ES3013 Oceans and Atmosphere

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

15

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 9

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

To be confirmed

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Prof A Burke

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Dr Andrea Burke; Dr Michael Byrne; Dr Simon Lee

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module covers the physical, chemical and biological processes that impact the oceans and atmosphere. As Earth’s fluid envelopes, the oceans and atmosphere share many dynamical similarities, as well as important differences. Building on concepts introduced in subhonours, this module will delve into the geophysical fluid dynamics of the ocean and atmosphere, which influence the large-scale transport of heat and water/air masses, as well as small-scale features such as eddies and convection. Different modes of climate variability, such as the El Nino-Southern Oscillation will be investigated. This course will also cover key biogeochemical processes that impact on the chemistry of the ocean and atmosphere, including carbon and nutrient cycling, and air-sea gas exchange. The insights from the physical circulation of the ocean and atmosphere will build on knowledge of biological and chemical processes and reactions to understand key concepts such as cloud formation, aerosols, eutrophic

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

UNDERGRADUATE: BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS ES2001

Assessment pattern

100% Coursework

Re-assessment

Reassessment of failed element of coursework

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

2 x 1 hours lecture / week, 3 hours of practical / week (x 9 weeks) 3 hours presentation/discussion x 1 week

Scheduled learning hours

48

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

96

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • Appreciate the dynamical similarities and differences between the circulation in the ocean and atmosphere
  • Apply numerical skills to further understand how these physical aspects are described numerically
  • Understand the biogeochemical processes that impact the chemistry of the ocean and atmosphere
  • Demonstrate an appreciation of the impact of anthropogenic activities on the natural background
  • Plot ocean physical and biogeochemical data in Ocean Data View and perform analysis on that data
  • Make scientific figures and combine knowledge on the physical processes with biogeochemical processes to explain features of the data