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: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Prof Chris Scott
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:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy 􀀓Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes􀀔, which can be found here: