EAS 471 Atmospheric Modelling
January-April, 2007

Course Web Page: http://courses.eas.ualberta.ca/eas471/index.html

Instructor: Dr. J.D. Wilson

Office: Tory Room 2-105A

Phone: 492 0353

E-mail: jaydee.uu@ualberta.ca

Instructor's Office Hours: Mon, Wed, Thurs 11-12

LectureRoom & Time: T2-117: Tues, Thurs, 1100-1220

Labs: Thursday, 1400-1650 in ESB 1-39

Textbook: Lecture notes will be provided on this web site. As a reference for computing labs, students are recommended to purchase: "Fortran 90/95 for Scientists and Engineers," by S.J. Chapman.

Course Description: (3-0-3). Dynamics and physics of general circulation models. Numerical Weather Prediction models, ocean models, limited area models. Finite difference methods; spectral methods, and numerical stability. Prerequisite(s): EAS 371, 373 and MATH 215

Specific (and examinable) Learning Objectives

Attain proficiency with a scientific programming language: Students may use the language of their choice, however the EAS computing lab supports (only) FORTRAN 95.
Practise written communication in science (assignment write-ups, essay)
Understand mathematical character of the conservation equations of fluid mechanics
Demonstrate successful computer implementation and solution of several prototypical fluid flow/diffusion paradigms (where possible we will compare numerical solutions with analytical solutions). Examine performance of alternative finite difference discretizations in relation to their expected (theoretical) stability characteristics
Demonstrate familiarity with typical "dynamics" of modern atmosphere/ocean models, ie. their treatment of resolved scales of motion
Rudiments of initialization and data assimilation
Demonstrate familiarity with parameterizations of unresolved processes ("physics") in atmosphere/ocean models (cumulus parametrization; radiation; mountain gravity waves)

Grade Evaluation

Implementation of official University grading system: with the small class size there can be expected to be deviations of the distribution of grades assigned from the University's target distribution for a fourth-year course.

Term Work: (Computing assignments) 65%
Final exam (2 hour, closed book): 35%

Assignments: (graded both on their correctness, ie. outcome, and on the quality of the writing. For the computing projects you may team up with another student to submit a single report, in which case the same mark will be assigned for each member of the pair; you may opt out of this and for subsequent assignments submit an individual lab report, at any time)

Introductory computer program (file I/O, nested loops, using arrays, subroutines) [10%]
Numerical solution of the time-dependent heat equation in 1 space dimension [10%]
.
. other assignments to follow

Missed Term Exams and Assignments

There is no option to negotiate an altered date or time for the exam.

A student who cannot write the mid-term examination or complete a term assignment because of an incapacitating illness, severe domestic affliction or other compelling reasons can apply for transfer of the associated grade-weight to the final examination. In such a case application for transfer of credit must be made within 48 h of the missed quiz/exam or assignment due date and must be supported by a completed University of Alberta Medical Statement Form or other appropriate documentation (Calendar section 23.4[3]). Deferral of term work is a privelege and not a right; there is no guarantee that a deferral will be granted. Misrepresentation of Facts to gain a deferral is a serious breach of the Code of Student Behaviour.

Deferred Final Examination

A student who cannot write the final examination because of an incapacitating illness or is suffering from severe domestic affliction or other compelling reasons can apply for a deferred final examination. Such an application must be made to the student's Faculty office within 48 hours of the missed examination and must be supported by a completed University of Alberta Medical Statement Form or other appropriate documentation (Calendar section 23.5.6). Deferred examinations are a privelege and not a right; there is no guarantee that a deferred examination will be granted. Misrepresentation of Facts to gain a deferred examination is a serious breach of the Code of Student Behaviour. Deferred exam will be written on Fri 16 February 2007.

Re-examination

A student who writes the final examination and fails the course may apply for a reexamination. Re-examinations are rarely granted in the Faculty of Science. These exams are governed by University (Calendar section 23.5.5) and Faculty of Science Regulations (Calendar section 182.5.9). Misrepresentation of Facts to gain a reexamination is a serious breach of the Code of Student Behaviour.

Student Responsibilities

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: 'The University of Alberta is committed to the highest standards of academic integrity and honesty. Students are expected to be familiar with these standards regarding academic honesty and to uphold the policies of the University in this respect. Students are particularly urged to familiarize themselves with the provisions of the Code of Student Behaviour (online at www.ualberta.ca/secretariat/appeals.htm) and avoid any behaviour which could potentially result in suspicions of cheating, plagiarism, misrepresentation of facts and/or participation in an offence. Academic dishonesty is a serious offence and can result in suspension or expulsion from the University.'

All forms of dishonesty are unacceptable at the University. Cheating, plagiarism and misrepresentation of facts are serious offenses. Anyone who engages in these practices will receive at minimum a grade of zero for the exam or paper in question and no opportunity will be given to replace the grade or redistribute the weights. Any offense will be reported to the Senior Associate Dean of Science who will determine the disciplinary action to be taken.

EXAMS: Electronic equipment other than calculators is not to be brought to exam.

CELL PHONES: Cell phones are to be turned off during lectures, labs and seminars. Cell phones are not to be brought to exams.

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: Students who require accommodation in this course due to a disability are advised to discuss their needs with Specialized Support & Disability Services (2-800 Students' Union Building).

ACADEMIC SUPPORT CENTRE: Students who require additional help in developing strategies for better time management, study skills or examination skills should contact the Academic Support Centre (2-703 Students' Union Building). Additional tutorial services are available through the Math & Applied Sciences Centre (www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/MASC/ ) - check website to see if this is applicable to your course.

Disclaimer: Any typographical errors in this Course Outline are subject to change and will be announced in class. The date of the final examination is set by the Registrar and takes precedence over the final examination date reported in this syllabus.

"Policy about course outlines can be found in Section 23.4(2) of the University Calendar."

Link to Earth & Atmospheric Sciences home page.