t.BA.AVP.PHYMET-EN.19HS (Physics 3: Atmospheric Physics and Applied Meteorology) 
Module: Physics 3: Atmospheric Physics and Applied Meteorology
This information was generated on: 20 March 2023
No.
t.BA.AVP.PHYMET-EN.19HS
Title
Physics 3: Atmospheric Physics and Applied Meteorology
Organised by
T ZAV
Credits
4

Description

Version: 4.0 start 01 August 2022
 

Short description

 Students acquire an overview of applied atmospheric physics, with an explicit focus on meteorology. The aim of the course is to apply the basic laws of physics to meteorological problems and phenomena. Students will also be able to generate their own well-founded weather forecast.

Module coordinator

 Anet Julien (anet)

Learning objectives (competencies)
Objectives Competences Taxonomy levels
You can describe the structure of the atmosphere, the planetary circulation and the human influence on the atmosphere F K1 - K2
You can derive, explain and calculate various meteorological processes using fundamental laws of physics F, M, SE K3 - K4
You can name the most dangerous weather phenomena for the aviation industry and know which information sources are available F, M K4
Simple meteorological phenomena can be recognised, analysed and predicted using standard weather charts M K4 - K5
You can tackle meteorological problems related to atmospheric physics in a targeted manner, carry out research and present your results to a professional audience F, M, SE K6
You can confidently apply your newly acquired meteorological vocabulary in professional life M, SO K1 - K3

Module contents
  • Structure of the atmosphere
  • Electromagnetics: Radiation budget, absorption & reflexion
  • Weather observation with satellites & radar
  • Thermodynamics 1: Humidity measurement techniques, Description and calculation of humidity
  • Thermodynamics 2: Temperature gradient, Skew-T-log-p-diagram, Psychrometric chart
  • Fluid mechanics 1: Wind systems, aproximations of geostrophic and gradient wind, thermal wind, friction
  • Fluid mechanics 2: Pressure systems, global circulation, rossby waves, jetstream
  • Local wind systems: Mountain- and valley wind systems, sea- and land breeze, european wind systems, turbulence, tropical cyclones and tornadoes
  • Air masses & fronts: Warm- and cold fronts, occlusions, characteristics of different air masses
  • Numerical models: System architecture, potential problems, types of models, use for the aviation sector
  • Meteorological hazards: Icing, turbulence, thunderstorms, downbursts, visibility
  • Aviation emissions: Emission chemistry, environmental aspects
  • Anthropogenic climate change: Climate change over large time scales, future climate change, influence of human activity, influence of aviation activities

Teaching materials
  • Lecture powerpoint slides
  • Script (https://doi.org/10.21256/zhaw-2403)
  • Other learning material including excerpts of books on Moodle

Supplementary literature
  • Stull, R., 2017: "Practical Meteorology: An Algebra-based Survey of Atmospheric Science" -version 1.02b.  Univ. of British Columbia.  940 pages.  isbn 978-0-88865-283-6 .
  • Link-list on Moodle

Prerequisites

 Solid qualifications in natural sciences from the assessment year

Teaching language

 ( ) German (X) English

Part of International Profile

 (X) Yes ( ) No

Module structure

 Type 3c
  For more details please click on this link: T_CL_Modulauspraegungen_SM2025

Exams
Description Type Form Scope Grade Weighting
Graded assignments during teaching semester Exam written 45 min. graded 20%
Graded assignments during teaching semester Presentation of a phenomenon & weather forecast contest oral / written 10 min. graded 0-20% positive only
End-of-semester exam Exam written 90 min. graded 60 to 80%

Remarks

 The details are explained on the course page on Moodle.
PHYMET covers the general content of ICAO-syllabus 050 (METEOROLOGY)

Legal basis

 The module description is part of the legal basis in addition to the general academic regulations. It is binding. During the first week of the semester a written and communicated supplement can specify the module description in more detail.

Note

Course: Physics 3: Atmospheric Physics and Applied Meteorology - Praktikum
No.
t.BA.AVP.PHYMET-EN.19HS.P
Title
Physics 3: Atmospheric Physics and Applied Meteorology - Praktikum

Note

  • No module description is available in the system for the cut-off date of 01 August 2099.
Course: Physics 3: Atmospheric Physics and Applied Meteorology - Vorlesung
No.
t.BA.AVP.PHYMET-EN.19HS.V
Title
Physics 3: Atmospheric Physics and Applied Meteorology - Vorlesung

Note

  • No module description is available in the system for the cut-off date of 01 August 2099.