The origin of the solar system and the earth’s atmosphere; the evolving atmospheric
composition; the physical parameters determining conditions in the atmosphere (e.g.
temperature, pressure, and vorticity); the laws describing electromagnetic radiation; the
interaction between electromagnetic radiation and matter (absorption emission and
scattering); atmospheric radiative transport; radiation balance, climate change;
atmospheric thermodynamics and hydrological cycle; aerosols and cloud physics; an
introduction into atmospheric dynamics (kinematics, circulation etc.).
Outcome:
An adequate understanding of the fundamentals of atmospheric physics. This
addresses a) gaining an understanding the laws of physics, which determine the
behaviour of the earth system comprising the sun the atmosphere and earth surface, b)
learning the ability to apply the laws of physics to calculate parameters and forecast
conditions in the atmosphere. This knowledge is required for subsequent advanced courses in the M.Sc. programmes. In later life, these learning outcomes are essential
for undertaking a) research in atmospheric, environmental and climate science Earth
observation and remote sensing form ground based ship, aircraft and space based
instrumentation, b) being employment in earth observation, earth science,
meteorology, industry, or governmental and space agencies.
