ENVPHYS (Environmental Physics)
Stage I
ENVPHYS 100G - Sun, Sand, Surf: Science of Aotearoa (15 pts)🏳
The atmosphere, oceans and land make up the dynamic environment of Aotearoa New Zealand. A range of phenomena with natural beauty can be described elegantly with simple scientific laws. This course establishes the physical principles underlying nature, empowering students to explain everyday environmental phenomena. These principles provide the foundation to unravel the science of Earth, climate and environmental change, and energy systems. Exercise Sciences
Stage II
ENVPHYS 200 - Earth Observations and Models (15 pts)🏳
An experiential study of applications of environmental physics. The analysis and modelling of laboratory, field and remote sensing observations to explain the state and behaviour of the atmosphere, oceans and the solid earth. Topics include radiation, cloud and aerosol processes, seismic waves and Earth’s magnetic and gravity fields. It develops transferable skills in acquiring measurements, data analytical methods and laboratory techniques.
Stage III
ENVPHYS 300 - Atmosphere, Ocean and Earth Physics (15 pts)🏳
The physics basis for dynamical behaviours of the atmosphere, ocean, and solid earth. Topics include the general circulation in the atmosphere, development of storms and convection, emergence of climate states, as well as seismic, gravitational and magnetic imaging of the Earth's interior. An emphasis is placed on the fundamental conservation laws and processes that control geophysical systems.
ENVPHYS 301 - Special Topic (15 pts)🏳
ENVPHYS 370 - Directed Study (15 pts)🏳
ENVPHYS 399 - Capstone: Environmental Physics (15 pts)🏳
Students will employ core methodologies (experimental, observational, numerical) to investigate some aspect of climate and environmental systems such as key atmospheric, ocean or solid earth geophysical phenomenon. They will relate their findings to contemporary research in the field, considering wider societal aspects and issues. Students will develop their skills in communication, critical thinking, teaching and creative problem solving.
Postgraduate 700 Level Courses
ENVPHYS 700 - Frontiers in Climate Science (15 pts)🏳
An up-to-date assessment of the state of the climate system that highlights changes in climate pertinent to future change. Evaluates climate using the latest scientific discoveries, evaluates information from observations and models of past, present and future climate. Leverages findings from scientific synthesis efforts and emphasises understanding Earth's climate as a basis for evaluating impacts of climate on wider environment and society.
ENVPHYS 701 - Atmosphere and Ocean Dynamics (15 pts)🏳
Explores physical processes underlying Earth's climate using observations, modelling and predictions. Spans geophysical fluid dynamics, Earth's energy budget, the meridional and vertical heat imbalances, and processes linked to seasonal and long-term climate variations and changes. Explores quasi-geostrophic and wave theory to describe general circulation, Hadley and midlatitude circulations in the atmosphere, Sverdrup balance and western boundary currents in the ocean.
ENVPHYS 702 - Subsurface Characterisation with Geophysical Methods (15 pts)🏳
Pertains to subsurface characterisation through the inversion of geophysical observations. The course covers a combination of rock physics, seismic methods, ground- penetrating radar, as well as gravity, magnetic and electrical methods.