Are you fascinated by the weather? Learn how to understand and predict weather patterns. This course is ideal professional development for anyone who relies on the weather, from farmers to horticulturalists and fishing enthusiasts.
The Certificate of Climate Science (Weather & Forecasting) is an online professional development course that will provide the skills and knowledge required to understand long and medium-term weather forecasting.
In this climate science course, you will study weather patterns and their impact on people and industry, important tools or forecasting, record, store and process weather data and the minimum requirements for a weather station.
You will discover the different types of forecasting, numerical weather prediction models, statistical, analogue and ensemble forecasting, how to predict rain, temperature and air conditions and the practical applications of forecasting weather.
On completion of this course, you will have gained a foundational understanding of weather patterns and forecasting and their impact on people and industry.
Course Structure
Unit - Climate Science II - Weather and Forecasting
Unit 1 – What to Measure
- What is weather forecasting?
- Weather warnings
- Weather forecasting
- Impacts to people
- Impacts for farming
- Weather factors
- Cloud cover
- Minimum temperature
- Maximum temperature
- Dry bulb temperature
- Wet bulb temperature
- Wind speed
- Wind direction
- Precipitation
- Absolute humidity
- Relative humidity
- Dew point
- Mean sea level pressure
- Station level pressure
- Water vapour pressure
- UV index
Unit 2 – Tools for forecasting
- Equipment
- Weather stations
- Weather balloons and drones
- Satellites
- Recording, Storing and Processing Data
- High Performance Computers
- Numerical Weather Forecasting
- What should be in a minimal weather station?
Unit 3 – Types of Forecasting
- Persistence Forecasting
- Climatological Forecasting
- Use of a Barometer
- Looking at the Sky
- Nowcasting
- Numerical Weather Prediction models
- Statistical Forecasting
- Analogue Forecasting
- Ensemble Forecasting
Unit 4 – Weather models
- Weather models
- Data sets and global weather models
- ECMWF
- GFS
- How weather models are built
- Grid size
- Problems with the grid
- How do parameterisations work?
- Model uncertainty
- Ensemble forecasts
- Initial conditions in ensemble forecasting
- Validation of ensemble forecasts
- Data assimilation
- Mesoscale/regional models
- The human element of weather modelling
Unit 5: Predicting Temperature
- Tephigram
- Diurnal temperature variation
- Temperature lag
- Forecasting maximum temperature
- Forecasting minimum temperature
- McKenzie’s method
- Craddock and Pritchard’s method
- Effect of snow cover
- Severity of frost
- Forecasting grass minimum temperature
- Graphical method
- Minimum temperature on road surfaces
- Heat stress determination
- Urban heat island
Unit 6 – Predicting Rain
- Convection and showers
- Forecasting convective cloud
- Forecasting showers
- Forecasting cumulonimbus and thunderstorms
- Layer clouds and precipitation
- Layer cloud formation
- Condensation trails
- Orographic rainfall
- Formation of stratocumulus
- Precipitation associated with layered clouds
- Snow
Unit 7: Air Conditions
- Air Quality
- Air Pollution and Its Effect on Climate
- Carbon Dioxide
- Methane
- Airborne Chemicals
- Air Particles
- Pollen and Allergies
- Radon
- Wind and Turbulence
- Mechanical Turbulence
- Thermal Turbulence
- Frontal Turbulence
- Wind shear
- Humidity
- Visibility
Lesson 8: Practical Applications
- Severe weather alerts
- Aviation
- Marine
- Agriculture
- Forestry
- Utility Companies
- Private Sector
- Military
- Medicine and Human Health
- Waves and surges
Study Hours
Estimated duration 50 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no entry requirements or pre-requisites for entry into this program.
How long will it take to complete this course?
The approximate study hours for this course is 50 hours. We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply).
Can I purchase optional printed materials?
While printed materials are not available for purchase, PDF copies are available for download and self-printing for this program.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
Will I receive a certificate upon completion of this course?
Yes! You will receive a Certificate of Attainment upon successful completion of your assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our e-learning system and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and Direct Deposit
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
Professional Development for:
- Farmers
- Horticulturalists
- Fisherpersons
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