Climate and Atmospheric Science MRes
The following modules are available in 2023/24 for Climate and Atmospheric Science MRes and are examples of the modules you are likely to study. All Modules are subject to change. You will study 180 credits in total.
Compulsory modules:
Observing weather and climate: advanced field skills – 15 credits
Through this module, you will become expert in advanced practical environmental field skills for use in research and industry. You will be supported to design, build and install field instrumentation; generating, analysing and communicating primary data in the context of published findings. The module includes a residential field course and further hands-on practical work upon returning to Leeds, to test scientific hypotheses and draw original conclusions from the results.
Advanced Data Analysis and Visualisation for Environmental Applications – 15 credits
This module is designed to teach you the computer programming skills required to analyse and plot environmental data sets, beyond what could be done using software such as Excel. The course begins with an introduction to the UNIX computer system and the basic principles of computer programming. It is intended that the module will provide the skills required to write your own computer programs and edit the code of others to enable you to pursue your own research, such as for your Masters thesis.
Scientific Quality and Discourse – 15 credits
In this module, you will learn about the key elements of research quality and develop the ability to write high-quality scientific research articles, research funding proposals, and others forms of scientific writing for different audiences, as well as design and deliver high-quality oral and poster presentations.
MRes Research Project – 90 credits
On completion of this module, you should: be able to plan and carry out a sophisticated piece of original research in atmospheric or climate science; interpret your research results in the context of previous research results; have developed skills related to a research career, including giving presentations, preparing a research poster, and writing a report suitable for submission for a peer reviewed journal.
Optional modules include:
Introduction to GIS – 15 credits
To introduce the use of GIS, and provide you with a suite of skills and tools that will enable them to answer basic spatial ecology questions. The GIS course is focused on skills, providing valuable experience of an industry-standard computer package for the analysis and storage of geographical data.
Population Dynamics – 15 credits
The module aims to give you an understanding of the theory of describing changes in population size in animals and plants and be trained in techniques for the estimation of population sizes and the description of factors influencing population sizes.
Energy, Molecules and Chemical Change – 15 credits
The module aims to provide you with an understanding of the fundamental aspects of physical chemistry through the study of classical thermodynamics, statistical thermodynamics and kinetics.
Atmospheric Chemistry – 15 credits
On completion of this module you will be able to demonstrate an insight into and knowledge of the chemical processes in the Earth's (and other planetary) atmospheres, based on applications of physical chemical principles. In addition, you will be able to demonstrate improved levels of skills in problem solving, analytical/critical thinking, communication and presentation.
The full list of module information can be read in the course catalogue.