Course Description
The capstone allows B.S. Atmospheric Sciences majors to synthesize knowledge within the atmospheric sciences or between the atmospheric sciences and other disciplines while enhancing students’ appreciation of the discipline and connecting their education with future goals. This course allows the department to assess the learning outcomes of this major.
Athena Title
Capstone in ATSC
Prerequisite
Permission of department
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall
Grading System
S/U (Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory)
Course Objectives
The capstone is designed for senior B.S. Atmospheric Sciences Majors. The objectives of this course are: 1) to serve the students by helping them synthesize their knowledge within the major and between the major and other disciplines; 2) to permit the department to assess the student learning outcomes (SLOs) of the major. Student learning outcomes (SLOs) of the major: SLO #1: Demonstrate mastery of the fundamental principles governing the atmosphere and the processes characteristic of the atmosphere across spatial and temporal scales. SLO #2: Demonstrate integrated knowledge of the earth as a system, specifically the linkages between the atmosphere and the hydrosphere, the geosphere, and the biosphere. SLO #3: Apply diagnostic and prognostic tools and technology to effectively and efficiently evaluate atmospheric processes across a multitude of scales to answer relevant scientific questions within and related to the atmospheric sciences. SLO #4: Apply critical and analytical thinking as well as practical tools to solve problems in both individual and collaborative settings across the atmospheric sciences to help students develop skills for lifelong learning. SLO #5: Effectively communicate scientific information in oral and written form at an appropriate level for their audience. SLO #6: Know and employ the principles of proper ethical conduct within meteorology and the atmospheric sciences regarding professional conduct and what the science can and cannot accurately and adequately predict (see AMS Guidelines for Professional Conduct; Article XII of the AMS Constitution) http://www.ametsoc.org/aboutams/organizationpdfs/constitution. pdf. SLO #7: Create new knowledge or synthesize existing knowledge within the atmospheric sciences or between the atmospheric sciences and other disciplines through a capstone experience, such as an authentic research, internship, or outreach activity. In addition, satisfactory completion of this course will be one measure of SLO #7. Through student presentations, discussions, guest lectures, writing assignments, and pre- and post-course assessments, students focus on topics including, but not limited to, ethical issues in atmospheric science research and practice, career opportunities for atmospheric scientists, future research and graduate education in geography, and professional development.
Topical Outline
Specific topics will vary by instructor, but the capstone will focus on: 1. Construction and analysis of an application for graduate school or employment 2. Assessment of students’ achievements in meeting the seven learning objectives for B.S. majors in Atmospheric Sciences Week 1: Initial assessment of student performance on SLOs #1-#5 Week 2: Feedback on initial assessment and plan for improvement (e.g., tutoring of GEOG 1112 students; review of junior-senior material not adequately learned) Week 3: Employment overview Week 4: Graduate school: whys, hows, and whens; CV advice Week 5: Private sector: whys, hows, and whens; résumé advice Week 6: Public sector: whys, hows, and whens; government job application advice Week 7: Consulting and the AMS CCM program: why and how to become a CCM; the CCM exam; examples of CCM work Week 8: Pre-test on ethics; scientific ethics Week 9: Interpersonal and online ethics; reflective essay on ethics in atmospheric science Week 10: ATSC Refresher I with student presentations (written and oral, majors-level and plain language) Week 11: ATSC Refresher II with student presentations (written and oral, majors-level and plain language) Week 12: ATSC Refresher III with student presentations (written and oral, majors-level and plain language) Week 13: ATSC Refresher IV with student presentations (written and oral, majors-level and plain language) Week 14: Final assessments covering SLOs #1-#5, plus ethics test for SLO #6 Week 15: Field trip to alumni workplace By Finals Week: Completion of graduate school application/job application.
Syllabus