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PHY455Sciences3 Unitsintermediate

Lower Atmospheric Physics

This course, Lower Atmospheric Physics, explores the structure, composition, and thermodynamics of the Earth's atmosphere. It covers topics such as atmospheric stratification, thermodynamic processes, air-water vapor behavior, and radiative transfer. Students will learn about the ionosphere's role in radio wave propagation, the impact of space weather on human activity, and the factors influencing spectral line broadening. The course also examines the equation of radiative transfer and its application to radio waves.

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78h
Study Time
13
Weeks
6h
Per Week
intermediate
Math Level
Course Keywords
Atmospheric PhysicsThermodynamicsRadiative TransferIonosphereSpace Weather

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📊
Math Level
Moderate Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Atmospheric Structure

2

Thermodynamics

3

Air-Water Vapor

4

Neutral Atmosphere

5

Radiative Transfer

6

Line Profiles

Total Topics6 topics

Requirements

Knowledge and skills recommended for success

General Physics

Calculus

Basic Thermodynamics

💡 Don't have all requirements? Don't worry! Many students successfully complete this course with basic preparation and dedication.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (2 methods)

Tutor-Marked Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

End of Course Examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Meteorologist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Atmospheric Scientist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Remote Sensing Specialist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Environmental Consultant

Apply your skills in this growing field

Radio Communications Engineer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

Weather ForecastingClimate ModelingTelecommunicationsEnvironmental MonitoringAerospace

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1:

3h

Unit 1: Structure and Composition of the Atmosphere

3 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: Structure and Composition of the Atmosphere
  • •Identify the different layers of the atmosphere based on temperature and composition.
  • •Explain the importance of the ionosphere for radio wave propagation.
Week
2

Module 1:

3h

Unit 2: Basic Thermodynamic Concepts

3 study hours
  • •Read Unit 2: Basic Thermodynamic Concepts
  • •Understand the first law of thermodynamics and its applications.
  • •Solve problems related to isothermal and adiabatic processes.
Week
3

Module 1:

3h

Unit 3: Air and Water Vapour

3 study hours
  • •Read Unit 3: Air and Water Vapour
  • •Examine the properties of air, water, and water vapor.
  • •Study the saturation regions and their significance in atmospheric processes.
Week
4

Module 2:

3h

Unit 1: The Neutral Atmosphere

3 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: The Neutral Atmosphere
  • •Understand the dynamics of the neutral atmosphere.
  • •Study the equation of state and hydrostatic equilibrium.
Week
5

Module 2:

3h

Unit 2: Radiative Transfer

3 study hours
  • •Read Unit 2: Radiative Transfer
  • •Understand the concepts of intensity, flux, and luminosity.
  • •Derive the equation of radiative transfer.
Week
6

Module 2:

3h

Unit 3: Line Profiles

3 study hours
  • •Read Unit 3: Line Profiles
  • •Study the transition rules and line broadening mechanisms.
  • •Understand the Lorentzian and Gaussian line profiles.
Week
7

Module 1:

4h

Units 1-3: Review and TMA Preparation

4 study hours
  • •Review Module 1: Structure and Composition of the Atmosphere, Basic Thermodynamic Concepts, Air and Water Vapour
  • •Solve practice problems related to Module 1 topics.
  • •Prepare for Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs) for Module 1.
Week
8

Module 2:

4h

Units 1-3: Review and TMA Preparation

4 study hours
  • •Review Module 2: The Neutral Atmosphere, Radiative Transfer, Line Profiles
  • •Solve practice problems related to Module 2 topics.
  • •Prepare for Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs) for Module 2.
Week
9

Module 1:

2h

Module 1 TMA Submission

2 study hours
  • •Complete Tutor-Marked Assignment (TMA) for Module 1
  • •Submit TMA to your facilitator before the deadline.
  • •Review feedback from facilitator on previous TMAs.
Week
10

Module 2:

2h

Module 2 TMA Submission

2 study hours
  • •Complete Tutor-Marked Assignment (TMA) for Module 2
  • •Submit TMA to your facilitator before the deadline.
  • •Review feedback from facilitator on previous TMAs.
Week
11

Course Review

5h

Comprehensive Course Review

5 study hours
  • •Review all course materials from Modules 1 and 2.
  • •Focus on key concepts and challenging topics.
  • •Practice solving problems from each unit.
Week
12

Exam Preparation

5h

Exam-Focused Revision

5 study hours
  • •Work through past examination questions.
  • •Identify areas of weakness and revisit relevant units.
  • •Create concept maps linking key ideas.
Week
13

Final Revision

5h

Final Revision

5 study hours
  • •Final revision and consolidation of knowledge.
  • •Address any remaining questions or uncertainties.
  • •Ensure all TMAs have been completed and submitted.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review all Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs) and understand the solutions.

2

Create concept maps linking atmospheric layers (Unit 1) with thermodynamic processes (Unit 2).

3

Practice solving problems related to radiative transfer (Module 2, Unit 2).

4

Focus on understanding the key equations and their applications.

5

Allocate study time proportionally to the weight of each module in the final examination.

6

Create flashcards for key terms and definitions from each unit.

7

Attempt past examination papers under timed conditions to improve speed and accuracy.

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