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ACM41090

Academic Year 2026/2027

Synoptic Meteorology (ACM41090)

Subject:
Applied & Computational Maths
College:
Science
School:
Mathematics & Statistics
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Professor Andrew Parnell
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Distinction/Pass/Fail (GPA Neutral)

Curricular information is subject to change.

A module on Synoptic Meteorology, which will be delivered in collaboration with Met Éireann staff, to highlight the operational aspects of this content. Key topics to be covered include:
- Global atmospheric circulations.
- Interpretation of satellite and radar imagery
- Synoptic chart analysis and interpretation
- Cyclogenesis and frontal systems
- Severe weather processes and limitations of conceptual models

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
- Describe the physical processes behind global atmospheric circulations, and identify the main patterns.
- Explain how satellite and radar imagery is interpreted and used in operational meteorology
- Analyse and identify the main meteorological features on synoptic charts
- Explain how low pressure systems develop, and the importance of frontal systems
- Identify the limitations of conceptual models when describing severe weather processes

Indicative Module Content:

- Global atmospheric circulations.
- Interpretation of satellite and radar imagery
- Synoptic chart analysis and interpretation
- Cyclogenesis and frontal systems
- Severe weather processes and limitations of conceptual models

UNESCO highlights a set of key competencies that support individuals in their development and support society in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UCD has adapted these competencies and is combining them with others to form a general framework of learning competencies. This module will help you develop the competencies below to the levels specified. 
Learning Competency Additional Information Level

Collaboration

 The ability to learn from others; to understand and respect the needs, perspectives and actions of others (empathy); to understand, relate to and be sensitive to others (empathic leadership); to deal with conflicts in a group; and to facilitate collaborative and participatory problem solving. Competent

Critical Thinking

 The ability to question norms, practices and opinions; to reflect on one’s own values, perceptions and actions. Competent

Systems Thinking

 The ability to recognize and understand relationships; to analyse complex systems; to think of how systems are embedded within different domains and different scales; and to deal with uncertainty. Competent

Anticipatory

 The ability to understand and evaluate multiple scenarios for the future – possible, probable and desirable; to create one’s own visions for the future; to apply the precautionary principle; to assess the consequences of actions; and to deal with risks and changes. Competent

Digital Literacy and Judgement

 The ability to access, evaluate, create and communicate information in digital environments; to engage critically, ethically and responsibly with digital technologies and digital information; to understand their opportunities, limitations, risks and impact on individual’s digital identities; and to exercise informed judgement in digital participation and decision-making. Competent

The United Nations identified seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as core to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and UCD contributes in general to SDG 4 Quality Education. Further SDGs explored within this module if relevant are listed below. A scale of 1 - 5 indicates the extent to which the SDG is covered.


 

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Specified Learning Activities

12
Autonomous Student Learning

75
Lectures

28
Total

115

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
A mix of lectures and collaborative group work.

AI Encouraged as a Learning Tool
Students are actively encouraged to engage critically with AI tools as part of their
learning in this module. Appropriate use may include brainstorming, summarising
material, testing ideas. Any use of AI must be cited appropriately,

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade Component repeat (in-module) Offered
Group Work Assignment: Working on specified group activities during delivery of the module. Week 14 Pass/Fail Grade Scale No
40
 Yes
Individual Project: Prepare and present a poster on agreed topic relevant to this module Week 14 Pass/Fail Grade Scale No
60
 Yes

As part of UCD's student support, under the Additional Consideration policy, extensions may be available for the following assessments in the module: Assignment (including essay/poster), Portfolio, Reflective Assignment, Report(s), and Individual Project.


Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Remediation Type Remediation Timing
In-Module Resit Prior to relevant Programme Exam Board
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 13 Fri 09:00 - 16:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 13 Mon 09:00 - 16:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 13 Thurs 09:00 - 16:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 13 Tues 09:00 - 16:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 13 Wed 09:00 - 16:50
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