
The UNSW Fundamentals of Atmospheric Science (CLIM2001) course explores the basic physical principles and processes that govern our atmosphere and its climate. It will give you the necessary knowledge to understand everyday weather phenomena and what determines our climate. To give you hands-on experience, this course will involve laboratory exercises, including chart analysis and computer simulations.
Throughout the course, you’ll use charts to examine the Earth’s atmosphere to determine the likelihood of storm development, learn why deserts occur at certain latitudes, and how weather systems evolve. You’ll also discover how to use the Bureau of Meteorology’s online radar image to track thunderstorms. To analyse charts and data, you’ll be trained in how to apply basic principles of physics and mathematics (including calculus).
Atmospheric Science is grounded in real-world problems. The study of this science can lead to new discoveries on how to reduce the greenhouse gas effect and how to predict and provide early warning on devastating natural phenomena like cyclones.
During the course, you’ll cover a third of the Wallace and Hobbs textbook, which is a useful resource for those who want to take Atmospheric and Climate Science to the next level. You’ll be encouraged to purchase and read through the book to gain a comprehensive view of science.
In the Fundamentals of Atmospheric Science, you’ll learn the following principles:
Term offering: Term 1
Course attendance: In person
Level: Undergraduate - Second Year
Discipline: Climate science
Course code: CLIM2001 PHYS2801
This course is intended for Stage 2 students pursuing a major in Climate Science, Physics or Applied Maths. This course is co-taught with PHYS2801.
The course covers the following topics:
Climate and environmental scientists are crucial for assisting farmers, governments, businesses and communities to plan for changing conditions in the world around them. In this industry, scientists research many areas from the risks relating to flooding to the impacts of droughts and heatwaves. To help companies prepare for the ever-changing environment, scientists offer weather predictions, technological solutions, risk mitigation strategies and more.
At UNSW Science, you can further your study in climate change with the Bachelor of Advanced Science (Hons) majoring in Climate System Science or Climate Dynamics.
You can also study aspects of climate change in the Bachelor of Environmental Management.
“I had no idea about atmospheric science before this course, and now, I realise that there are many interesting topics in this field. I can’t wait to learn more.”
- Fundamentals of Atmospheric Science graduate.