Module manager: Prof Ian Brooks
Email: i.m.brooks@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
| SOEE5685M | Weather, Climate and Air Quality |
This module is approved as an Elective
The response of the climate to increasing greenhouse gas concentrations is controlled by a wide array of physical processes and feedbacks in both the atmosphere and ocean. This module will examine a range of these processes, including: atmosphere and ocean circulation, the surface energy balance, control of radiative energy balance by aerosol and cloud processes, ocean-atmosphere gas exchange, polar climate processes, and aspects of the water budget influencing sea level rise. The interlinked nature of many of the processes, and feedbacks between them are emphasised, and the way in which processes are represented in climate models is introduced. The module is closely aligned with topics of active research within the School of Earth and Environment, and draws upon this research to provide examples. The lectures are regularly updated to include details of the latest research results relevant to the topics covered.
The overarching objective of this module is to provide a clear understanding of the primary physical processes in atmosphere and ocean that control climate.
The module is broadly split into sections addressing:
- Large-scale atmosphere and ocean circulations, their role in transporting energy within the climate system, and the changes (observed and expected) resulting from a warming climate
- Thermodynamic feedback processes within the atmosphere
- Aerosol and cloud processes and their interaction with solar and infra-red radiation
- Surface exchange processes and the surface energy budget
- Polar climate and the processes resulting in polar amplification of climate warming
- Sea level rise
- Tipping points within the climate system
- Fundamentals of modelling of climate and how this, along with observations, provides a theoretical understanding
Throughout the module the linkages and feedbacks between these processes and different parts of the climate system are emphasised.
Another common thread is to provide a fundamental understanding of the way in which these processes are represented in climate models via simplified parameterisations, and the limitations in model accuracy that may result from such parameterisations.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes:
SSLO1: Understand the physical processes within the atmosphere and oceans that control climate, including details of:
- surface-atmosphere interactions
- cloud and aerosol processes and how they control the radiation budget at the surface and top of atmosphere
- large-scale ocean and atmosphere circulations
- The turbulent exchange of heat at the surface
- The physical and chemical controls of the exchange of gases – in particular carbon dioxide – between atmosphere and ocean
SSLO2: Describe the changes in these processes resulting from forced climate change, and the feedback processes that reinforce or supress climate warming.
SSLO3: Analyse the outputs of a simple climate model under different forcing scenarios, applying the understanding gained about physical processes to explain the model outputs.
SSLO4: Explain, in detail, the physical processes and feedbacks that control specific aspects of the climate system and its response to forced increases in greenhouse gases.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
SKLO1: Apply knowledge gained to interpret the results of a simple climate model under different forcing scenarios. (Analytical Skills)
SKLO2: Analyse the chain of consequences resulting from changes in climate forcing and explain the observed outcomes from a simple climate model. (Critical Thinking)
SKLO3: Present the results of modelling experiments in a coherent and logical manner, justify the approach taken, and interpret the results using appropriate academic referencing. (Communication, Academic Literacy)
Students will be taught about the physical coupling and feedback of significant atmospheric and ocean processes currently thought responsible for the observed rapid changes in the Earth's climate. For students taking this module, a basic understanding of meteorology and climate change is recommended.
Through a lecture series that encompasses: Atmosphere radiative transfer through high and low level clouds and the physical implications of aerosols on climate; Atmospheric circulation, surface ocean/terrestrial/biosphere exchange processes, greenhouse gas fluxes; Implications of sea ice (sea levels), deep convection and mixed layer dynamics on ocean heat budgets and the breakdown of the thermohaline circulation.
During the current circumstances this module will be taught through a series of pre-recorded lectures and supplementary videos, supported by both live online discussions and a text-based discussion board. An assessed online exercise using a simple climate model with a web-based interface provides a means to explore some of the ideas from the lectures. This exercise is also supported by live tutorial and the bulletin board.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practicals | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| Lecture | 17 | 1 | 17 |
| Independent online learning hours | 8 | ||
| Private study hours | 72 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 20 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100 | ||
Coursework workshop provides time for one-to-one and group discussion of the exercise, providing guidance on how to interpret the outputs of the model, and feedback on student’s work-in-progress.
Feedback on coursework is provided via written feedback and annotated scripts on Minerva.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Coursework | 40 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 40 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) (S1) | 2.0 Hrs 0 Mins | 60 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 60 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team