Atmospheric composition and structure, clouds, precipitation, and atmospheric motion and winds. Organized weather systems, including air masses, fronts, and severe weather. Discussion of global climates includes circulation, wind systems, climate classification, and climate change.
Athena Title
Intro to Weather and Climate
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in GEOG 1112E, ATSC 1112E
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall, spring and summer
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students will be able to assess the physical forces that govern atmospheric motion and describe the mechanisms that drive atmospheric water and energy cycles, allowing them to explain weather systems including mid-latitude cyclones and hurricanes.
By the end of this course, students will demonstrate an ability to identify and explain geographic controls on weather and climate.
Students will identify the interactions between human activities, modification of the earth-atmosphere system, and changes to the atmosphere and climate.
Throughout this course, students will develop an appreciation of the importance of science in our everyday lives and its role in influencing policy decision making.
Topical Outline
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
General Education Core
CORE II: Physical Sciences
Institutional Competencies
Analytical Thinking
The ability to reason, interpret, analyze, and solve problems from a wide array of authentic contexts.
