Atmospheric Analogues

Summary module description:

Aims:
This module aims to enhance the student?s appreciation of some important atmospheric and oceanic phenomena, through the use of laboratory experiments.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module a student should be able to:
- Identify and describe physical processes controlling atmospheric and oceanic phenomena
- Analyse data from laboratory experiments, estimate errors, and maintain a laboratory notebook.

Additional outcomes:
Students will enhance their team-working skills by working in small groups. Students will also enhance their experimental skills.

Outline content:
Students carry out a series of experiments selected from:
- Density currents
- Thermals
- Baroclinic waves
- Surface water waves
- Turbulence
- Motion of objects in a rotating reference frame

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
There is one introductory session, followed by five 3-hour practical classes. The module ends with class test later in the term to help solidify the understanding of the material.

Summative Assessment Methods:

Report 60%
Class test administered by School 40%

Other information on summative assessment:
Coursework: Three experimental reports (20% each) are assessed, along with a 90 minute open book class test later in the term (40%)

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:
The Module Convener will apply the following penalties for work submitted late, in accordance with the University policy.
where the piece of work is submitted up to one calendar week after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for the piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Length of examination:
90 minute open book class test

Requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall