Statistics in Climate Dynamics

The unit will discuss some basic statistical methods for analysing climate dynamics with the aim of understanding the physical mechanisms driving the observed structures (statistics).  The unit will start with a discussion on the basics of probability theory, time series analysis, stochastic models and multi-variate data (pattern) analysis.  It will then focus on the principles of decision making in statistical analysis (significance tests), which is followed by a discussion of the pitfalls and general strategies in statistical analysis.  The unit will not focus on deriving statistical parameters, but rather will emphasise how these methods can be applied and will discuss the potential pitfalls in interpreting statistical results.

For additional information (https://handbook.monash.edu/2023/units/eae5020).

On completion of this unit students will be able to:

1.     Do statistical analysis on probability distributions, time series, and multi-variate data.

2.     Apply standard statistical methods in climate dynamics data analysis.

3.     Interpret the outcomes of the statistical analysis in the context of climate dynamics.

4.     Read, understand and critically analyse the scientific literature on data analysis in climate dynamics.

Prerequisites: This unit assumes basic university level math. This includes basic calculus and linear algebra.

Assessment: assignments (50%) & final examination (closes book; 3hrs): 50%

Dates, Times, Schedule: TBD

Start: week 3. Mar.

End: week 30. May.

What you Need to Bring: Some unit assignments are based on MatLab, so students are required to have access to a computer that is running MatLab (or equivalent; e.g. Octave).

Registration Deadline: 15 February 2025.

Lecturer: Prof. Dietmar Dommenget