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 1112, ATSC 1112
Non-Traditional Format
This course will be taught 95% or more online.
Semester Course Offered
Offered summer semester every year.
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
Introduction to the Physical Sciences
Atmospheric Composition and Structure
Earth-Sun Relationships and Seasons
Energy; Convection and Conduction; Radiation
Temperature and Temperature Patterns
Atmospheric Moisture
Atmospheric Stability
Air Pressure, Atmospheric Forces, and Winds
Global Circulation
Oceans and Ocean Currents
Air Masses and Fronts
Clouds and Precipitation
Mid-Latitude Cyclones
Tropical Cyclones
Thunderstorms and Tornadoes
Weather Analysis and Forecasting
Climate Classification
Climate Change/Global Warming
General Education Core
CORE II: Physical Sciences
Institutional Competencies Learning Outcomes
Analytical Thinking
The ability to reason, interpret, analyze, and solve problems from a wide array of authentic contexts.
