This module covers the basic principles of numerical and computational methods to solve geophysical problems. It is focused mostly around the use of finite...

Numerical Methods for Earth Sciences (GEOL0018)

This module covers the basic principles of numerical and computational methods to solve geophysical problems. It is focused mostly around the use of finite differences to solve differential equations. After an introduction to the concept of numerical solutions to mathematical equations, the course will detail the concept of finite differences (and variations around them) to solve initial value problems and boundary value problems for Ordinary Differential Equations (ODE), and Partial Differential Equations (PDE). After the basics are covered, a series of applications will be presented, covering a range of applied geophysical problems.

By the end of the module students should:

Understand how to discretsize and compute solutions to simplified differential equations;
	Understand the meaing and accuracy of the numerical solution and benchmarking techniques;
	Have a solid base of computational skills and be able to write their own codes and present their results from scratch using Matlab.
Prerequisites for this module are PHAS0002 Maths Methods I, PHAS0009 Maths Methods II or equivalent Maths modules with permission from the module organiser.

The oceans play a crucial role in regulating Earth’s climate from decadal timescales up to glacial-interglacial cycles. Therefore if we are to understand...

Ocean Circulation and Climate Change (GEOG0101)

The oceans play a crucial role in regulating Earth’s climate from decadal timescales up to glacial-interglacial cycles. Therefore if we are to understand the mechanisms of climate change, and make predictions about future climate, we must investigate how the global ocean operates, how it may alter, and the impacts of these changes on climate. This module uses recent academic literature to provide a comprehensive understanding of the role of the oceans in Late Quaternary climate change. Topics will be explored by examining the processes operating in the modern ocean and the ocean’s interaction with other components of the climate system, as well as how these processes are thought to have altered in the past.
On completion of the course, students will have a state-of-the-art understanding of the role of ocean circulation in Late Quaternary climate change, they will have explored how the oceans are coupled to the other components of the climate system. The module aims to develop skills in critically assessing the academic literature and scientific evidence of past ocean circulation change.

The course covers the following topics:

- Introduction to Paleoceanography
- Evidence for an altered glacial ocean circulation
- The causes of glacial-interglacial atmospheric CO2 change
- The involvement of the ocean in abrupt climate change
- Contemporary and future changes in the ocean, linking to the atmosphere, cryosphere, and marine ecosystems

Transferable skills: Critical thinking: ability to assess data and ideas; Time management: organisation and planning of work; Problem-solving skills; Communication: verbal; Communication: conveying written ideas to non-experts; Communication: academic writing; Awareness of sustainability issues; Presentation skills; Team working; Adaptability: ability to work under pressure