NAUT7003: Meteorology

Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_SNASC_7 Bachelor of Science in Nautical Science 6 Mandatory
CR_SNASC_6 Higher Certificate in Science in Nautical Studies 4 Mandatory
Short Title: Meteorology
APPROVED
Full Title: Meteorology for Mariners
Module Code: NAUT7003

NFQ
Level:
Intermediate

ECTS
Credits:
5.0
Module
Coordinator:
Conor Mowlds
Description: This module prepares the learner in the duties of ship's officer of the watch in observing and
recording weather conditions and in interpreting prevailing conditions to predict future
weather patterns and also to professionally study weather forecasts.
Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to
Describe mean pressure distribution and its effect on global and local wind distribution 1.
Analyse the seven main isobaric patterns 2.
Explain the presence and movement of water vapour in the atmosphere and the various forms it takes 3.
Describe the various types of weather messages promulgated by Meteorlogical Organisations, including
the encoding /decoding weather reports
4.
Outline the methods of weather forecasting on board ship using shipboard and external forecasting data 5.
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You
may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable
difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is
expressed as named CIT module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is
equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
8432 NAUT6004 Navigation and Meteorology
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this
module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this
module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
Meteorology at BsC in Nautical Science (Honours Level)
Requirements
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You
may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
Co-requisites
No co-requisites listed listed
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Module Meteorology for Mariners
NAUT7003: Meteorology
Module Content & Assessment
Indicative Content
Instrumentation
The principles of pressure measurement. The use of standard datum. Knowledge of the aneroid and
precision aneroid barometer and the barograph. The principles of the thermometer, maximum and
minimum thermometers. Sea and air temperature observations and precautions to be taken. The principle
of the hygrometer, observations to obtain relative humidity. Care and attention given to instruments. The
Beaufort wind scale. Methods of estimating direction and force of wind at sea.
Atmospheric Pressure
The mean pressure distribution. Daily and seasonal changes in atmospheric pressure. Prevailing winds.
Local and regional effects of heating and cooling. The characteristics of, and weather associated with, the
principal pressure systems, e.g. anticyclones, depressions, permanent and semi-permanent high and low
pressure areas. Relationship between pressure distribution and wind. Air masses and their properties. Buys
Ballot's law.
Water Vapour
Water vapour in the atmosphere, evaporation, condensation, precipitation; meaning of saturation, relative
humidity, dewpoint; elementary knowledge of atmospheric stability and lapse rate; formation and
classification of clouds, fog, mist, haze and dew.
Weather Forecasting
Basic weather forecasting on board ship, using shipboard data along with forecast data from other sources.
Assessment Breakdown %
Course Work 20.0%
End of Semester Formal Examination 80%
Outcome
addressed
% of total Assessment Date
Formal End-of-Semester Examination 1,2,3,4,5 80% Semester End
Coursework Breakdown
Type Description Outcome
addressed
%
of
total
Assessment
Date
Short Answer
Questions
Wind distribution and weather reports - code and
decode
1,4 20.0 Week 6
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a
requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.
The institute reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment
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Module Meteorology for Mariners
NAUT7003: Meteorology
Module Workload & Resources
Workload Full-time
Type Description Hours Frequency Average
Weekly
Learner
Workload
Lecture theory and application 4.0 Every Week 4.00
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) self directed study 3.0 Every Week 3.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Resources
Supplementary Book Resources
R. M. Frampton and P. A. Uttridge 2010, Meteorology for seafarers, 3rd Ed., Brown Glasgow
[ISBN: 978-0-85174-799-6]
Maurice Cornish, Elaine Ives, 2009, Reeds Maritime Meteorology, 3rd Ed., Adlard Coles Nautical
[ISBN: 9781408112069]
HMSO 1995, Marine Observers Handbook, 11th Ed., All, HMSO Norwich [ISBN: 011400367X]
HMSO 1978, Meteorology for Mariners, 3rd Ed., All, HMSO Norwich [ISBN: 0114003114]
HMSO 1996, Ships Code and Decode Book, 12th Ed., All, HMSO London [ISBN: 0 11 400368 8]
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Module Meteorology for Mariners