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    Overview

    Basic physical processes of the Sun, the atmosphere, the oceans and the Earth. The green-house effect and the role of energy processes. Opportunities for mitigation including new energy technologies.

    The aim of this paper is to understand environmental processes by the application of quantitative methods and basic physical ideas. A key focus is on the atmosphere and global warming. Lectures, practical laboratory sessions, assignments and a research essay have been designed to develop analytical and critical-thinking skills through an examination of the peer-reviewed science about climate change.

    About this paper

    Paper title Environmental Physics
    Subject Physics
    EFTS 0.15
    Points 18 points
    Teaching period Semester 1 (On campus)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,173.30
    International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
    Prerequisite
    One of PHSI 110, 131, 132, 191
    Pre or Corequisite
    MATH 130
    Schedule C
    Science
    Contact

    annika.seppala@otago.ac.nz

    Teaching staff

    Course Co-ordinator: Dr Annika Seppälä
    Dr Inga Smith

    Textbooks

    Textbooks are not required for this paper.

    Graduate Attributes Emphasised
    Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Environmental literacy, Information literacy, Research, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
    View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
    Learning Outcomes
    After completing this paper students will be able to:
    1. Use basic physical principles to understand environmental processes with emphasis on the atmosphere and climate change
    2. Sketch graphs and diagrams that illustrate fundamental physical phenomena
    3. Perform calculations of fundamental physical phenomena
    4. Communicate technical information clearly, both in written form and verbally
    5. Work cooperatively and productively in a team situation in a laboratory and tutorial setting
    6. Develop analytical and critical-thinking skills through an examination of the peer-reviewed science about climate change

    Timetable

    Semester 1

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught On Campus
    Learning management system
    None

    Lecture

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Monday 11:00-11:50 9-13, 15-22
    Tuesday 11:00-11:50 9-13, 15-22

    Practical

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend one stream from
    A1 Wednesday 14:00-17:50 10, 12, 16, 18, 20, 22
    A2 Thursday 14:00-17:50 10, 12, 16, 18, 20, 22
    A3 Tuesday 14:00-17:50 10, 12, 16, 18, 20, 22

    Tutorial

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend one stream from
    A1 Tuesday 14:00-14:50 9, 11, 13, 17, 19, 21
    A2 Wednesday 14:00-14:50 9, 11, 13, 17, 19, 21
    A3 Thursday 14:00-14:50 9, 11, 13, 19, 21
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