Module manager: Julianne Schwendike
Email: J.Schwendike@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
SOEE3700 Practical weather Forecasting
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module is a practical course, designed to enable students to run a state-of-the-art computer model for simulating extreme weather events called the Weather, Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. Participants will run the model for two extreme weather events: a hurricane, which led to significant damage in the US, and an extratropical storm that brought high impact weather to the UK. We will analyse the model runs, visualize the model data, and use the plots to understand important aspects of these extreme weather events and their impacts. In addition, the model will be used to run a real-time weather forecast. Using the model output and other information sources, you will generate a weather forecast for the general public, and presenting this forecast will form part of the course. A short series of lectures describing the science behind modelling extreme weather events will support the practical sessions.
The objectives of the module are to:
1. Facilitate understanding of the dynamical and physical processes of selected extreme weather events and their representation in computer models of the atmosphere (achieved through lectures, practical classes, and assessments).
2. Gain expertise in the critical analysis and appreciation of data provided from model simulations (achieved through lectures, practical classes, and assessment).
3. Enable students to run a state-of-the-art computer model for extreme weather events (achieved through practical classes and assessment).
4. Provide students with the opportunity to communicate scientific findings to a non-specialist audience (achieved through practical classes and assessment).
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following subject specific skills learning outcomes:
SSLO1: Use and run a state-of-the-art computer model of the atmosphere; to critically evaluate and analyse complex data produced by computer models of the atmosphere.
SSLO2: Explain key characteristics of selected extreme weather events.
SSLO3: Be able to use model output data to generate a forecast suitable for the general public, and to provide critical evaluation of the quality of the results.
SSLO4: Improve scientific appreciation of the limitations of computer models of the atmosphere and the methods of obtaining a numerical solution of the equations.
SSLO5: Understand the representation of atmospheric processes in the computer models.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
SKLO1: Information technology skills – The students will be able to set up and run model simulations with a state-of-the art computer model. [Digital Skills, Academic Skills]
SKLO2: Problem solving and analytical skill – The students will analyse their own model runs of extreme weather events with Python and visualise their results. [Academic Skills]
SKLO3: Critical thinking – The students will evaluate their runs, select suitable output times and variables, and synthesise the model output. [Work Ready Skills, Academic Skills]
SKLO4: Academic writing – The students need to write a report on their findings from the analysis of different weather systems. [Academic Skills]
SKLO5: Communication – The students need to give an oral presentation of a weather forecast to a general audience. [Work Ready Skills]
Skills Outcomes:
- the ability to use and run a state-of-the-art computer model of the atmosphere;
- to critically evaluate and analyse complex data produced by computer models of the atmosphere;
- to understand key characteristics of selected extreme weather events;
- to be able to use model output data to generate a forecast suitable for the general public, and to provide critical evaluation of the quality of the results;
- to improve scientific appreciation of the limitations of computer models of the atmosphere and the methods of obtaining a numerical solution of the equations;
- to understand the representation of atmospheric processes in the computer models.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Practical | 10 | 2 | 20 |
| Private study hours | 70 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 30 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100 | ||
Formal feedback will be given during the practical computer classes and after the dry-run oral presentations in class.
Student progress will be monitored by:
- Course work submissions
- Feedback during practical computer classes
- Peer assessment of progress within groups
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Coursework | 50 |
| Oral Presentation | Coursework | 50 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
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
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