Lower Atmospheric Physics
- Sciences
- 400 level
- 3 credit units
- 112 pages
- 6 units
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.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 78 hours
- Maths
- Intermediate
- Content
- Theoretical, problem solving
- Practical work
- No
- General Physics
- Calculus
- Basic Thermodynamics
- Tutor Marked Assignments
- End of Course Examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of PHY455, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
PHY455 · UNIT 1 STRUCTURE AND COMPOSITION OF THE ATMOSPHERE
In the homosphere, the mean molecular mass is constant due to mixing. In the heterosphere, the mean molecular mass varies due to diffusive separation. In terms of the escape properties of neutral particles, the terrestrial atmosphere is called the exosphere.
What you should be able to do
- Explain the structure and composition of the Earth's atmosphere.
- Apply thermodynamic principles to atmospheric processes.
- Describe the behavior of air and water vapor in the atmosphere.
- Discuss the equation of radiative transfer and its applications.
- Analyze spectral line profiles and their broadening mechanisms.
- Evaluate the impact of space weather on human activities.
What it prepares you for
- Meteorologist
- Atmospheric Scientist
- Remote Sensing Specialist
- Environmental Consultant
- Radio Communications Engineer
- Weather Forecasting
- Climate Modeling
- Telecommunications
- Environmental Monitoring
- Aerospace
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 1:
Unit 2: Basic Thermodynamic Concepts
The concepts of enthalpy, entropy, and internal energy require a strong foundation in thermodynamics and calculus.
- Module 2:
Unit 2: Radiative Transfer
The mathematical derivations and application of the equation of radiative transfer require advanced calculus and physics knowledge.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 45 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1:
Unit 1: Structure and Composition of the Atmosphere · 3 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 2Module 1:
Unit 2: Basic Thermodynamic Concepts · 3 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 3Module 1:
Unit 3: Air and Water Vapour · 3 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 4Module 2:
Unit 1: The Neutral Atmosphere · 3 hours
Read Unit 1: The Neutral Atmosphere. Understand the dynamics of the neutral atmosphere.. Study the equation of state and hydrostatic equilibrium..
- Week 5Module 2:
Unit 2: Radiative Transfer · 3 hours
Read Unit 2: Radiative Transfer. Understand the concepts of intensity, flux, and luminosity.. Derive the equation of radiative transfer..
- Week 6Module 2:
Unit 3: Line Profiles · 3 hours
Read Unit 3: Line Profiles. Study the transition rules and line broadening mechanisms.. Understand the Lorentzian and Gaussian line profiles..
- Week 7Module 1:
Units 1-3: Review and TMA Preparation · 4 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 8Module 2:
Units 1-3: Review and TMA Preparation · 4 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 9Module 1:
Module 1 TMA Submission · 2 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 10Module 2:
Module 2 TMA Submission · 2 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 11Course Review
Comprehensive Course Review · 5 hours
Review all course materials from Modules 1 and 2.. Focus on key concepts and challenging topics.. Practice solving problems from each unit..
- Week 12Exam Preparation
Exam-Focused Revision · 5 hours
Work through past examination questions.. Identify areas of weakness and revisit relevant units.. Create concept maps linking key ideas..
- Week 13Final Revision
Final Revision · 5 hours
Final revision and consolidation of knowledge.. Address any remaining questions or uncertainties.. Ensure all TMAs have been completed and submitted..
Preparing for the exam
- Review all Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs) and understand the solutions.
- Create concept maps linking atmospheric layers (Unit 1) with thermodynamic processes (Unit 2).
- Practice solving problems related to radiative transfer (Module 2, Unit 2).
- Focus on understanding the key equations and their applications.
- Allocate study time proportionally to the weight of each module in the final examination.
- Create flashcards for key terms and definitions from each unit.
- Attempt past examination papers under timed conditions to improve speed and accuracy.
Questions students ask about this course
What is PHY455 about?
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.
How many units does PHY455 have?
PHY455, Lower Atmospheric Physics, has 6 units across 2 modules, over 112 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is PHY455?
PHY455 carries 3 credit units, at 400 level in Sciences.
Is PHY455 hard?
PHY455 is rated intermediate level, with intermediate mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and problem solving work.
How long does PHY455 take to study?
About 78 hours of study, spread across its 6 units.
How is PHY455 assessed?
PHY455 is assessed by Tutor Marked Assignments and End of Course Examination.
What do I need before starting PHY455?
General Physics Calculus Basic Thermodynamics
What can I do with PHY455?
Meteorologist, Atmospheric Scientist, Remote Sensing Specialist, Environmental Consultant and Radio Communications Engineer.