Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: The Atmosphere

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

ENVI1011

City Campus

Undergraduate

135H Applied Sciences

Face-to-Face

 Sem 1 2006,
Sem 1 2007,
Sem 1 2008,
Sem 1 2009,
Sem 1 2010,
Sem 1 2011,
Sem 1 2012,
Sem 1 2013,
Sem 1 2014,
Sem 1 2015

ENVI1011

City Campus

Undergraduate

171H School of Science

Face-to-Face

 Sem 1 2017,
Sem 1 2018,
Sem 2 2019,
Sem 2 2020,
Sem 2 2022,
Sem 2 2024,
Sem 2 2025

Course Coordinator: Dr Marie Keatley

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925

Course Coordinator Email: marie.keatley@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Availability: By Appointment


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Recommended Prior Study

You should have satisfactorily completed or received credit for the following course/s before you commence this course:

If you have completed prior studies at RMIT or another institution that developed the skills and knowledge covered in the above course/s you may be eligible to apply for credit transfer.

Alternatively, if you have prior relevant work experience that developed the skills and knowledge covered in the above course/s you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning.

Please follow the link for further information on how to apply for credit for prior study or experience.


Course Description

The atmosphere is all around us, all the time. Our lives and the lives of all living things depend on it, yet few of us understand how the atmosphere functions. In this course, you will develop a solid scientific understanding of how the earth’s atmosphere works and its interactions with the earth and oceans from an environmental science perspective.th. Local weather and Indigenous knowledge of seasons, climate extremes and air pollution provide real-world examples of atmospheric science theory that will position you ideally to apply a scientific understanding of the atmosphere to diverse careers.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

This course contributes to the program learning outcomes for the following program(s):

BP192P23 - Bachelor of Environmental Science
BH096ESP24 - Bachelor of Environmental Science/Bachelor of Engineering (Environmental Engineering) (Honours)
BP193SEN26 - Bachelor of Environmental Science/Bachelor of Environment and Society

PLO 1 Apply an interdisciplinary knowledge of scientific theories, principles, concepts, and practices in the environmental sciences
PLO 2 Analyse and critically examine scientific evidence through research with reflection on the role, relevance and significance of environmental science
PLO 3 Apply principles of scientific inquiry, tools, and techniques relevant to environmental science to solve problems informed by evidence-based decision making.
PLO 4 Critically evaluate and communicate concepts and practice relevant to the fields of environmental science to diverse audiences utilising a variety of modes employing integrity and culturally safe practices
PLO 5 Work independently, with agility, safety, and accountability for your own learning and professional future.
PLO 6 Demonstrate knowledge of the regulatory frameworks relevant to environmental science and exhibit safe and ethical conduct
PLO 7 Collaborate and contribute within diverse, multi-disciplinary teams, with commitment to diversity, equity and globally inclusive perspectives and practices including First Nations knowledges and input

BP193ENS23 - Bachelor of Environmental Science/Bachelor of Environment and Society

PLO1 Apply an interdisciplinary knowledge of scientific theories, principles, concepts, and practices in the environmental sciences
PLO2 Analyse and critically examine scientific evidence through research with reflection on the role, relevance and significance of environmental science
PLO3 Apply principles of scientific inquiry, tools, and techniques relevant to environmental science to solve problems informed by evidence-based decision making.
PLO4 Critically evaluate and communicate concepts and practice relevant to the fields of environmental science to diverse audiences utilising a variety of modes employing integrity and culturally safe practices
PLO5 Work independently, with agility, safety, and accountability for your own learning and professional future
PLO6 Demonstrate knowledge of the regulatory frameworks relevant to environmental science and exhibit safe and ethical conduct

BP192P6 - Bachelor of Environmental Science
BP161ESDD6 - Bachelor of Environmental Science/Bachelor of Business (Management)

PLO 1.1 You will be able to articulate the methods of science and explain why current environmental knowledge is both contestable and testable through further inquiry.
PLO 1.2 You will be able to explain the role and relevance of environmental science in society.
PLO 2.1 You will demonstrate a broad and coherent knowledge and understanding of Earth system processes, especially in the hydrosphere, ecosphere, atmosphere and lithosphere and; depth in the underlying principles and concepts in Environmental Chemistry and/or Environmental Biology.
PLO 2.2 You will understand that environmental science has interdisciplinary connections with other sciences.
PLO 3.1 You will be able to gather, synthesize and critically evaluate environmental information from a range of sources.
PLO 3.4 You will be able to collect, accurately record, interpret and draw conclusions from scientific data.
PLO 4.1 You will be able to communicate environmental science results, information, or arguments effectively using a range of modes (oral, written, visual) to different audiences.
PLO 5.1 You will be an independent and self-directed learner.

BH096ESDD - Bachelor of Environmental Science/Bachelor of Engineering (Environmental Engineering) (Honours)

PLO 1.2 You will demonstrate a coherent understanding of environmental science by explaining the role and relevance of environmental science in society
PLO 2.1 You will exhibit depth and breadth of environmental science knowledge by demonstrating a broad and coherent knowledge and understanding of Earth system processes, especially in the hydrosphere, ecosphere, atmosphere or lithosphere, or depth in the underlying principles and concepts in Environmental Chemistry and/or Environmental Biology
PLO 3.1 You will be able to critically analyse and solve problems in environmental science through gathering, synthesizing and critically evaluating information from a range of sources
PLO 4.1 You will be an effective communicator of environmental sciences by effectively communicating environmental results, information, or arguments using a range of modes (oral, written, visual) for a variety of purposes and audiences
PLO 5.1 You will be accountable for individual learning and scientific work in environmental science by being an independent and self-directed learner

For more information on the program learning outcomes for your program, please see the program guide.


Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

  1. Understand and explain how the atmosphere functions
  2. Recognise local weather patterns and Indigenous seasons in their bioregion
  3. Critically evaluate sources of information about atmospheric processes and phenomena
  4. Work with others to solve problems associated with mitigating and adapting to climate change
  5. Communicate a scientifically-grounded analysis of atmospheric science issues to a range of audiences in a written and oral format


Overview of Learning Activities

The learning activities required for this course are:

  • Attendance at lectorials and workshops, where you will actively engage in class discussion. Delivery will be face-to-face.
  • Completion of assignments designed to give further practice in the application of theory and procedure, and to give feedback on your progress and understanding.
  • Completion of written assignments requiring an integrated understanding of the subject matter.
  • Private study, working through the course material as presented in classes and learning materials, and gaining practice at solving conceptual and numerical problems.

You will be actively engaged in a mix of self-directed online and timetabled, face-to-face learning activities (lectorials, workshops, etc.) Prior to attending the timetabled, face-to-face sessions you will be expected to have completed the specified online learning.

You are encouraged to be proactive and self-directed in your learning, asking questions of your lecturer and/or peers and seeking out information as required, especially from the numerous sources available through the RMIT library, and through links and material specific to this course that is available through myRMIT Studies Course.


Overview of Learning Resources

You will be provided with lists of relevant texts, library resources (including appropriate journal articles) and freely accessible internet sites. Other material will be provided via the course Canvas site.

There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment Tasks

Assessment Task 1: Local weather and Indigenous Seasons Photo Diary (Written)
Weighting 20%
This assessment task supports CLOs 2, 3, 5

Assessment Task 2:Atmospheric function weekly quizzes
Weighting 20%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 3

Assessment Task 3: Timed test (Written)
Weighting 25%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 3, 5

Assessment Task 4: Case study Group Assignment (Written)
Weighting 35%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 3, 4, 5

If you have a long-term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.