Description
Outline:
Environmental Physics is the study of the application of physics in the natural world. The module covers the physics of the atmosphere, winds, water and weather, along with energy production and conservation and an introduction to the physics and issues of climate change.
Aims:
This module aims to provide:
- An introduction to the application of fundamental principles of physics to the environmental sciences
- A treatment of the basic physics establishing thermal and chemical balances in the Earth’s atmosphere
- An explanation of the physics underpinning the topical problems of ozone depletion and global warming
- A description of the physics underpinning terrestrial weather patterns including cloud formation and wind patterns
- A discussion of current climate models and their predicative power for short and long term weather patterns
- To provide a description of the physical principles involved in the development of the technologies for adoption of renewable energy schemes
- Provide an explanation of heat transfer in current buildings and how they may be improved
- A description of the causes and consequences of pollutants in the atmosphere, ecosystems and human health
Teaching and Learning Methodology:
This module is delivered via weekly lectures supplemented by a series of problem solving tutorials and additional discussion.
In addition to timetabled lecture and PST hours, it is expected that students engage in self-study in order to master the material. This can take the form, for example, of practicing example questions and further reading in textbooks and online.
Module deliveries for 2024/25 academic year
Last updated
This module description was last updated on 19th August 2024.
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