Our Fundamentals of Meteorology course is delivered by . It runs from October to December 2025.
This course starts with a brief description of the atmosphere, the global circulation and mid-latitude weather systems. You'll study theoretical concepts that help explain these descriptions. Then we use the theory to explain the dynamics of extratropical cyclones and fronts.
The theory topics are:
- Thermodynamics: first law of thermodynamics, thermodynamic processes and potential temperature
- Atmospheric moisture: mixing ratio, dew point temperature, relative humidity and the impact on the atmospheric stability
- Dynamics: forces acting on air parcels, pressure gradient force, Coriolis force, drag, forces in balance: hydrostatic, geostrophic and gradient wind
- Analysis of atmospheric state using a tephigram
- Temperature gradient effects: thermal wind balance and thermal advection
- Calculations using divergence and vorticity.
There will be ten assignments with model answers.
Timetabled sessions (UK time, subject to confirmation)
The taught content is pre-recorded. Help with the content and with the assignments will be available at the live sessions.
- 1 October 2025, 13:00–1400
- 8 October 2025, 13:00–14:00
- 15 October 2025, 13:00–14:00
- 22 October 2025, 12:00-13:00
- 29 October 2025, 13:00-14:00
Then a break until
- 12 November 2025, 13:00–14:00
- 19 November 2025, 13:00–14:00
- 26 November 2025, 13:00–14:00
- 3 December 2025, 13:00-14:00
- 10 December 2025, 13:00-14:00
A joining link will be given to enrolled learners.
Prerequisites
Working knowledge of A level Maths, including:
- Integration and differentiation
- Trigonometry
- Vectors
- Exponentials and logarithms
- Quantities and units in mechanics
- Kinematics
- Forces and Newton’s laws
Some background knowledge of weather such as successful completion of the FutureLearn course .
Read the Terms and Conditions for Meteorology Online Courses.
Application
by 8 September 2025.
Further Learning
Find out about the Department of Meteorology, the premium online courses and the open online courses.