Climate science is the study of atmospheric conditions, and along with the earth’s energy dynamics, play a major role in what influences the everyday conditions of our environment. This course is ideal for those interested in climate and seeking to enhance their professional development including farmers; horticulturists; engineers; and environment, land and natural resource managers.
The Certificate of Climate Science is an online program that will give you a solid understanding of how factors like wind, temperature, air pressure and water vapour can affect climatic conditions.
In this professional development course, you will explore the nature and scope of climatology, weather science foundations, factors that influence climate, and climate patterns and classification models including those of Koppen, Thornwaite and Bergeron.
You will also study circulation patterns, atmospheric dynamics, factors that cause or influence climate change and the applications of climate change, and then prepare your own problem-based learning project.
On completion of this course, you will have a basic understanding of how atmospheric conditions along with the sun’s radiation and the earth’s movement, control the conditions that are vital for all life on earth.
Course Structure
Unit 1 - Nature and scope of climatology
- Introduction to climatology and meteorology
- Understanding how climate and weather affects us
- What makes up our weather?
- How do we measure weather?
Unit 2 - Weather science foundations
- Solar radiation
- Temperature
- Precipitation
- Deposition
- Humidity
- Clouds
Unit 3 - Circulation patterns
- Pressure systems
- Atmospheric pressure
- Pressure and temperature
- Latitudinal circulation
- Air masses
- Wind
- Trade wind
- The beaufort scale of wind speed
- Frontal systems
- Oceanic circulation
- Longitutinal circulation
- Southern oscillation
- Ocean gyres
Unit 4 - Climate classifications and patterns
- Types of climates
- Arid/desert
- Subtropical
- Tropical
- Temperate
- Mediterranean
- Coastal
- Factors which influence climate
- Latitude
- Wind direction
- Topography
- Altitude
- Aspect
- Geographical location
- Climates classification models
- Koppen climate classification
- Thornwaite climatic classification system
- Bergeron climatic classification system
- Spatial synpotic classification (ssc)
- Other global classification systems
- Holdridge life zone system
Unit 5 - Atmospheric dynamics
- Introduction to atmosphere composition
- Purpose of the atmosphere
- Seasonal variations
- Vertical structure of atmosphere
- Precipitation
- Precipitation processes and other events
- Cloud dynamics
- Storms
- Thunderstorms
- Cyclones, typhoons and hurricanes
- Tornadoes
- Metar codes for precipitation processes
- Aerosols and climate processes
- Indirect effects of aerosols
Unit 6 - Climate changes
- Factors that cause or influence climate change
- Natural causes
- The sun
- Earth’s orbit
- Earth’s axis
- Oceanic circulation
- Oceanic carbon dioxide
- Magnetic field
- Plate tectonics
- Volcanic activities
- Asteroids, comets or meteorite impact
- Manmade causes or anthropogenic influences
- Fossil fuels
- Agriculture
- Deforestation
- Nitrous oxide
- Other pollution
- Different types of climate change events
- Glaciation and ice loss
- Flora and fauna
- Ocean warming and sea levels
- Permafrost
- Extreme weather events
- Ozone depletion
- Global warming and the greenhouse effect
Unit 7 - Applications of climate Science
- Evolution of methods and techniques of weather forecasting
- Early methods & simple techniques
- Modern forecasting approaches
- Synoptic (traditional) forecasting
- Numerical weather prediction (NWP)
- Statistical methods
- Long and short range forecasting
- Understanding forecasting models
- Simple models
- Tropical cyclone forecast model
- General circulation model (GCM)
- Regional climate modelling
- Collection and applications of weather & climate data
- Weather mapping
- Satellite
- Radar
- Tropical rainfall measuring mission (TRMM)
- Verification methods
- Methods of standard verification
Unit 8 - Climatology Problem Based Learning Project
- Management processes
- Planning
- Organising
- Leading
- Controlling
- Business plans – preparing a plan
- Decision making
- What to plan for
- Risk
- Risk analysis
- Ways to manage risk
- Project plan
Assessment
Assessment Information
When you study with Australian Online Courses, you will be assessed using a competency-based training method.
Competency-based training focuses on the achievement of skills and knowledge against set criteria to meet industry-standard and is not benchmarked against other students’ work.
In this course, the assessment will be comprised of written assignments and exercises, which may include short answer questions, reports, essays, research projects and reflective tasks.
If you do not achieve a competency result on your first attempt, you have two more attempts to pass your assessment. So, you have three attempts in total to obtain a competency result.
In this way, you can complete your course 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;
- No entry requirements;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support;
- Easy to understand course content;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Certificate of Attainment/Completion issued for your CV (hard copy provided); and
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
How long will it take to complete this course?
The approximate study hours for this course is 100 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.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
Professional development for:
- Farmers
- Horticulturists
- Environmental Managers
- Land and natural resource managers
- Engineers
- Planners
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