Study plan for BAMN-GEOF Climate, Atmosphere and Ocean Physics, Bachelor's, 3 years, spring 2022

Objectives and content

Objectives
The Bachelor's programme in Meteorology andOceanography provides students with a basic introduction to factors controlling the dynamics of the atmosphere and the ocean: the physical characteristics of the atmosphere, physical and chemical properties of the ocean, measurement and analysis of the atmosphere and the ocean. The programme will also give an introduction to phenomena that affect interactions between the atmosphere and the ocean, and the ways in which the above-mentioned knowledge can be used tounderstand and explain variability and changes in climate.

Content:
The Bachelor's programme combines the classical natural sciences of physics and mathematics and gives students a good background for working in e.g. research, education, management, weather forecasting, climate related topics and renewable energy.

- The field of climate physics describes the state of the ocean and the atmosphere over long time, how they change over time, and how they are coupled and influencing each other.

- The field of meteorology, or atmospheric physics, is the study of weather phenomena and the various physical properties and processes in the atmosphere.

- The field of oceanography, or ocean physics, is the study of the various characteristics and processes in the ocean. This field also includes a description of the cycling of chemical substances, such as carbon and nutrients, in the ocean.

In both meteorology and oceanography, the physical laws are formulated as mathematical equations. The equations are then used to describe, and subsequently better understand, nature. Since the majority of the courses use information technology in various forms, courses in computer science are recommended. The programme utilizes research in and knowledge from physics, mathematics, chemistry and geophysics to give candidates an education with expertise in meteorology, oceanography and climate. This background forms the basis for further specialization in a Master's degree.

Required Learning Outcomes

On completion of the programme the candidate should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The candidate
- is familiar with the historical development of meteorology (atmospheric physics) and oceanography (ocean physics), and the interaction between the two forming our physical climate
- is familiar with the terminology that is used inmeteorology and oceanography
- has overview of the dynamics and the physics in the atmosphere and the ocean and the associated physical and thermodynamical principles
- knows the interactions in our physical climate between the atmosphere and the ocean
- knows how to model basic features in the atmosphere and the ocean
- knows the mathematical formalism related to analysis, complex numbers, linear algebra and simple differential equations applied to geophysical problems
- is familiar with common instrumentation and field activity in meteorology and oceanography

Skills

The candidate
- is able to measure fundamental quantities in the atmosphere and the ocean
- is able to use programming languages to analyse and visualise data
- is able to perform computations using knowledge from fluid dynamics, computer sciences, classical mechanics, and thermodynamics
- is able to write field and laboratory reports and essays in the fields of climate physics, atmosphere physics or ocean physics

General competence

The candidate
- can explain and convey key topics in climate, meteorology and oceanography to layman and experts
- is able to portray and quantify factors that control variation and change in climate
- can carry out independent project work, and write and present final project reports in line with good scientific practice
- can retrieve relevant information from library and scientific databases
- can reflect on key, ethical and scientific issues within the fields of meteorology, oceanography and climate

Admission Requirements

Higher Education Entrance Qualification

Introductory Courses

MAT111, GEOF100 and INF100, while EXPHIL-MNSEM is

recommended for the 4th semester of study

Compulsory units

These courses are compulsory:

Ex.phil., MAT101/MAT111

Requirements for the Bachelor's degree in Climate, Atmosphere and Ocean Physics is a specialization of 110 credit points (out of the total 180 credit points in the grade) consisting of the following courses: MAT112, MAT121, MAT131, MAT212, PHYS111, GEOF105, GEOF110, GEOF210, GEOF212, and 10 credits from courses: PHYS112, PHYS113, and 10 credits from courses: GEOF213, GEOF220 or GEOF236, the later for qualification to Master.

Recommended electives

The following courses are recommended electives in the programme:
INF100, GEOF211, GEOF213, GEOF232, GEOF236, MAT213, MAT236, MAT252, MAT253, MAT26, KJEM100 and VIT212.

Elective courses should be selected in relation to the planned Master. Some Master's programs have specific academic entry requirements. Up to 10 credits at the 300-level may be included in the elective part of the Bachelor's degree.

The students may choose other courses.

Study period abroad

The programme committee has made adaption for students who want to take parts of the study at the University Centre at Svalbard or abroad during their fifth and/or sixth Semester of their Bachelor's studies.

Teaching and learning methods

A combination of teaching and learning methods is used in the various courses, including [lectures, hands-on laboratory, field campaigns and cruises].

Assessment methods

The assessment methods are [written reports, written and oral examination]. The assessment methods for each course are described in the course description.

Grading scale

At UiB the grades are given in one of two possible grading scales: passed/failed and A to F.
The grading scale for each course is given in the course description.

Diploma and Diploma supplement

The Diploma, in Norwegian, and the Diploma Supplement, in English, will be issued when the degree is completed.

Access to further studies

Bachelor's degrees give admission to a master's programme within relevant discipline. To qualify for a master's programme at UiB the average grade for the specialization in the bachelor's degree should be at least C.

In order to qualify for master in meteorology and oceanography you have to take either, GEOF213, GEOF220 or GEOF236, depending on what study specialization you want to apply for.

To qualify for master in energy you have to take PHYS113 or KJEM230. PHYS113 can be a part of the specialization in a bachelor in Climate, Atmosphere and Ocean Physics.

For further details, please see Study programmes at GFI | Geophysical Institute | UiB

Employability

A Bachelor degree in meteorology and oceanography can provide expertise in e.g. teaching and city/county/state agencies. It isgenerally a great advantage to acquire a master. One will then be requested in sectors like research, weather forecasting, climate, schools, defense, renewable energy, insurance, transport sector, and in environmentally oriented work. Candidates with strong background in mathematics and physics are interesting for a

wide range of industries, agencies and in education. We conduct basic research in disciplines that are central for the understanding of nature and it forms the basis for tomorrows technology. Our subjects are therefore important

for both present and future value creation. For more information about possibilities for an education in meteorology, see: http://utdanning.no/yrker/beskrivelse/meteorolog