Atmospheric and Planetary Physics

Code

PHYS4004

School

Physics and Astronomy

Level

4

Credits

10

Semesters

Autumn UK

Summary

Planet formation: introduction to planets, exoplanet detection methods, proto-planetary disks and the formation of terrestrial and giant planets. Solar system atmospheres: atmospheric structure and temperature, the greenhouse effect, radiative and convective heat transport, atmospheric heating by UV radiation, radiative transfer. Atmospheric dynamics: the approximate equation of motion in a rotating frame, Coriolis and centrifugal forces, the geostrophic approximation, the Ekman boundary layer, atmospheric vorticity and Rossby waves. Escape of atmospheric gases. Exoplanetary atmospheres and their detection, biosignatures.

Target Students

Students in the 3rd year of Physics programmes. Students in the 3rd or 4th year of Mathematical Physics, Chemistry and Molecular Physics, or Natural Sciences programmes.

Classes

This module is based on a series of lectures in the autumn semester.

Assessment

• 100% Exam 1 (2-hour): Exam

Assessed by end of autumn semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding 
Graduates will have: 
On successful completion of the module, students will have enhanced their: 

A1 knowledge of the principles and techniques of atmospheric and planetary physics 
A2 knowledge and understanding of the scientific method 
A3 understanding of how basic principles of mechanics, thermal physics and are applied in atmospheric and planetary physics 
A4 knowledge of the primary mathematical methods for the analysis of physical problems 
 

Intellectual Skills 
Graduates will have the ability to: 
On successful completion of the module, students will have demonstrated their ability to: 

B1 apply theoretical ideas to the quantitative analysis of atmospheric and planetary physics 
B2 apply high levels of numeracy and analysis 
B3 apply techniques of problem solving 
 

Professional/Practical Skills 
Graduates will have the ability to: 
On successful completion of the module, students will have demonstrated their ability to:

C1 formulate problems in atmospheric and planetary physics using appropriate mathematical language 

Transferable/Key Skills 
Graduates will have the ability to: 
On successful completion of the module, students will have demonstrated their ability to:

D1 develop appropriate strategies for study, including the use of library, human, and electronic sources of information 
 

Conveners

• Professor James Bolton