Module manager: Juliane Schwendike
Email: J.Schwendike@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
Familiarity with vector calculus, differentiation (including vector differentiation), integration, and partial differential equations.
| SOEE5680M | Dynamics of Weather Systems |
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module deals with advanced principles in Meteorology with an emphasis on a physical understanding of the evolution of weather systems and on practical techniques of weather prediction, including those used by forecasters and other professionals. The module covers methods for analysis and prediction of weather on local and regional scales in the midlatitudes and tropics, including the evolution of cyclones, fronts, hurricanes and other weather systems as well as the influence of mountains on atmospheric flows and weather. This module suits students studying any of the Sciences, including Maths, Physics, Natural Sciences, Geophysics, Physical Geography, and Engineering. It is also of interest to students with an interest in the outdoors and weather forecasting, who wish to expand their understanding of the natural environment.
This module aims to:
- Facilitate understanding of the key concepts of midlatitude and tropical weather systems (achieved through lectures, practical classes, the assessment and the exam).
- Facilitate understanding of different methods used to identify the main drivers of selected weather systems (achieved through lectures, practical classes, the assessment and the exam).
- Provide students with the opportunity to apply the concepts and conceptual modules to a variety of real-life problems (achieved through practical classes, the assessment and the exam).
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1- Recognise and apply subject-specific theories, paradigms, concepts and principles.
2- Interpret a variety of meteorological weather charts.
3- Solve numerical problems using computer and non-computer-based techniques.
4- Prepare, process, interpret and present data, using appropriate qualitative and quantitative techniques.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
1- Problem solving and analytical – Ability to apply dynamical concepts to a variety of weather systems (Work ready, technical, enterprise skills).
2- Critical thinking - Analysing, synthesising and summarising information critically, including prior research and your own analysis results (Work ready, academic, digital, enterprise, technical skills).
3- Academic writing and referencing - Finding and using peer-reviewed research articles to develop in-depth understanding of complex dynamical processes in the atmosphere (Academic, digital, sustainability skills).
4- Time management and planning - Developing the skills necessary for self-managed and lifelong learning (e.g., working independently, time management and organisation skills) (Work ready, academic skills).
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 20 | 1 | 20 |
| Practical | 5 | 1 | 5 |
| Private study hours | 75 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 25 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100 | ||
The students will receive formative feedback in the practical classes where will discuss solutions to question sheets which the students will prepare at home.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Coursework | 50 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 50 | |
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) | 1.0 Hrs 0 Mins | 50 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 50 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 29/04/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team