2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Programme Catalogue

MRes Climate and Atmospheric Science

Programme overview

Programme code
MOR-ENV/CAS
UCAS code
Duration
12 Months
Method of Attendance
Full Time
Programme manager
Cathryn Birch
Contact address
C.E.Birch@leeds.ac.uk
Total credits
180
School/Unit responsible for the parenting of students and programme
School of Earth and Environment
Examination board through which the programme will be considered
School of Earth and Environment

Entry requirements

Entry Requirements are available on the Course Search entry

Programme specification

The MResCAS is the only programme of its kind in the UK and builds upon the world-leading research in climate and atmospheric being conducted across the University of Leeds. As a result, the MResCAS is the ideal post-graduate programme to prepare you for a research career in climate and atmospheric science. This includes both preparing you for PhD studies as well as going into an industrial or government research career or consultancy.

The MResCAS is comprised of 3 main components: Research Skills Modules, Specialist Knowledge Modules and the Research Project.

The Research Skills Modules are comprised of three 15 credit modules which provide expert training in fieldwork and observational science (SOEE5090), quantitative analysis (i.e. programming, SOEE5710) and engaging with the scientific quality and discourse (i.e. critically reading scientific literature and communicating your synthesis of this and your results, SOEE5915).

The Specialist Knowledge Modules consist of 45 credits that are free for you to choose so that you may tailor your learning towards your research interests.

The Research Project (SOEE5961) is the main focus of the MResCAS programme and is worth 90 credits. This project will be done in conjunction with a research advisor that you choose in the first semester. This research is often in collaboration with an external institution and involves fieldwork.

It is expected that you will become embedded in the research group of your advisor and will be treated similar to a first-year PhD student. The ultimate aim of the Independent Research Project is to write a manuscript that is worthy of being published in an international scientific journal appropriate to your research.

In addition to your research advisor, one of the MResCAS programme delivery team members will be assigned to you as personal tutors and will hold tutoring sessions throughout the year to check on your well-being and help you become immersed in the research culture of the School of Earth and Environment.

At the end of the programme students should be able to:
• Demonstrate in-depth, specialist knowledge at the forefront of climate and atmospheric science;

• Critically and creatively evaluate current issues, research and advanced scholarship in the discipline;

• Formulate ideas and hypotheses and to develop, implement and execute plans by which to evaluate these;

• Engage in a quantitative approach to climate and atmospheric sciences;

• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of techniques applicable to their own research or advanced scholarship;

• Take a proactive and self-reflective role in working and to develop professional relationships with others;

• Effective communicate the findings of their own research

Year 1

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable

Compulsory Modules

Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules:

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
SOEE5096MObserving weather and climate: advanced field skills15Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)PFP
SOEE5710MAdvanced Data Analysis and Visualisation for Environmental Applications15Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)PFP
SOEE5915MScientific Quality and Discourse15Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)PFP
SOEE5961MMRes Research Project901 Oct to 30 Sep (12mth)PFP

Optional Modules

Candidates will also complete a ‘Specialist Knowledge’ component of modules to acquire expert scientific knowledge within a chosen area of climate and atmospheric sciences in preparation for the Research Project (SOEE5961M). This unit comprises a minimum of 45 credits, and each candidate will make a bespoke selection from the modules listed below. Note that you may take up to 50 credits if needed.

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
BLGY5119MIntroduction to GIS15Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
BLGY5188MPopulation Dynamics15Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
CHEM3136Energy, Molecules and Chemical Change10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
CHEM3185Atmospheric Chemistry10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
MATH3458Geophysical Fluid Dynamics15Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
MATH5458MAdvanced Geophysical Fluid Dynamics20Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
PHYS5100MWinds, Bubbles and Explosions15 
SOEE3151Dynamics of Weather Systems10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
SOEE3190Earth Observations from Space10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
SOEE3410Atmosphere and Ocean Climate Change Processes10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
SOEE3431Atmospheric Pollution: Causes, Impact and Regulation10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
SOEE3515Ice in the Earth System10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
SOEE3535Atmospheric Physics10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
SOEE3701Modelling Extreme Weather Events10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
SOEE3760Terrestrial Biosphere in the Earth System10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
SOEE5515MIce in the Earth System15Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
SOEE5680MDynamics of Weather Systems15Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
SOEE5685MWeather, Climate and Air Quality30Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
SOEE5835MAdvanced Atmosphere and Ocean Dynamics15Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
SOEE5860MPhysical climate change, impacts and mitigation30Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
SOEE5970MTerrestrial Biosphere in the Earth System15Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)

Other elective options are available, and the Specialist Knowledge tutor will guide you through the module choices.

Last updated: 03/12/2024 09:17:39

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team