Course Description
The causes, impacts and policies regarding hazards due to atmospheric phenomena, including hurricanes, tornadoes, windstorms, extreme temperature and precipitation events, and climate change.
Athena Title
Atmospheric Hazards
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in ATSC 3130E, GEOG 3130E
Prerequisite
GEOG 1111 or GEOG(ATSC)1112 or GEOG(ATSC)1112E or GEOG 2110H
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
A basic understanding of the physical causes and impacts of atmospheric hazards on society An ability to analyze social and legal actions that mitigate or enhance the risks due to atmospheric hazards An ability to identify gaps in our knowledge of and policies relating to atmospheric hazards An opportunity to apply critical thinking to issues at the intersection of the human-natural climate system 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 supplemental reading and data analysis of atmospheric hazards. 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 is developed through homework assignments, lecture, classroom discussion, and inquiry-based learning efforts. Moral Reasoning (Ethics) is an important element of this course, as it explores the atmospheric threats to life and property as well the human choices that mitigate or enhance these threats. Moral reasoning is developed through lectures, writing assignments, classroom discussion, and inquiry-based learning activities.
Topical Outline
Introduction to atmospheric hazards Hurricane hazards and coastal flooding Hazards due to thunderstorms and tornadoes Hazards due to mid-latitude cyclones and non-convective high winds Flood and drought hazards Hazards due to heat waves and cold outbreaks Air pollution hazards Natural climate change hazards Anthropogenic climate change hazards
Syllabus