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ACM41110

Academic Year 2026/2027

Dynamical Met & NWP (ACM41110)

Subject:
Applied & Computational Maths
College:
Science
School:
Mathematics & Statistics
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Colm Clancy
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module provides an introduction to dynamic meteorology and numerical weather prediction (NWP). Dynamic meteorology describes atmospheric motions, beginning with the fundamental equations governing fluid flow in a rotating spherical coordinate system. Through an analysis of the characteristic scales of motion, approximations can be made to develop conceptual models of key phenomena.
NWP covers the numerical solution of these partial differential equations to produce weather forecasting models. Numerical methods for discretisation will be analysed, along with a broader study of the components of modern operational forecasting systems.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Derive the atmospheric equations of motion, and use scale analysis to justify approximations to the full equations
- Describe the resulting flow from simplified models, e.g. geostrophic motion, hydrostatic equilibrium
- Describe different wave motions in the atmosphere, and related instabilities
- Discretise the governing equations with a range of numerical methods, both spatial and temporal, and analyse their stability and relative merits
- Understand the differences between various models and describe their strengths and weaknesses: e.g. spectral vs grid-point, hydrostatic vs nonhydrostatic
- Describe the components of a full forecasting system: e.g. data assimilation, ensemble prediction, limited area modelling

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

24
Autonomous Student Learning

60
Lectures

36
Total

120

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures, tutorials, enquiry & problem-based learning, case-based learning, peer and group work, student presentations.

AI use permitted as a learning tool: students may use AI tools as part of their learning in this module (e.g., summarising material, practice questions, or as a study aid). However, students remain fully responsible for the accuracy and reliability of their learning. Any use of AI must be cited appropriately.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

Students must have successfully completed a university course in Partial Differential Equations.


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
Exam (In-person): Final exam End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
75
 No
Exam (In-person): Midterm test Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 7, Week 8, Week 9, Week 10, Week 11, Week 12, Week 14, Week 15 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
15
 No
Group Work Assignment: Mini-project with presentation Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 7, Week 8, Week 9, Week 10, Week 11, Week 12, Week 14, Week 15 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
10
 No

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
No
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer Yes - 2 Hour
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.
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Tues 13:00 - 14:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Wed 14:00 - 14:50
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