MA32060: Mathematics of planet Earth
[Page last updated: 22 May 2025]
| Academic Year: | 2025/26 |
| Owning Department/School: | Department of Mathematical Sciences |
| Credits: | 5 [equivalent to 10 CATS credits] |
| Notional Study Hours: | 100 |
| Level: | Honours (FHEQ level 6) |
| Period: |
- Semester 2
|
| Assessment Summary: | CWES 60%, CWRI 40% |
| Assessment Detail: |
- Coursework 1 (CWRI 40%)
- Coursework 2 (CWES 60%)
|
| Supplementary Assessment: |
- Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
|
| Requisites: |
Before taking this module you must take MA22016 OR take MA22034 OR take MA20223
Before taking this module you are advised to take MA22021
In taking this module you cannot take MA30287
|
| Learning Outcomes: |
* Demonstrate an understanding of key physical processes that determine the Earth's climate.
* Discuss and apply a range of conceptual models to understand key elements of the Earth System related to climate and climate change.
* Discuss and apply mathematical techniques, including computation where appropriate, that are commonly used in the analysis of conceptual models of the Earth System.
|
| Synopsis: | In this unit you will explore the use of applied maths to understand the biogeophysical processes that drive, and regulate, the Earths climate. You will formulate, analyse and interpret mathematical models to develop an understanding of the environmental science of the Earth System. This unit will give you the chance to engage with a topical and diverse scientific discipline through the medium of mathematics.
|
| Content: | The philosophy of mathematical modelling. Earth's climate in the past and present. Key physical quantities and their units. Energy budget models. Further topics chosen from: ocean circulation, thermohaline dynamics, El Nino; atmospheric circulation, Hadley cells; vegetation and the global carbon cycle, algal blooms, self-sustaining eco-systems. Mathematical techniques mainly related to ordinary and partial differential equations, dynamical systems analysis, tipping points and bifurcation theory. Further mathematical techniques chosen from: non-dimensionalisation, multiscale analysis, asymptotic methods, computational analysis (Python).
|
| Course availability: |
MA32060 is Optional on the following courses:
Department of Mathematical Sciences
- USMA-AAB16 : BSc(Hons) Mathematical Sciences with Study year abroad (Year 4)
- USMA-AKB16 : BSc(Hons) Mathematical Sciences with Year long work placement (Year 4)
- USMA-AFB30 : BSc(Hons) Mathematics (Year 3)
- USMA-AAB14 : BSc(Hons) Mathematics with Study year abroad (Year 4)
- USMA-AKB14 : BSc(Hons) Mathematics with Year long work placement (Year 4)
- USMA-AFB32 : BSc(Hons) Mathematics and Statistics (Year 3)
- USMA-AAB02 : BSc(Hons) Mathematics and Statistics with Study year abroad (Year 4)
- USMA-AKB02 : BSc(Hons) Mathematics and Statistics with Year long work placement (Year 4)
- USMA-AFB33 : BSc(Hons) Mathematics, Statistics and Data Science (Year 3)
- USMA-AAB20 : BSc(Hons) Mathematics, Statistics, and Data Science with Study year abroad (Year 4)
- USMA-AKB20 : BSc(Hons) Mathematics, Statistics, and Data Science with Industrial Placement (Year 4)
- USMA-AFM30 : MMath(Hons) Mathematics (Year 3)
- USMA-AKM15 : MMath(Hons) Mathematics with Year long work placement (Year 4)
Department of Physics
- USPH-AFB26 : BSc(Hons) Mathematics and Physics (Year 3)
- USXX-AAB04 : BSc(Hons) Mathematics and Physics with Study year abroad (Year 4)
- USXX-AKB04 : BSc(Hons) Mathematics and Physics with Year long work placement (Year 4)
- USPH-AFM26 : MSci(Hons) Mathematics and Physics (Year 3)
- USXX-AAM01 : MSci(Hons) Mathematics and Physics with Study year abroad (Year 4)
- USXX-AKM01 : MSci(Hons) Mathematics and Physics with Year long work placement (Year 4)
|
Notes: - This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2025/26 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2026/27 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2025/26.
- 好色tv and units are subject to change in accordance with normal University procedures.
- Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
- Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.
|
