MTMA32-Measurements and Instrumentation

Module Provider: Meteorology
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2020/1

Email: chris.scott@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
This module will develop knowledge of theoretical and practical issues when considering measurement and instrumentation in environmental science.

Aims:
This module will develop knowledge of theoretical and practical issues when considering measurement and instrumentation in environmental science.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of this module the student should be able to:

• describe and critically compare the characteristics of various standard meteorological instruments used for surface and upper-air measurement of atmospheric parameters;

• demonstrate a knowledge of experimental data analysis, including calibration and the analysis of sampling errors;

• report the results of experimental work in an appropriate, formal style, characteristic of s cientific literature.

Additional outcomes:
Students will enhance their skills in team working, handling and operating scientific equipment, data analysis, computing and report writing.

Outline content:

The lecture content covers:

• Fundamentals of instrumentation;


• Theory and practice of experimental data analysis;


• Measurement techniques for air temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, pressure, rainfall, solar and terrestrial radiation and upper air sounding.

The practical content involves carrying out set experiments selected from the following:

• Time response of a thermometer;


• Thermometer calibration;


• Humidity measurements;


• Characteristics of a propeller anemometer;


• Calibration of a radiosonde pressure element;


• Absolute calibration of a net radiometer;


• Ventilation effects on psychrometry;

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Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Lectures; laboratory classes, discussion classes and group experiments.

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Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Formative assessment methods:

Practical Skills assessment. Verbal feedback given on experimental technique and data analysis.

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A mark of 50% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

For candidates who have failed, an opportunity to resubmit the extended formal report will be provided within the lifetime of the course.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 2) Specialist equipment or materials: 3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 4) Printing and binding: 5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 4 April 2020