Course syllabus for Environmental measurement techniques

Course syllabus adopted 2022-02-15 by Head of Programme (or corresponding).

Overview

  • Swedish nameMiljömätteknik
  • CodeSEE155
  • Credits7.5 Credits
  • OwnerTKGBS
  • Education cycleFirst-cycle
  • Main field of studyGlobal systems
  • ThemeEnvironment 7.5 c
  • DepartmentSPACE, EARTH AND ENVIRONMENT
  • GradingTH - Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3), Fail

Course round 1

  • Teaching language English
  • Application code 74116
  • Maximum participants50 (at least 10% of the seats are reserved for exchange students)
  • Minimum participants5
  • Block schedule
  • Open for exchange studentsYes

Credit distribution

0122 Examination, part A 4 c
Grading: TH		0 c4 c0 c0 c0 c0 c
  • 13 Jan 2025 am J
  • 16 Apr 2025 pm J
  • 21 Aug 2025 pm J
0222 Laboratory, part B 3.5 c
Grading: UG		0 c3.5 c0 c0 c0 c0 c

In programmes

Examiner

Go to coursepage (Opens in new tab)

Eligibility

General entry requirements for bachelor's level (first cycle)
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.

Specific entry requirements

The same as for the programme that owns the course.
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.

Course specific prerequisites

Mathematics – courses about single- and multi-variable analysis and statistics
Physics – courses on electromagnetic fields and waves
Programming – basic knowledge of Matlab or Python 

Aim

This course will focus on how we measure atmospheric environmental data related to processes (e.g. meteorological transport, atmospheric chemistry) and to atmospheric state in time and space (e.g. concentration of gases and particles, radiation). We will discuss how these measurements can be used as input to models and how measurement errors propagate. Observational data usually need to be extrapolated to a larger context and to be "translated" to the model representation of time and space. Projects and laboratory exercises in which real atmospheric measurements are carried out will constitute an important part of the course in order to give the students the opportunity to develop their practical skills.

Learning outcomes (after completion of the course the student should be able to)

  • Give examples of important environmental problems and explain the physical and chemical processes involved.
  • List different measurement techniques that are commonly used to address these environmental problems and perform the corresponding measurements.
  • Explain how geophysical information can be extracted from remote sensing (optical and microwave observations) and extractive measurements.
  • Describe data evaluation, from measurement to geophysical product.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of how uncertainties in measured data can affect model outputs.

Content

The course starts with a general introduction about different environmental problems (climate change, air pollution, ozone depletion). The focus is then made on studying the atmospheric measurement techniques needed to address these problems. Those include optical techniques (FTIR, DOAS, lidar), passive microwave radiometry and other extractive techniques.
The students will learn about the physical principles behind these different techniques and will also acquire a good understanding of how observational data can be assimilated in atmospheric models. They will have the opportunity to make measurements and estimate associated errors by themselves through a number of laboratory projects, based on state-of-the-art research equipment used at the Department of Space, Earth and Environment. Some examples of possible projects are:
  • Measurement of gas and particle emissions from vehicle and other combustion processes (Chalmers power central chimney for ex.). Analysis done using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and various particle measurement instruments.
  • Mapping of air pollutant concentration in Gothenburg using a small, portable sensor.
  • Measurement of nitrogen dioxide and ozone at high altitude, using Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (DOAS) instrument. Comparison with satellite measurements and use as an input in a model.
  • Measurement of ozone and carbon monoxide at high altitude, using passive microwave measurement techniques. Comparison with satellite measurements and with atmospheric model output.
In addition, the course includes visits of sites where environmental measurements are performed. Some examples of possible sites are Onsala Observatory, Skogaryd Research Catchment, and Älvsborgs Fästning.

Organisation

The course consists of lectures, laboratory work, and study visits. A few guest lectures given by professionals working with environmental measurements in other institutes and industries will also be included. Background information about environmental problems will be made available as digital lectures. Laboratory work in which real environmental measurements will be conducted represents a particularly important part of the course.

Literature

The literature list is provided on the course webpage before the starting date. It includes a set of handouts and articles, as well as selected book chapters.

Examination including compulsory elements

The course is divided into two separate modules, that should both be approved to pass the course: a laboratory part (including study visits) evaluated with the grade approved/not approved (3.5 hp) and a written exam evaluated with the grade U, 3, 4, 5 (4 hp).  The final grade is determined by the grade on the exam.

The course examiner may assess individual students in other ways than what is stated above if there are special reasons for doing so, for example if a student has a decision from Chalmers on educational support due to disability.