The objectives of the course are fourfold:

Objective 1: To expose the student to the fundamental theories, 
concepts, and processes related to weather phenomena with space 
(less than a few hundred miles) and time (less than one day) 
scales representative of the mesoscale. The student will be 
introduced to the classification philosophy, observational 
approaches, and phenomena associated with the mesoscale. At the 
same time, the student will gain knowledge on how mesoscale 
processes (e.g., storms, circulations) are coupled to phenomena 
at broader and finer scales.

Objective 2: To introduce the student to the fundamentals of 
radar meteorology. Within the scope of this objective, the 
student will be exposed to basic remote-sensing concepts, the 
historical evolution of radar meteorology, and mathematical-
physical concepts underpinning radar-based meteorological 
measurements. The student will also be exposed to current and 
emerging technologies and methods within the field of radar 
meteorology. The student will also be expected to master basic 
interpretation of weather radar imagery as related to mesoscale 
weather processes.  This requirement will also expose the 
student to hands-on interaction with computer-based radar 
processing and analysis.

Objective 3: To expose the student to methods and concepts 
related to mesoscale analysis and forecasting. The student will 
be introduced to mesoscale numerical models, nowcasting, and 
short-term forecasting. The student will also be exposed to the 
various meteorological instrumentation, networks, and tools 
(thermodynamic diagrams, convective parameters) that are 
typically employed in meso-analysis and forecasting.

Objective 4: To expose the student to mesoscale signatures at 
the climate scale.  A particular emphasis will be on 
hydroclimate processes and signals inherently linked to 
mesoscale processes. 

Successful completion of this course will provide the following 
learning outcomes:

A basic survey of mesoscale meteorological-climate processes 
and how these processes are linked to human and environmental 
systems.

A fundamental understanding of concepts and processes related 
to mesoscale weather processes as well as knowledge on the 
implications to the climate scale.

A fundamental understanding of radar (e.g., active) remote-
sensing concepts and methodologies applied in mesoscale 
meteorological/climate analysis and forecasting.

A rigorous review of current and future radar meteorology 
systems/methodologies for meteorological and climate studies.

An opportunity to engage in inquiry-based learning and hands-on 
application of meteorological and climate radar and 
observational data through modules and scenarios.

Enhanced computer literacy through email/internet transactions, 
basic computer programming philosophy, internet-based data 
acquisition, data processing, and analysis through applications 
modules and inquiry-based scenarios.

More effective communication through speech and writing as a 
result of in-class presentations, posters, and written 
assignments.

A greater cognizance of the importance of science in the 
everyday functioning of our planet and its crucial role in 
informing science and socio-political stakeholders and 
policymakers.

The course timeline will be based on the following sequence:

Date	Lecture Topic
	Definition of Mesoscale
	Mesoscale Classification
	Mesoscale Observing Networks and Systems
	Radar: The instrument of the Mesoscale
	Primer on Cloud Microphysics
	Evolution of Weather Radar
	Basics of Radar: Radar equation, Doppler
	Meteorological targets and radar
	Advanced Meteorological Applications of Radar
(Polarimetric, Continuous Wave, DOW, Bi-Static, CW)
	Review of Thermodynamics, Parcel Theory, Entrainment 
and Shear
	Convective Systems I: Isolated Convection
	Convective Systems II: Mesoscale Convective Systems
	Convective Systems III: Supercells and Tornadoes, Hail, 
Wet and Dry Microbursts, Lightning
	Floods
	Planetary Boundary Layer Processes
	Circulations (Thermal and Terrain) and Meso-Boundaries
	Mesoscale Processes in Winter Weather
	Mesoscale Modeling
	Nowcasting and Short-Term Mesoscale Forecasting
	Mesoscale Climate Analysis and Dynamics

The course laboratory section will expose the students to 
principles of radar and mesoscale meteorology. The student will 
complete several online COMET modules  
(http://www.meted.ucar.edu/topics_meso.php and through the 
University Corporation for Atmospheric Research. These modules 
are self-contained interactive lessons with performance-based 
metrics.  The laboratory modules will include: 
•	Definition of the Mesoscale
•	Mesoscale Primer
•	Lectures on Radar Applications in Mesoscale Meteorology
•	Skew-T Mastery
•	Mesoscale Convective Systems
•	How Mesoscale Models Work
•	Mesoscale Aspects of Winter Weather Forecasting
•	Real-Time Mesoscale Analysis (RTMA)

Additionally, the students will be expected to use existing 
capabilities within the Geography Department (GRLEVELx) and 
available NOAA-based radar data to conduct historical and real-
time case studies related to an array of mesoscale topics.