PX3250: Environmental Physics
| School | Cardiff School of Physics & Astronomy |
| Department Code | PHYSX |
| Module Code | PX3250 |
| External Subject Code | 100425 |
| Number of Credits | 10 |
| Level | L6 |
| Language of Delivery | English |
| Module Leader | Dr Sam Ladak |
| Semester | Spring Semester |
| Academic Year | 2015/6 |
Outline Description of Module
The purpose of this module is to teach students how the atmosphere and the oceans affect our climate and consequently our well being.
To make students aware of the ways in which energy usage can be minimised and how alternative sources of energy can be tapped to minimise the effects on the environment.
On completion of the module a student should be able to
Construct computer codes to solve partial differential equations in physics, to carry out simulations of interacting particles.
Show an appreciation of the basic physics of climatology.
Demonstrate an understanding of how the structure and the dynamics of the atmosphere influence the climate.
How the module will be delivered
Lectures 18 x 1 hr, Exercise classes 2 x 2 hr.
Skills that will be practised and developed
Problem solving. Mathematics. Investigative skills. Analytical skills. Communications skills. Environmental awareness.
How the module will be assessed
Examination and Continuous Assessment
Assessment Breakdown
| Type | % | Title | Duration(hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exam - Spring Semester | 50 | Environmental Physics | 1 |
| Written Assessment | 50 | Environmental Physics | N/A |
Syllabus content
Climate and atmospheric history: Basic concepts and radiative models, Equilibrium steady-state models. Feedback and global warming. Atmospheric motion. Vertical structures in the atmosphere. Circulation over the Earth. Effects of convection and conduction.
Carbon as a greenhouse gas: greenhouse gases, controlling cloud albedo, physics of carbon capture.
Physics of wind and wave power: Wind speed and extraction of energy. Potential and kinetic energy of waves, power density of tidal pools.
Energy usage and reduction solutions: Energy usage by cars and aircraft. Insulation, ventilation, modelling heat loss, theory of heat pumps.
Solar energy: including biomass energy extraction.
Background Reading and Resource List
Sustainable Energy without Hot Air, D MacKay
Environmental Physics: Sustainable Energy and Climate Change, E Boeker and R van Grondelle, Wiley-Blackwell, 2011