Class Schedule - Fall 2024
Introduces the student to the basic concepts and principles of meteorology via the interpretation of weather maps and charts; uses current weather information to illustrate key concepts, emphasizes the physical atmospheric processes responsible for weather. By the end of the class students will be able to interpret and make basic weather forecasts as well as be able to explain basic atmospheric phenomena. Same as GGIS 100.
Most extreme manifestations of weather and climate are analyzed in terms of their physical basis and their historical, economic and human consequences. Emphasis is placed on the interplay between technological advances, the evolution of meteorology as a science, and the impacts of extreme weather (winter storms, floods, severe thunderstorms, hurricanes, El Nino). Technological advances include satellites, weather radars and profilers, and computer models used for weather prediction. Same as ESE 120.
Introduces climate change and its interactions with the global environment; surveys the physical, chemical, biological and social factors contributing to global change; includes topics such as greenhouse warming, acid rain, ozone depletion, distinguishes anthropogenic influences and natural variability of the earth system; addresses societal impacts, mitigation strategies, policy options and other human responses to global change. Same as ESE 140.
First semester atmospheric science majors meet with department faculty and other mentors, learn of department organizations and structure, become aware of professional development opportunities and internships, and learn of career possibilities in the discipline. Approved for S/U grading only. Prerequisite: Restricted to first-semester Atmospheric Sciences majors.
Introduction to physical processes in the atmosphere, focusing on those relevant to weather and storms. Emphasizes quantitative problem solving. Topics include atmospheric structure, atmospheric thermodynamics, clouds, synoptic meteorology, weather forecasting, and storms. For students in atmospheric sciences, physics, mathematics, engineering, and other physical and natural sciences.
Introduction to fundamental thermodynamic processes that occur in Earth's atmosphere. Defines, describes, and derives various thermodynamic concepts including (1) the conservation of energy, (2) laws of thermodynamics, (3) kinetic theory, (4) phase transitions of water, and (5) thermodynamic processes of the atmosphere. Applies thermodynamic concepts to atmospheric structure and stability, water phase transformations, and energy and mass transport within the atmosphere. Prerequisite: ATMS 201, MATH 241, and PHYS 211.
Introduction to fundamental dynamical processes in the atmosphere through a descriptive and quantitative analysis of dynamical meteorology at the synoptic and global scale. Covers basic laws of fluid mechanics as applied to the atmospheric sciences, vorticity and circulation in 2-D and 3-D flows, boundary layer dynamics and friction, basic concepts of geophysical waves, and baroclinic instability. These topics will be covered both descriptively and mathematically with emphasis on computer representation of the fundamental processes governing atmospheric motion and application of theory to real-world examples. Same as PHYS 329. Prerequisite: ATMS 201, MATH 241 and PHYS 211.
Conceptualizes the structure and dynamics of the atmosphere through interpretation and analysis of weather charts, time and cross sections, soundings, and forecast products. Students develop case studies of weather system structure, and participate in discussions of weather processes as depicted by weather maps. Depiction of atmospheric kinematic and dynamic processes on weather charts is emphasized. Students learn conceptual models of the structure of mid-latitude cyclones and convective weather systems, including cyclogenesis, frontogenesis, the process of storm intensification, occlusion and frontolysis. Prerequisite: ATMS 201 and credit or concurrent registration in MATH 241.
Introduction to the statistical treatment and graphical representation of atmospheric sciences data, both in the space and time domain. Emphasis is placed on applications and real-world examples. Discusses relevant statistics, methods of interpolation and least squares, and linear and nonlinear correlations. Students gain experience using Python for data analysis, develop theoretical skills for analyzing and modeling data, and perform virtual experiments and analyze real-world publicly available data sets. Prerequisite: MATH 241 or consent of instructor.
Provides upper class atmospheric science students with information and resources needed to be successful in their future careers. Explores opportunities for undergraduate research and potential career paths in different public and private job sectors. Creation of resumes for competitive internships and applications to graduate school. Approved for S/U grading only. Prerequisite: Restricted to Atmospheric Sciences major/minors with at least junior standing.
Weather and forecasting principles are applied in how to make weather forecasts on a range of media platforms. Activities include producing web forecasts to building graphics to presenting a full weather broadcast using a green screen, producing clips for a resume tape, and learning how to present sensitive weather material to the public with appropriate tone. Prerequisite: ATMS 303. Restricted to Atmospheric Science major/minors with junior standing or higher.
Course will qualitatively and quantitatively describe atmospheric boundary layer characteristics and processes. The course will focus on the turbulent structure of the boundary layer and the factors that influence this structure over a variety of surfaces (e.g., soil, vegetation, marine) and under a variety of atmospheric conditions (e.g., stability, diurnal/nocturnal). This atmospheric layer is important to our daily lives because it is where humans live and it connects the small-scale fluxes of energy and mass to the large-scale atmospheric circulation. 4 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite: ATMS 301, ATMS 302, and ATMS 304; MATH 285; or consent of instructor.
Investigation and application of advanced synoptic and mesoscale forecasting techniques. Topics include tropical cyclone forecasting, severe weather forecasting, aviation, fog, and visibility forecasting, marine forecasting, fire weather, long-range and seasonal forecasting, and other topics as determined by the prevailing weather patterns. Physical parameterization schemes used in numerical weather prediction models are also discussed. Emphasis is placed on the proper and clear communication of weather forecasts to the intended audience. 4 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite: ATMS 313, or graduate standing.
Individual study or reading at an advanced undergraduate level in a subject not covered in normal course offerings or undergraduate research performed under faculty supervision. 1 to 4 undergraduate hours. No graduate credit. May be repeated to a maximum of 8 hours. Prerequisite: Consent of advisor and faculty member supervising work.
All senior Atmospheric Sciences undergraduate majors have the opportunity to take a Capstone Undergraduate Research experience. Students will be engaged in an atmospheric science research project with an ATMS faculty supervisor. 4 undergraduate hours. No graduate credit. May be repeated to a maximum of 8 undergraduate hours. Prerequisite: Restricted to students with senior standing in Atmospheric Sciences, or permission of ATMS faculty supervisor.
Examines the observed behavior of the atmosphere through the application of physical and hydrodynamical principles to analyses of real meteorological data; develops concepts for studying atmospheric circulations, particularly extratropical cyclones and anticyclones. Laboratory work includes the development of diagnostic techniques suitable for a better understanding of the current weather. 4 graduate hours. No professional credit. Prerequisite: Restricted to graduate standing or consent of instructor.
Develops an understanding of precipitation processes through cloud observations, microphysics, dynamics, and comprehensive theoretical models; includes growth by condensation, coalescence, and riming; and studies ice crystals, hail, and weather modification. 4 graduate hours. No professional credit. Prerequisite: Restricted to graduate standing.
Many petabytes of geosciences data have been observed and curated by NASA and NOAA in anticipation of new data science tools designed to yield insights and improve forecasts of Earth processes. Students will learn the fundamentals of data science using publicly available datasets toward the end of conducting novel research in the geosciences. Topics include data ethics, uncertainty, data curation and management, version control, cluster and cloud computing, introductory Unix and Python, and visualization. Same as GEOL 517. 4 graduate hours. No professional credit. Prerequisite: Restricted to graduate standing or consent of instructor.
Key focus is the basic understanding, as well as the prediction and observations, of high-impact weather phenomena like thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, and blizzards, and their attendant hazards and impacts on society. To build to that, quantitative properties, principles, and observations of weather and climate will be introduced. This includes, but is not limited to: the analysis and interpretation of meteorological data, including that collected by Doppler radar, the application of principles of thermodynamics to describe the formation of clouds and precipitation, and the application of principles of dynamics to explore why air flows and rotation develops. 4 graduate hours. No professional credit. Cannot be used to satisfy course requirements for on-campus MS and PHD programs in Atmospheric Sciences. On-campus students must take ATMS 500 and 504. Prerequisite: Restricted to graduate standing or consent of instructor.
Aimed at professional development in the atmospheric sciences so that students recognize the importance of breadth of knowledge, effective oral and written scientific communication, and other skills they will need as professionals. 1 graduate hour. No professional credit. Approved for S/U grading only. Prerequisite: Graduate student in Atmospheric Sciences or consent of instructor.
Individual study or reading in a subject not covered in normal course offerings. 1 to 4 graduate hours. No professional credit. May be repeated to a maximum of 8 hours. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Seminar on topics of current interest. Approved for S/U grading only. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Non-thesis research in the Atmospheric Sciences. 0 to 4 graduate hours. No professional credit. Approved for S/U grading only. May be repeated to a maximum of 8 hours. No more than 8 hours may be counted towards a master's degree in ATMS. Prerequisite: Restricted to students in the non-thesis options, which includes the online master's degree.
Lecture course in topics of current interest; subjects such as tropical meteorology, aerosol physics, and geophysical fluid dynamics will be covered in term offerings on a regular basis. 0 to 4 graduate hours. No professional credit. Approved for Letter and S/U grading. Prerequisite: Graduate standing or consent of instructor.
Check with the department to identify which CRN is needed for your advisor and any related registration questions. Approved for S/U grading only. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.