Paper Description
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.
The course consists of 24 lectures, which are integrated with fortnightly practical lab sessions (four hours duration), assignments, and a research essay. In weeks when there are no labs, drop-in tutorials or workshops (one hour duration) are held.
Assessment:
Final exam 60%, Assignments 16%, Labs 16%, Essay 8%.
Important information about assessment for PHSI243
Course Coordinator:
Dr Annika Seppälä
- 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
Lecture Topics
| Topic |
|---|
| Solar processes and energy balance |
| The solar resource |
| Atmospheric structure, energy, entropy and local processes |
| Large scale motions, energy budget, feedbacks and the greenhouse effect |
Formal University Information
The following information is from the University’s corporate web site.
Details
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.
| Paper title | Environmental Physics |
|---|---|
| Paper code | PHSI243 |
| Subject | Physics |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 1 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees (NZD) | $1,141.35 |
| 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: 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:
- 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
