Successful completion of this course will satisfy the Physical Sciences General
Education Core requirement by accomplishing the following broad learning objectives:
  	
A basic understanding of the physical forces that govern atmospheric pressure and motion.

A basic understanding of mechanisms that drive atmospheric water and energy cycles.

An understanding of weather systems including mid-latitude cyclones and hurricanes.

An appreciation of the interactions between the land-surface and atmosphere in
affecting weather and climate.

An ability to recognize the interactions between human activities, modification of
the earth-atmosphere system, and changes to the atmosphere and climate.

A greater appreciation of the importance of science in our everyday lives and its
role in influencing policy decision making.

This course meets the following General Education Abilities by accomplishing the
specific learning objectives listed below:

Computer Literacy is addressed through course administration, student-faculty 
electronic interaction, and supplemental reading assignments.
 
Critical Thinking is central to the learning objectives of this class, and includes 
the following elements, which are accomplished through lecture and classroom 
discussion/inquiry-based learning efforts:
       Consider and engage opposing points of view  
       Support a consistent purpose and point of view  
       Assimilate, analyze, and present a body of information  
       Analyze arguments  

Moral Reasoning (Ethics) is an important element of this course, as it seeks to 
link our understanding of the atmosphere and weather phenomena with human health 
and social welfare, as developed through lectures, classroom discussion, and 
inquiry-based learning exercises.

Energy and Moisture in the Atmosphere
Earth-Sun Relationships & Seasons					
Atmospheric Composition and Structure				
Energy; Convection & Conduction; Radiation			
Global Energy Balance 						
Temperature and Temperature Patterns				
Atmospheric Moisture						
Adiabatic Processes   							
Lifting Mechanisms and Atmospheric Stability			
Dew & Frost, Fog, and Clouds		           			
Precipitation  								
Winds and Weather Systems
Air Pressure and Winds			            	       	
Local Winds and Monsoons		          	      			
Global Circulation				    	         		
Upper-level Winds			              	    	          	
Oceans and Ocean Currents   				          		
El Niño / Southern Oscillation Events 			          	
Air Masses and Fronts				   	          	
Mid-Latitude Cyclones	          			         		
Thunderstorms and Tornadoes 					
Tropical Storms and Hurricanes			   	          	
Human Activities & Environmental Problems
Climate Change/Global Warming	             	 		
Ozone Depletion	          					            
Air Pollution & Acid Rain					             
Urban Heat Islands							
Weather Analysis and Forecasting