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 ) | $1,318.20 |
| 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
- More information link
- View more information about PHSI 243
- Teaching staff
Course Co-ordinator: Associate Professor Annika Seppälä
- 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:
- Use basic physical principles to understand environmental processes with emphasis on the atmosphere and climate change
- Sketch graphs and diagrams that illustrate fundamental physical phenomena
- Perform calculations of fundamental physical phenomena
- Communicate technical information clearly, both in written form and verbally
- Work cooperatively and productively in a team situation in a laboratory and tutorial setting
- Develop analytical and critical-thinking skills through an examination of the peer-reviewed science about climate change
Overview
Explore the basic physical processes of the Sun and Earth’s climate system, encompassing the atmosphere, oceans, land, and cryosphere. Understand Earth’s climate system’s energy balance and climate change physical processes.
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 | Climate Physics |
|---|---|
| Subject | Physics |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 1 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for 2027 have not yet been set |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- One of PHSI 131, PHSI 132, PHSI 191
- Pre or Corequisite
- MATH 130
- Schedule C
- Science
- Contact
- Teaching staff
Course Co-ordinator: Associate Professor Annika Seppälä
- 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:
- Use basic physical principles to understand environmental processes with emphasis on the atmosphere and climate change
- Sketch graphs and diagrams that illustrate fundamental physical phenomena
- Perform calculations of fundamental physical phenomena
- Communicate technical information clearly, both in written form and verbally
- Work cooperatively and productively in a team situation in a laboratory and tutorial setting
- Develop analytical and critical-thinking skills through an examination of the peer-reviewed science about climate change