Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya · BarcelonaTech

Planetary Atmospheric and Ocean Circulation (250570) – Course 2025/26 PDF

Syllabus

Learning Objectives

This subject will address fundamental aspects of the circulation of the oceans and the atmosphere, with emphasis on global scale processes, in order to give students a view of large-scale circulation and its relationship with the climate. The course will address topics related to the characteristics of water and air masses, heat fluxes, influence of temperature, density and salinity, equations of motion, wind influence, geostrophic currents, as well as an introduction to numerical models. 1.- Know the main laws that govern the dynamics of gases in the atmosphere. Understand the dynamics of gases in the atmosphere and know how to interpret the movements of gases as well as the main convective phenomena that give rise to the global atmospheric circulation. 2.- Understand the Coriolis effect and its influence on a planetary scale, both at the level of water masses and at the atmospheric level. 3.- Understand the effect of high and low pressures as well as their control over climate and their effects on sea level and atmospheric and oceanic circulation. This subject is oriented to a high-level interdisciplinary training, by addressing in depth all the major areas of the Marine Sciences (Physical, Geological, Chemical and Biological Oceanography), as well as providing a solid foundation in programming and problem solving methods through the use of computer calculation programs that allow a comprehensive understanding of the marine environment, its problems and the possible solutions to them.

Competencies

Especific

To know and apply the lexicon and concepts of the Marine Sciences and Technologies and other related fields.

Evaluate the bio- and geo-diversity of the marine environment, identifying habitats and ecosystems with multidisciplinary criteria.

Address the most relevant processes and their interactions related to their physical / chemical / biological / geological components, applying technical and scientific knowledge and criteria.

To set, evaluate and propose solutions to the different conflicts of use and exploitation in the marine and coastal environment resources based on scientific and technical criteria.

Carry out environmental impact, management and protection studies of the marine environment and adjacent coastal areas, including the corresponding infrastructures and their related impacts.

Apply spatial and cartographic representation techniques for different environments and scales.

Develop a conceptual framework to address the sustainability of the marine environment and the related socio-economic activities at different scales, explaining the effects of climate change.

Set, plan and execute basic and applied research in the field of Marine Sciences and Technologies.

Carry out calculations, assessments, surveys and inspections in coastal and marine environments, as well as the corresponding technical documents.

Write technical reports and disseminate knowledge about the different components of the marine system, considering the applicable legal framework.

Apply the necessary tools to analyze the economic and legal aspects of human actions and the related impacts on the marine environment, including technical advice and representation of companies and administrations.

Generic

Develop a professional activity in the field of Marine Sciences and Technologies.

Apply state-of-the-art methods and techniques in oceanography and marine climate, jointly covering the physical, chemical, geological and biological aspects.

Develop a conceptual framework that links the scientific-technological and management aspects for marine resources, explaining the interactions with marine infrastructures and management plans in coastal areas.

Encompass and teach studies in the different research lines that converge in Marine Sciences and Technologies.

Combining preservation with economic activity within the framework of current legislation promoting the development of a social and environmental awareness.

Total hours of student work

Hours Percentage
Supervised Learning Large group 54h 90.00 %
Laboratory classes 6h 10.00 %
Self Study 90h

Teaching Methodology

The course consists of 4 hours per week of classroom activity. 2.5 hours are devoted to theoretical lectures, in which the teacher presents the basic concepts and topics of the subject, shows examples and solves exercises. And 1.5 hours is devoted to solving practical problems with greater interaction with the students. The objective of these practical exercises is to consolidate the general and specific learning objectives. Support material in the form of a detailed teaching plan is provided using the virtual campus ATENEA: content, program of learning and assessment activities conducted and literature. Note: The language in which the course is taught will depend on the teacher. Specifically, Professor César Mösso will give his classes in Spanish, and Professor Marc Mestres will give them in Catalan. Although most of the sessions will be given in the language indicated, sessions supported by other occasional guest experts may be held in other languages.

Grading Rules

The evaluation calendar and grading rules will be approved before the start of the course.

Ordinary Evaluation (EO) The qualification of the continuous evaluation is the weighted arithmetic mean of the exercises/problems (Pr) carried out during the course, of the directed activities such as assignments or reports (Tr) and of the partial exams (Ex, which will have the same value). There will be two partial exams and they will count for 70% of the grade. Problems will count 15% and directed activities will count 15%. The final mark will be EO=0.7*(average of Ex1 and Ex2)+0.15*(average of Pr) +0.15*(average of Tr). To pass, the EO grade must be greater than or equal to 5. Re-evaluation (RE) Qualification and admission criteria for re-evaluation (Re): Students who have failed the ordinary evaluation and who have regularly attended the assessment tests of the failed subject will have the option to take a reassessment test in the period set in the academic calendar. Students who have already passed or students who have not been submitted or who have not handed in all the exercises/problems (Pr) and the papers and reports (Tr) may not take the reassessment test of a subject. The reassessment (RE) will consist of a single exam that covers all the content of the course. The maximum grade for the reassessment will be five (5.0) and the final grade for the course will be the maximum grade between the continuous assessment and the reassessment exam, that is, MAX(EO/RE). The non-attendance of a student summoned to the re-evaluation test, held in the set period, may not lead to another test at a later date. Extraordinary evaluations will be carried out for those students who, due to accredited force majeure, have not been able to take any of the continuous evaluation tests. These tests must be authorized by the corresponding head of studies, at the request of the professor responsible for the subject, and will be carried out within the corresponding school period.

Test Rules

If any of the laboratory or continuous assessment activities are not carried out in the scheduled period, it will be considered a zero score. The tests will be carried out individually, with multiple choice questions that can be theoretical or problem type questions. The exams can include short questions to be developed by the students and exercises to be solved.

Office Hours

When the student requires, previously agreeing with the teacher by e-mail

Bibliography

Basic

Complementary