Course Description
An introduction to computer programming for atmospheric scientists. Students will learn to navigate the scientific computing environment and work with several computing languages. A study of applications of scientific computing for modeling atmospheric processes and data analysis. The course will be hands- on and focused around several practical programming assignments.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Graduate students will be assigned additional reading and
discussion activities, more complex analytical and writing
assignments, and additional questions on tests.
Athena Title
Program for Atmospheric Sci
Prerequisite
(GEOG 1111 and GEOG 1111L) or (GEOG(ATSC) 1112 and GEOG(ATSC) 1112L) or permission of department
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Understanding computational data structures (e.g., variables, arrays, matrices), programming methods (e.g., if statements, loops, functions, and subroutines), data input and output, and data visualization. Students will not simply learn these ideas in theory, they will develop the skills to apply these ideas in a practical setting. The most important learning for a computer programming and applications course such as this takes place when students apply the material to work through assignments and tutorials. In addition, this course will directly support Student Learning Outcomes 3 and 4 of the Atmospheric Sciences Program: 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; and 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.
Topical Outline
• Introduction to programming languages used in atmospheric science • Basics of coding, scripting, and computing/programming environment • Data structures, including variables, arrays, and matrices • Programming methods, including if statements, loops, and functions • Data file input and output, including different data file formats • Basic data plotting and visualization • Time series and statistical analysis • Geographic mapping, analysis, and visualization • Modeling applications in atmospheric science • Data analysis applications in atmospheric science
Syllabus
Public CV