EAE2122 Introduction to atmospheric physics and dynamics
Faculty of Science
EAE2122 Introduction to atmospheric physics and dynamics is a level 2, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2026 in Semester 2 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 3 units.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 2
- Clayton
- Assessment
- Exam 35%
- and 5 other tasks
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before EAE2122
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After EAE2122
3 units list EAE2122 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Overview
This unit will provide you with the basic skills and knowledge to analyse various physical and dynamical processes in the atmosphere relevant to weather and climate. You will be introduced to the major processes leading to cloud and precipitation formation in the atmosphere, and you will learn to identify and classify clouds. The unit will further cover the dynamics and prediction of severe storms, including supercell thunderstorms and tornadoes, and you will learn techniques for the forecasting of such storms using real-world data. Finally, the unit will discuss atmospheric dynamics, including atmospheric vortices such as midlatitude low pressure systems and tropical cyclones. At the end of this unit you will have an understanding of the processes that lead to cloud and precipitation formation in the atmosphere, and you will have gained experience in applying techniques for forecasting day-to-day weather.
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Second semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- Weekly quizzesQuiz / Test10%
- Assignment 1Written12.5%
- Assignment 2Written12.5%
- Test 1Quiz / Test15%
- Test 2Quiz / Test15%
- 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
Describe the basic thermodynamics of the atmosphere and the forces acting upon it, and explain how these forces lead to atmospheric motions;
- 2
Identify and describe the main processes leading to the formation of clouds;
- 3
Distinguish and classify different cloud types;
- 4
Apply conceptual knowledge of the atmosphere to real-life weather systems, including severe storms, tornadoes and tropical cyclones, and use appropriate techniques for forecasting day-to-day weather;
- 5
Integrate key concepts of atmospheric physics and dynamics to analyse and solve quantitative meteorological problems
- 6
Interpret quantitative meteorological information using appropriate mathematical, statistical, and graphical tools.
Workload and teaching
- Lectures24 hours
- Practical activities36 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
- Two hours of lectures;
- One 3-hour practical session and
- 7 hours independent study per week
Where it fits
EAE2122 is part of 4 areas of study in the 2026 handbook.
- ATMOSCI07Part A. Foundation studiesAtmospheric scienceNo reviews yet
- CLATMSCI02Additional climate and atmospheric science unitsClimate and atmospheric scienceNo reviews yet
- CLATMSCI04Core unitsClimate and atmospheric scienceNo reviews yet
- CLATMSCI05Core unitsClimate and atmospheric scienceNo reviews yet
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Martin Singh
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Martin Singh
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for EAE2122?
EAE2122 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
What can I take after EAE2122?
EAE2122 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 3 units, including EAE3121, EAE3132 and EAE3152.
When is EAE2122 offered?
In 2026, EAE2122 runs in Semester 2 at Clayton.
Does EAE2122 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 35% of the final mark, alongside 5 other tasks.
Which majors and minors include EAE2122?
EAE2122 is part of Atmospheric science; and Climate and atmospheric science.