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Study plan for MAMN-GFKLI Climate dynamics, spring 2024

Name of qualification

The master's programme leads to the degree Master of Science in Meteorology and Oceanography. It is a two year programme (120 ECTS credits).

Objectives and content

The master's program in meteorology and oceanography with a spezialisation in climate dynamics gives the student a deep insight into the physical processes that control climate and climate variations on different time scales globally and regionally. The program also deepens the empirical data base for the physical processes that give rise to variations and change in climate on different time scales, and their representation in numerical models on a regional to global scale. This applies to both natural variations and man-made changes. The study also covers the use of advanced statistical and numerical methods, measurements, and theoretical analysis, as well as communication to a specialist audience. The master's thesis provides an advanced and deep understanding of a selected climate dynamic subject. The master's thesis is an independent research project, and a central part of the master's program, where the student, under guidance, contributes new knowledge.

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

  • can use the technical terminology of atmospheric and ocean dynamics, physics and thermodynamics and can demonstrate related advanced knowledge
  • knows and can current research on the physical climate system (earth/atmosphere/ocean) and understands the connections between the various parts of the climate system at an advanced level
  • knows the societal relevance and challenges within climate change and climate prediction
  • has advanced knowledge of mathematical, statistical, and numerical methods for analyzing geophysical data
  • is a ware of interdisciplinary problems with related disciplines, such as meteorology, oceanography, informatics, and geosciences, which produce variations in climate on different time scales

Skills

The candidate

  • can critically assess data quality and geophysical information sources, and works systematically with measurement errors and uncertainties
  • can use advanced mathematical and statistical methods for analysis and visualization of problems within climate dynamics, in particular using programming
  • can carry out an independent research project under guidance
  • can apply their knowledge to new scientific problems within climate dynamics and related subject areas
  • can critically assess and use data from Earth system models on different scales in time and space

General competence

The candidate

  • can formulate and discuss analytical strategies and carry out analyzes of complex problems
  • can work with climate dynamic problem individually and in groups
  • can analyze, interpret and discuss their own results in a scientifically sound and critical way
  • can present orally and in writing, and explain and discuss complex problems with colleagues
  • has knowledge of and respects scientific values such as openness, precision and responsibility, and knows the difference between scientific knowledge and opinion

Admission Requirements

Bachelor¿s program in Meteorology, Oceanography, Climate Physics or similar.

Bachelor's degrees in applied mathematics or physics may qualify, if they include at least 20 credits from atmosphere and ocean sciences, or theoretical and applied fluid mechanics. A bachelor's degree in physics with solid knowledge in fluid mechanics will also be considered.

You also need to document:

Recommended previous knowledge

You must have completed a BSc in meteorology and oceanography or in an equivalent field. You need competence in meteorology, including basics in climate and atmospheric physics. You should have basic knowledge about theoretical and experimental aspects of meteorology as well as in computer programming and data analysis. Thorough background in mathematics (linear algebra, partial differential equations, function theory, Fourier analysis, statistics), as well as in physics (thermodynamics, fluiddynamics, and classical mechanics, continuum mechanics), are recommended

Compulsory units

The master's programme consists of two components: Coursework of 60 credits and an individual research project (master's thesis, labelled GEOF399) of 60 credits.

The courses GEOF339, GEOF348 and GEOF352 (20 credits) are compulsory. In addition, there are 40 credits of elective courses, chosen in agreement with the academic supervisor.

For students starting from the autumn 2024

4. semester: Thesis
3. semester: Thesis
2. semester: GEOF348, GEOF352, GEOF339
1. semester: GEOF313, elective course, elective cuurse

Master's thesis: GEOF399 Master's thesis in meteorology and oceanography of 60 credits. It is recommended that the Master's thesis is started in the third semester. The Master's thesis must be submitted within a deadline at the end of the fourth semester, 20 November or 1 June. It is possible to write a master's thesis with supervisors from external research institutes or subject-relevant companies.

Recommended electives

30 course credits in the master's programme are elective and have to be chosen in agreement with the academic supervisor.
The courses GEOF301, GEOF310, GEOF311, GEOF321, GEOF346, GEOF347, GEOF351, MAT330 and MAT253 are among the most relevant

Master thesis credits

The practical part is a scientific study of a problem defined in collaboration with your academic supervisor. The problem may be addressed by theoretical modelling in combination with analyses of observational data. The study must be finalised by writing a master's thesis and by giving an oral presentation. Both will be evaluated by a scientific panel.

Sequential Requirements, courses

The recommended sequence of the courses in the programme can be found under the heading "Compulsory units".

Study period abroad

Study periods at institutions abroad through the ERASMUS program are agreed with the supervisor and must be a part of the master¿s agreement. It is possible to write the thesis at UNIS.

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching in the master's program courses takes place in the form of lectures, seminars, experiments, fieldwork, scientific cruises, calculation exercises, group exercises, computer exercises, discussions and presentations. The Geophysical Institute has a focus on using active teaching methods and including the students in decisions concerning individual subjects and the study program. Details about the courses can be found in the course description. The master's thesis is an independent scientific work, which is carried out under the guidance of a professional supervisor.

Assessment methods

Assessment of the courses in the master's program is a combination of written and oral exams, written reports or other submissions, approved participation in teaching and fieldwork, and oral presentations. The students also receive continuous feedback. The assessment forms for each course included in the master's program are described in more detail in the course description. The master's thesis is assessed by an expert committee. The study is concluded with an oral master's degree examination after the master's thesis has been submitted and has been assessed and approved as part of the master's thesis

Grading scale

At UiB the grades are given in one of two possible grading scales: passed/failed and A to F.

The master¿s thesis will be graded 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.

Employability

With a master's degree in climate dynamics, you are in high demand. In addition to recognized and sought-after professional expertise, you will gain the necessary skills for the knowledge- and innovation-based working life such as coding, teamwork, project management and critical thinking. You can make a career in everything from consulting companies, via green innovation and public administration, to research and education. Tasks include consulting for business and social security; development, innovation and research for climate adaptation and sustainable social development; forecasting and management of renewable energy resources; planning and risk assessment within, for example, insurance, resource management, aquaculture, and agriculture. Experts in socially critical activities such as climate monitoring and climate forecasting are always needed. Many of our students are therefore recruited to companies within renewable energy, to international innovation-oriented companies such as StormGeo, and to public knowledge providers such as the Norwegian Institute of Marine Research, the Norwegian Meteorological Institute, and the Norwegian Polar Institute. A master's degree in climate dynamics provides a formal basis for admission to the PhD program and further research in climate dynamics, physical oceanography, meteorology, and marine biogeochemistry. You will also be well suited to carry out climate communication through various media, not least linked to a sustainable future. Last, but not least, together with pedagogical education, a master's degree can be used for a career as a lecturer and the education of future generations of natural scientists.

Evaluation

The programme will be evaluated according to the quality assurance system of the University of Bergen.

Programme committee

The programme committee is responsible for the academic content, the structure and the quality of the program

Administrative responsibility

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences by the Geophysical Institute, holds the administrative responsibility for the programme.

Contact information

Please contact the academic adviser for the program if you have any questions:

Studieveileder@gfi.no

Phone: + 47 55 58 26 04