Examination arrangement

Examination arrangement: Portfolio assessment
Grade: Letters

Evaluation form	Weighting	Duration	Examination aids	Grade deviation
Written examination	80/100	4	C
Assignment	20/100

Course content

Description: The following topics are discussed: Composition and structure of the atmosphere; thermodynamic processes and stability. Scattering, absorption and transmission of solar and thermal radiation; dependence on aerosols, clouds and other variable components; greenhouse and climate effects. Spectral measurements of atmospheric radiation; polarisation effects; monochromators, detectors and standards; general characterisation of spectroradiometers; measurement errors.

Learning outcome

After completion of the course the student shall be able to:

Apply fundamental physical principles to understand atmospheric and climate-change processes.

Identify and assess the fundamental numerical methods found in predictive models of weather and atmospheric climate change, including parameterization of small scale processes.

Become familiar with thermodynamic concepts for atmospheres with and without water vapour, and make use of thermodynamic diagrams for evaluation of stability and cloud formation from radiosonde soundings.

Understand the processes behind aerosols, clouds and precipitation, and how particles and clouds affect sunlight in the atmosphere.

Develop the radiative transfer equation in a plane-parallel atmosphere, accounting for absorption and emission of longwave radiation and the absorption and scattering of shortwave radiation in cloudy and cloud-free atmospheres.

Utilise radiative-transfer principles to understand satellite remote sensing measurements.

Learning methods and activities

Lecturers and project. The project is compulsory and count 20% to the final result. The project can be experimental or theoretical, an oral presentation is given at the end to the class. A re-sit examination may be changed from written to oral.

Compulsory assignments

• Project

Specific conditions

Exam registration requires that class registration is approved in the same semester, or that compulsory activities are approved in a previous semester.

Recommended previous knowledge

Basic physics courses corresponding to one year study in physics at university/college level.

Required previous knowledge

No

Course materials

To be announced at the beginning of the semester.

Credit reductions

Course code	Reduction	From	To
FY8902	7.5	2010.01.09
MNFFY321	7.5

Contact information: timeplan@adm.ntnu.no

Examination arrangement: Portfolio assessment

Term	Evaluation form	Weighting	Examination aids	Date	Time	Room *
Spring	Written examination	80/100	C	2013.31.05	09:00
Spring	Assignment	20/100

* Exams are available 3 days in advance.
If more than one room is given, you will find your room at Studentweb.