDemonstration10%
- Examination (2 hours and 10 minutes)Examination35%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Define the concept of 'climate' and recognise key processes that regulate the climate system on the global, regional and micro-scales;
- 2
Demonstrate how various elements of the climate system are measured and observed, including describing the instruments employed, how they operate, and their application to real-world climate problems;
- 3
Examine why the climate system varies on a number of time and space scales. Demonstrate some of the key physical mechanisms and their interactions that cause these variations, and appreciate their complexity;
- 4
Recognise and summarise some of the modifications made by humans that can influence the climate and the associated processes by which this occurs;
- 5
Communicate complex concepts in climate system science to scientific and non-scientific audiences.
Workload and teaching
- Laboratories22 hours
- Workshops12 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
- Teaching approachField trips
Total 144 hours over 12 weeks, which includes:
- One 1-hour workshop per week;
- One 2-hour laboratory per week (for eleven weeks);
- A half-day field trip and
- Additional self-directed learning activities.
Learning resources
Recommended resources
Sturman, A., and N. Tapper, 1996: The weather and climate of Australia and New Zealand, Oxford University Press.
Sturman, A., and N. Tapper, 2006: The weather and climate of Australia and New Zealand, Second edition, Oxford University Press.
Where it fits
EAE2111 is part of 13 areas of study in the 2026 handbook.
- CLATMSCI02Additional climate and atmospheric science unitsClimate and atmospheric scienceNo reviews yet
- CLATMSCI04Climate and atmospheric science unitsClimate and atmospheric scienceNo reviews yet
- CLATMSCI05Additional Climate and atmospheric science unitsClimate and atmospheric scienceNo reviews yet
- ENVEASCI01Level 2 unitsEnvironmental earth scienceNo reviews yet
- ENVEASCI02Core studiesEnvironmental earth scienceNo reviews yet
- ENVEASCI03Level 2 unitsEnvironmental earth scienceNo reviews yet
- ENVIROSC04Climate streamEnvironmental scienceNo reviews yet
- ENVIRSEC02Part B. Specialisation preparatory studiesEnvironmental securityNo reviews yet
- GEOGSCI12Core unitsGeographical scienceNo reviews yet
- GEOGSCI13Core unitsGeographical scienceNo reviews yet
- GEOGSCI14Core unitsGeographical scienceNo reviews yet
- HUMNGEOG06Level 2 and 3 elective unitsHuman geographyNo reviews yet
- HUMNGEOG09Level 2 and 3 elective unitsHuman geographyNo reviews yet
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Shayne McGregor
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Shayne McGregor
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for EAE2111?
EAE2111 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
What can I take after EAE2111?
EAE2111 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 1 unit, including EAE3132.
When is EAE2111 offered?
In 2026, EAE2111 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton.
How much work is EAE2111?
The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.
Does EAE2111 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 35% of the final mark, alongside 4 other tasks.
Which majors and minors include EAE2111?
EAE2111 is part of Climate and atmospheric science; Environmental earth science; Environmental science; Environmental security; and Geographical science, and 1 other area of study.