ENVPHYS 200 : Earth Observations and Models

Science

2025 Semester Two (1255) (15 POINTS)

Course Prescription

An experiential study of applications of environmental physics. The analysis and modelling of laboratory, field and remote sensing observations to explain the state and behaviour of the atmosphere, oceans and the solid earth. Topics include radiation, cloud and aerosol processes, seismic waves and Earth’s magnetic and gravity fields. It develops transferable skills in acquiring measurements, data analytical methods and laboratory techniques.

Course Overview

To introduce the physical insights into our earth, oceans, and atmosphere, which make up our environment. To provide students with the practical skills needed to proficiently interpret and explain environmental phenomena such as climate change.

Course Requirements

Prerequisite: 15 points from ENVPHYS 100, PHYSICS 100, 102, 120, 121, 160, EARTHSCI 120 and 15 points from MATHS 108, 110, 120, 130, 199, STATS 101-120 Restriction: GEOPHYS 213

Capabilities Developed in this Course

Capability 3: Knowledge and Practice
Capability 4: Critical Thinking
Capability 5: Solution Seeking
Capability 6: Communication
Capability 7: Collaboration
Capability 8: Ethics and Professionalism
Graduate Profile: Bachelor of Science

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:
  1. Obtain practical skills in observation techniques, python coding and software programming, management of large data sets, use of open source data, collaborative group work, and written and oral presentation. (Capability 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8)
  2. Use mathematical, numerical methods, and experimental data to explain geophysical phenomena. (Capability 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7)

Assessments

Assessment Type Percentage Classification
Assignments (x8) 40% Individual Coursework
Lab reports (x4) 30% Individual Coursework
Final Project report + video 30% Individual Coursework
Assessment Type Learning Outcome Addressed
1 2
Assignments (x8)
Lab reports (x4)
Final Project report + video

Key Topics

1. Greenhouse effects, atmospheric radiation and temperature profile
2. Atmospheric circulation
3. The Solid Earth, Magnetism, Gravity and Seismology

Special Requirements

Must complete laboratory work.

Workload Expectations

This course is a standard 15-point course and students are expected to spend 10 hours per week involved, as is the standard in a 15-point course.

Delivery Mode

Campus Experience

Attendance is expected at scheduled activities including lectures and labs to complete the components of the course.
Lectures will be available as recordings. Other learning activities including tutorials and labs will not be available as recordings.
The course will not include live online events.
The activities for the course are scheduled as a standard weekly timetable.

Learning Resources

Course materials are made available in a learning and collaboration tool called Canvas which also includes reading lists and lecture recordings (where available).

Please remember that the recording of any class on a personal device requires the permission of the instructor.

There is no required textbook. All course materials are made available on Canvas.

Student Feedback

During the course Class Representatives in each class can take feedback to the staff responsible for the course and staff-student consultative committees.

At the end of the course students will be invited to give feedback on the course and teaching through a tool called SET or Qualtrics. The lecturers and course co-ordinators will consider all feedback.

Your feedback helps to improve the course and its delivery for all students.

The assessment activities will be revised to allow students to acquire experimental and numerical techniques.

Other Information

Excerpts of feedback from the student SETs:

"The lecturers were approachable and our TA was keen to help us understand topics as well. I'm glad we did so much python, I feel a lot more comfortable now compared to the start of the semester. Overall an amazing course ..."

"Staff was very nice and mindful of the engineers who had not done envphy100."

"Heavy use on getting real–life data from detectors and coming up with analyses/explanations
Use of lots of other online tools like ImageJ, online plot digitisers – lab/coding components of class really fun and satisfying to do
Related what we learnt to real–life research/application examples"

Academic Integrity

The University of Auckland will not tolerate cheating, or assisting others to cheat, and views cheating in coursework, tests and examinations as a serious academic offence. The work that a student submits for grading must be the student's own work, reflecting their learning. Where work from other sources is used, it must be properly acknowledged and referenced. A student's assessed work may be reviewed against electronic source material using computerised detection mechanisms. Upon reasonable request, students may be required to provide an electronic version of their work for computerised review.

Class Representatives

Class representatives are students tasked with representing student issues to departments, faculties, and the wider university. If you have a complaint about this course, please contact your class rep who will know how to raise it in the right channels. See your departmental noticeboard for contact details for your class reps.

Copyright

The content and delivery of content in this course are protected by copyright. Material belonging to others may have been used in this course and copied by and solely for the educational purposes of the University under license.

You may copy the course content for the purposes of private study or research, but you may not upload onto any third party site, make a further copy or sell, alter or further reproduce or distribute any part of the course content to another person.

Inclusive Learning

All students are asked to discuss any impairment related requirements privately, face to face and/or in written form with the course coordinator, lecturer or tutor.

Student Disability Services also provides support for students with a wide range of impairments, both visible and invisible, to succeed and excel at the University. For more information and contact details, please visit the Student Disability Services’ website http://disability.auckland.ac.nz

Special Circumstances

If your ability to complete assessed coursework is affected by illness or other personal circumstances outside of your control, contact a member of teaching staff as soon as possible before the assessment is due.

If your personal circumstances significantly affect your performance, or preparation, for an exam or eligible written test, refer to the University’s aegrotat or compassionate consideration page https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/exams-and-final-results/during-exams/aegrotat-and-compassionate-consideration.html.

This should be done as soon as possible and no later than seven days after the affected test or exam date.

Learning Continuity

In the event of an unexpected disruption we undertake to maintain the continuity and standard of teaching and learning in all your courses throughout the year. If there are unexpected disruptions the University has contingency plans to ensure that access to your course continues and your assessment is fair, and not compromised. Some adjustments may need to be made in emergencies. You will be kept fully informed by your course co-ordinator, and if disruption occurs you should refer to the University Website for information about how to proceed.

The delivery mode may change depending on COVID restrictions. Any changes will be communicated through Canvas.

Student Charter and Responsibilities

The Student Charter assumes and acknowledges that students are active participants in the learning process and that they have responsibilities to the institution and the international community of scholars. The University expects that students will act at all times in a way that demonstrates respect for the rights of other students and staff so that the learning environment is both safe and productive. For further information visit Student Charter https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/forms-policies-and-guidelines/student-policies-and-guidelines/student-charter.html.

Disclaimer

Elements of this outline may be subject to change. The latest information about the course will be available for enrolled students in Canvas.

In this course you may be asked to submit your coursework assessments digitally. The University reserves the right to conduct scheduled tests and examinations for this course online or through the use of computers or other electronic devices. Where tests or examinations are conducted online remote invigilation arrangements may be used. The final decision on the completion mode for a test or examination, and remote invigilation arrangements where applicable, will be advised to students at least 10 days prior to the scheduled date of the assessment, or in the case of an examination when the examination timetable is published.