Module Details
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title Modelling Processes in Oceans and Climate
Code ENVS414
Coordinator Prof J Sharples
Earth, Ocean and Ecological Sciences
Jonathan.Sharples@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2018-19 Level 7 FHEQ First Semester 15

Aims

  • To allow the students to undertake independant work using the tools developed during each of the four phases of the course towards testing hypotheses quantitatively.

  • To develop written communication skills

  • To develop the ability to dissect numerical experiments towards providing process insight

    • Learning Outcomes

    By the end of this module a student will be able to use a range of different simple models to conduct quantitative assessments of the importance of different processes

    By the end of this module a student will be able to communicate the results of numerical modelling in a short illustrated report that draws general conclusions


    Syllabus
    1  Weeks 1-3: Matlab and differential equations revision, first and second order systems, chaos, time discretisation

    Weeks 4-6: Set up of a one dimensional tracer diffusion model, role of surface heating and boundary conditions, seasonal evolution of temperature distribution.

    Weeks 7-9: Addition of a nutrient and simple phytoplankton model to the one dimensional tracer diffusion model. Parameterisation of phytoplankton growth and losses. Representation of the seasonal cycle in phytoplanton biomass and nutrient concentrations.

    Weeks 10-12: Ocean-atmosphere partitioning of carbon, connections between radiative heating and warming. 2 box model: carbon chemistry of the ocean. 


    Teaching and Learning Strategies

    Lecture -

    Once per week

    Laboratory Work -

    One afternoon per week

    Teaching Schedule
      Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
    Study Hours 12

    		     36

    		     48
    Timetable (if known) Once per week
          		    One afternoon per week
          		     
    Private Study 102
    TOTAL HOURS 150

    Assessment
    EXAM Duration Timing
    (Semester)    		 % of
    final
    mark    		 Resit/resubmission
    opportunity    		 Penalty for late
    submission    		 Notes
                 
    CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
    (Semester)    		 % of
    final
    mark    		 Resit/resubmission
    opportunity    		 Penalty for late
    submission    		 Notes
    Practical Assessment  1 week  1  33  No reassessment opportunity  Standard UoL penalty applies  Assessment 1 There is no reassessment opportunity,  
    Practical Assessment  1 week  1  33  No reassessment opportunity  Standard UoL penalty applies  Assessment 2 There is no reassessment opportunity,  
    Practical Assessment  1 week  1  34  No reassessment opportunity  Standard UoL penalty applies  Assessment 3 There is no reassessment opportunity, Notes (applying to all assessments) all assessments will be based around the MATLAB exercises 

    Recommended Texts
    Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.
    Explanation of Reading List: