EAE3121 Physical meteorology
Faculty of Science
EAE3121 Physical meteorology is a level 3, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2025 in Semester 1 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2025
- Semester 1
- Clayton
- Assessment
- Exam 50%
- and 3 other tasks
This is the 2025 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Overview
Physical meteorology examines two major physical forces that affect climate and weather specifically radiative transfer and precipitation. The radiative transfer section focuses on the scattering, absorption and emission of radiant energy within the atmosphere and how this knowledge is exploited by remote satellite and ground-based instrumentation. The cloud microphysics section focuses on the development of precipitation, as well as the interaction between clouds, aerosols and radiation.
Offerings in 2025
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- Project 1 - Radiative transfer modellingProject15%
- Project 2 - Aerosol spectrum analysisProject15%
- In-class testQuiz / Test20%
- Examination (2 hours and 10 minutes)Examination50%
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Describe the physical theory of precipitation and radiation in the atmosphere and apply these principles to weather radar and satellite imagery using mathematical models;
- 2
Demonstrate high-level understanding of the physics of the atmosphere;
- 3
Evaluate and apply appropriate mathematical techniques to solve problems in physical meteorology;
- 4
Demonstrate competence in information technology, data handling, and laboratory skills related to physical meteorology;
- 5
Explain physical meteorology concepts, processes and results to diverse audiences.
Workload and teaching
- Laboratories24 hours
- Teaching approachPeer assisted learning
- Teaching approachActive learning
- Teaching approachProblem-based learning
- One 2-hour laboratory/support class and
- Ten hours of private study/research time per week.
Where it fits
EAE3121 is part of 3 areas of study in the 2025 handbook.
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Professor Steven Siems
- Chief Examiners
- Professor Steven Siems
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for EAE3121?
EAE3121 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
When is EAE3121 offered?
In 2025, EAE3121 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton.
Does EAE3121 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 50% of the final mark, alongside 3 other tasks.
Which majors and minors include EAE3121?
EAE3121 is part of Climate and atmospheric science.