A basic understanding of anthropogenic processes that influence the spatial and
temporal variability of Earth’s climate system in urban environments

A fundamental treatment of basic physical, thermodynamic, and dynamic processes that
couple the urban environment to meteorological-climate processes

An opportunity to apply critical thinking to issues at the intersection of the
human-natural climate system 

An ability to recognize the reciprocal interactions between human activity in the
urban environments, modification of the climate system, and past/future global
environmental 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 supplemental reading and data analysis.
 
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 are 
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 
effects of weather and climate on human welfare.  Moral reasoning is developed 
through lectures, writing assignments, classroom discussion, and inquiry-based 
learning activities.

Energetics and dynamics of urban climates

Evolution and Characteristics of the urban heat island (UHI)

Urban aerosols, pollution and climate feedbacks

Urban effects on clouds, precipitation, and lightning

Urban Land Use effects on clouds, precipitation, and lightning

Modeling of Urban Effects the Climate System

Urban environment and hydrological response

Urban environment and the carbon cycle

Observation of urban climates and effects

Societal impacts and mitigation strategies 

Urban Environment and Climate Change