EMSC8004 Current Topics in Geophysical Fluid Dynamics - A Practical Introduction

Offered By	RSES Admin
Academic Career	Graduate Coursework
Course Subject	Earth and Marine Science
Offered in	First Semester, 2009 and First Semester, 2010
Unit Value	6 units
Course Description	This course aims to establish fundamental concepts in fluid dynamics, and to apply these concepts to a range of geophysical applications. The course begins with an overview of the field of fluid mechanics, and a description of the physics governing fluid flow. These physical principles are applied to a number of examples, including: Waves Single-layer flows Convection and fluid instability. The course includes: The dynamics of buoyancy-driven flows The effects of planetary rotation, allowing investigation into the circulation of the oceans and the atmosphere. The effects of ocean-atmosphere coupling, which leads to climate dynamics. Note: Graduate students attend joint lectures/tutorials with undergraduates, but laboratory work and assessment will be conducted separately at a more advanced level.
Learning Outcomes	On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to: 1. understand a range of fluid flows in terms of the fundamental physical principles and equations that govern them 2. understand and apply common theoretical, laboratory and numerical techniques to investigate a range of fluid flows 3. recognise common applications of fluid dynamics concepts in geophysical, environmental and engineering contexts 4. apply their problem-solving and physical modelling ability to a range of flows 5. produce a technical scientific report at a professional standard.
Indicative Assessment	Assessment will be based on: Four assignments requiring problem-solving and modelling skills (25%; LO 1-4) Written technical report on each of four laboratory experiments (25% in total; LO 1-5) Final examination (50%; LO 1-4)
Workload	A total of 24 lectures, 12 interactive tutorials and 12 hours of laboratory work.
Course Classification(s)	AdvancedAdvanced courses are designed for students having reached 'first degree' level of assumed knowledge, which provide a deep understanding of contemporary issues; or 'second degree' and higher levels of knowledge; or for transition to research training programs. and SpecialistSpecialist courses are designed for students having reached 'first degree' level of assumed knowledge, which provide for the acquisition of specialist skills; or 'second degree' and higher level of knowledge; or for transition to research training programs; or knowledge associated with professional accreditation.
Areas of Interest	Earth and Marine Sciences
Eligibility	Bachelor degree, with a strong Physics or Mathematics component. Assumed knowledge includes ordinary and partial differential equations, and integral and vector calculus.
Requisite Statement	Requires Bachelor degree, with a strong Physics or Mathematics component. It is advisable for students to have a mathematical background comparable to at least MATH2306 or MATH2405.
Incompatibility	PHYS3034
Academic Contact	Dr Graham Hughes

The information published on the Study at ANU 2009 website applies to the 2009 academic year only. All information provided on this website replaces the information contained in the Study at ANU 2008 website.