Module Details

Module Code: NAUT7003
Title: Meteorology
Long Title: Meteorology for Mariners
NFQ Level: Intermediate
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2014/15 ( September 2014 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 5253 - Nautical Science
Module Delivered in: 3 programme(s)
Module Description: This module prepares the learner to implement the duties of ship's officer of the watch in observing and recording weather conditions and in interpreting prevailing conditions to predict future weather patterns and also to professionally study weather forecasts.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Describe atmospheric pressure distribution and related effects on global and local wind distribution
LO2 Analyse synoptic weather charts
LO3 Explain the presence and movement of water vapour in the atmosphere and the various forms it takes
LO4 Interpret weather messages promulgated by Meteorlogical Organisations, including the encoding /decoding of weather reports
LO5 Outline the methods of weather forecasting on board ship using shipboard and external forecasting data
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
9171 NAUT6004 Navigation and Meteorology
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
Meteorology at BsC in Nautical Science (Honours Level)
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Instrumentation
The principles of pressure measurement. The use of standard datum. Knowledge of the aneroid and precision aneroid barometer and the barograph. The principles of the thermometer, maximum and minimum thermometers. Sea and air temperature observations and precautions to be taken. The principle of the hygrometer, observations to obtain relative humidity. Care and attention given to instruments. The Beaufort wind scale. Methods of estimating direction and force of wind at sea.
Atmospheric Pressure
The mean pressure distribution. Daily and seasonal changes in atmospheric pressure. Prevailing winds. Local and regional effects of heating and cooling. The characteristics of, and weather associated with, the principal pressure systems, e.g. anticyclones, depressions, permanent and semi-permanent high and low pressure areas. Relationship between pressure distribution and wind. Air masses and their properties. Buys Ballot's law.
Water Vapour
Water vapour in the atmosphere, evaporation, condensation, precipitation; meaning of saturation, relative humidity, dewpoint; elementary knowledge of atmospheric stability and lapse rate; formation and classification of clouds, fog, mist, haze and dew.
Weather Forecasting
Basic weather forecasting on board ship, using shipboard data along with forecast data from other sources.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework20.00%
End of Module Formal Examination80.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Multiple Choice Questions % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 7 Learning Outcomes 1,3,5
Assessment Description
Multiple choice questions and short answer questions on first seven weeks of course including pressure, temperature, atmospheric stability, visibility, weather systems.
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 80
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
End-of-Semester Final Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact theory and application Every Week 4.00 4
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact self directed study Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Supplementary Book Resources
  • R. M. Frampton and P. A. Uttridge. (2010), Meteorology for seafarers, 3rd. Brown, Glasgow, [ISBN: 978-0-85174-799-6].
  • Maurice Cornish, Elaine Ives,. (2009), Reeds Maritime Meteorology, 3rd. Adlard Coles Nautical, [ISBN: 9781408112069].
  • HMSO. (1995), Marine Observers Handbook, 11th. All, HMSO, Norwich, [ISBN: 011400367X].
  • HMSO. (1978), Meteorology for Mariners, 3rd. All, HMSO, Norwich, [ISBN: 0114003114].
  • HMSO. (1996), Ships Code and Decode Book, 12th. All, HMSO, London, [ISBN: 0 11 400368 8].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
This module does not have any other resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_SNASC_7 Bachelor of Science in Nautical Science 6 Mandatory
CR_SNAST_7 Certificate in Nautical Studies 1 Mandatory
CR_SNASC_6 Higher Certificate in Science in Nautical Studies 4 Mandatory