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Introduction to Weather and Climate Laboratory


Course Description

Optional laboratory for Introduction to Weather and Climate.


Athena Title

Intro Weather and Climate Lab


Pre or Corequisite

GEOG 1112


Semester Course Offered

Offered fall, spring and summer


Grading System

A - F (Traditional)


Course Objectives

Successful completion of this course will satisfy the Physical Sciences General Education Core requirement by accomplishing the following broad learning objectives: A comprehensive focus on fundamental processes that operate to influence weather and climate. The ability to read and interpret weather maps. An exposure to forecasting weather events such as severe weather and hurricanes. An opportunity to use scientific instrumentation for monitoring physical environmental conditions and processes. An understanding of the scientific process, including the formation of a hypothesis. An exposure to climate models and their use in the study of climate change. This course meets the following General Education Abilities, by accomplishing the specific learning objectives listed below: Communicate effectively through writing. This is met by a series of writing assignments associated with laboratory exercises. Communicate effectively through speech. This is met by oral presentations, discussion leading, and classroom participation. Computer Literacy is addressed through course administration, student-faculty electronic interaction, and data analysis activities and assignments. Critical Thinking is central to the learning objectives of this class, and includes the following elements, which are accomplished through laboratory activities and assignments, lecture, 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


Topical Outline

Earth-Sun Geometry Surface Energy Balance Atmospheric Moisture Atmospheric Stability Atmospheric Motion Surface Map Analysis & Mid-Latitude Cyclone Upper-Air Analysis Severe Weather Hurricanes Global Climate Modeling


General Education Core

CORE II: Physical Sciences

Syllabus