This course is designed to be of interest and relevance for students majoring in earth & environmental sciences, physics and/or engineering. It aims to establish fundamental concepts in the mathematical modelling of oceanic and atmospheric phenomena.

This course begins with the underlying principles of numerical modelling in oceanic and atmospheric applications. Those principles are then applied through a series of case studies that highlight different applications and modelling approaches. Case studies include land-atmosphere interactions (e.g. surface water and energy balance), ocean dynamics (e.g. currents, heat transport), and coupled ocean-land-atmosphere models. The emphasis is on applications and students will gain practical experience in the development and use of numerical models.

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Numerically solve a set of coupled differential equations
2. Apply the acquired understanding of differential equations to an understanding of ocean and atmospheric phenomena
3. Understand the applications and limitations of numerical models of the ocean and the atmosphere.

Assessment will be based on:

• Laboratory reports -- in a format modelled on the scientific journals published by the American Geophysical Union -- using MatLab to firstly solve, and later develop, simple dynamical models based on a differential equation approach (40%; LO 1, 2).
• 20 minute seminar presented to the class, based on a scientific paper selected from a list (20%; LO 2, 3)
• Written assignment analysing numerical output from the coupled ocean-atmosphere models used to compile the IPCC reports and presenting an analysis relating to projected climatic impacts e.g. effect of changing water availability on agriculture,  seas level rise, as nominated by the student and approved by the Lecturer (40%; LO 2, 3)

Approximately twenty-four lectures and twenty-four tutorials

PHYS3029