UnitLevel 3Undergraduate

EAE3111 Climate dynamics

Faculty of Science

EAE3111 Climate dynamics is a level 3, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2027 in Semester 1 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites.

Credit points
6
Offered in 2027
Semester 1
Clayton
Assessment
Exam 40%
and 3 other tasks

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Requisites

Before EAE3111

No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.

After EAE3111

No unit lists EAE3111 as a prerequisite in the 2027 handbook.

Enrolment rules

PROHIBITION: ATM2020, ATM3022

PREREQUISITE: One of EAE2011, MTH1030, MTH1035 or ENG1005

Overview

This unit gives an introduction to the dynamics and processes that govern the large-scale physical climate system. The following questions are the main focus of this unit: What dynamics control the physical climate? How would the climate change if boundary conditions of the climate are changed? What are the characteristics and dynamics of natural climate variability? The unit will introduce you to the main concepts of the large-scale climate such as: the energy balances, the large-scale atmospheric and ocean circulations, the forces acting in the climate system. We will discuss some simple theoretical climate models, physical climate modelling on the more complex scales and important concepts for the physical climate and its variability from several month to the time scales of ice age cycles (many thousand years).

Offerings in 2027

Teaching periodCampusMode
First semesterClaytonOn campus

Assessment

  • QuizzesQuiz / Test
    10%
  • AssignmentsWritten
    40%
  • Interactive contributionsDemonstration
    10%
  • Examination (2 hours and 10 minutes)Examination
    40%

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. 1

    Discuss the basic physical theory of the earth's energy balance and large-scale climate dynamics and how it can be constructed from basic principles using mathematical analysis and numerical modelling.

  2. 2

    Demonstrate knowledge and skills in using mathematical models and applications in atmospheric science and oceanography.

  3. 3

    Demonstrate high-level knowledge and skills of the important techniques, terminology and processes of the large-scale physical climate, climate change and variability.

  4. 4

    Develop, apply, integrate and generate knowledge to analyse and solve problems in physical climate dynamics.

  5. 5

    Discuss the importance of the physical climate dynamics to climate change and variability.

  6. 6

    Collect, organise, analyse and interpret quantitative information meaningfully, using mathematical and/or statistical tools as appropriate to physical climate dynamics, including numerical programming.

  7. 7

    Explain climate dynamics concepts, processes and results to diverse audiences.

Workload and teaching

  • Laboratories24 hours
  • Tutorials24 hours
  • Teaching approachActive learning
  • One 2-hour laboratory class;
  • One 2-hour tutorials and 
  • Seven hours of private study/research time per week

Contacts

Unit Coordinators
Professor Dietmar Dommenget
Chief Examiners
Professor Dietmar Dommenget

Common questions

What are the prerequisites for EAE3111?

EAE3111 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.

When is EAE3111 offered?

In 2027, EAE3111 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton.

Does EAE3111 have an exam?

Yes. The exam is worth 40% of the final mark, alongside 3 other tasks.

More details

Credit points
6
Level
3
Study level
Undergraduate
Faculty
Faculty of Science
Organisational unit
School of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment
Type
Coursework
EFTSL
0.125
Student contribution
SCA Band 2
Study abroad
Available