ATMO 1300-H01

Introduction to Atmospheric Science

Syllabus


General Information

Meeting time: M/W/F 2:00pm - 2:50pm
Classroom: Eng-Phl 264
Textbook: Understanding Weather and Climate by Aguado and Burt, 7th Edition
Instructor: Dr. Brian Ancell
Office: MCOM 1216 (Tower)
Office Hours: M/W/F 3:00 - 4:00 (or by appointment)
Email: brian.ancell@ttu.edu
Phone: (806) 834-3143
Class Website: http://www.atmo.ttu.edu/bancell/atmo1300.html

Core Curriculum

ATMO 1300 is a Core Curriculum course in the Natural Sciences. The objective of the study of the natural sciences component of a core curriculum is to enable the student to understand, construct, and evaluate relationships in the natural sciences, and to enable the student to understand the bases for building and testing theories. The natural sciences investigate the phenomena of the physical world.

Course Purpose

This course presents a survey of atmospheric properties and physical processes that determine current weather and long-term climate trends. The purpose of ATMO 1300 is to enhance the student's general knowledge in the realm of natural science. Students graduating from Texas Tech University should be able to explain some of the major concepts in the natural sciences and demonstrate an understanding of scientific approaches to problem solving, including ethics. This course satisfies the Core Curriculum (graduation requirement) in Natural Sciences.

Expected Learning Outcomes & Methods for Assessing Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the tools and methods used by scientists to study the natural world.
Method for Assessment: Graded exams, worksheets, pre- and post- course survey
2. Identify the primary elements that compose the atmosphere.
Method for Assessment: Graded exams, worksheets, pre- and post- course survey
3. Describe the vertical structure of the atmosphere.
Method for Assessment: Graded exams, worksheets, pre- and post- course survey
4. Describe the factors affecting incoming solar radiation and outgoing terrestrial radiation in relation to the overall energy balance of the earth/atmosphere system.
Method for Assessment: Graded exams, worksheets, pre- and post- course survey
5. Explain how the forces of motion act together to produce winds in the atmosphere.
Method for Assessment: Graded exams, worksheets, pre- and post- course survey
6. Describe the processes related to cloud formation and precipitation including the role of atmospheric stability.
Method for Assessment: Graded exams, worksheets, pre- and post- course survey
7. Explain the existence of general atmospheric circulation patterns such as the jet stream, trade winds, and monsoonal flows.
Method for Assessment: Graded exams, worksheets, pre- and post- course survey
8. Identify characteristics of different air masses and describe the structure of fronts and mid-latitude cyclones.
Method for Assessment: Graded exams, worksheets, pre- and post- course survey
9. Describe the basic characteristics of thunderstorms and hurricanes and identify the hazardous phenomena associated with each.
Method for Assessment: Graded exams, worksheets, pre- and post- course survey
10. Describe how forecasts are made and the factors that determine their accuracy.
Method for Assessment: Graded exams, worksheets, pre- and post- course survey

Grading

Three exams will be given for this course, each covering roughly one-third of the material covered over the semester. Questions on the exams will cover material in the textbook, lectures, class demonstrations, in-class worksheets, and weather discussions. In-class worksheets will be given frequently, and these worksheets will be collected at 5 random times during the semester.

The final grade will be composed of the three exams (30% each) and the five in-class worksheets (10%). The final overall course grade will be based on the following scale:

A = 89.5 or above
B = 79.5-89.4
C = 69.5-79.4
D = 59.5-69.4
F = below 59.5

Final grades will not be adjusted.

Makeup Exams

If you must be absent on an exam day due to an approved university function or religious observance you must schedule a time with the instructor to take a makeup exam. Absence on exam day due to illness or other reasons must be discussed with the instructor within two (2) days following the scheduled exam date. Makeup exams must be taken within 5 days (not counting weekends) following the scheduled exam date unless prior arrangements are made. The questions on makeup exams may differ from those on the exam given in class.

Class Attendance

Class attendance is highly encouraged but no method of taking attendance is used. However, credit for the collected in-class worksheets obviously depends on your attendance on the days the worksheets are given (which are not published). Furthermore, if you miss a class, you are responsible for any handouts or material covered in that class period.

Weather Discussion

A weather discussion (~15 minutes) will be given every Friday. These discussions will cover current local and U.S. weather events and forecasts, and will focus on revealing how the principles learned in lecture occur in the real atmosphere.

Students with Disabilities

Any student who, because of a disability, may require special arrangements in order to meet the course requirements should contact the instructor as soon as possible to make any necessary arrangements. Students should present appropriate verification from Student Disability Services during the instructor’s office hours or by appointment. Please note instructors are not allowed to provide classroom accommodations to a student until appropriate verification from Student Disability Services has been provided. For additional information, you may contact the Student Disability Services office at 335 West Hall or 806-742-2405.

Academic Integrity

Cheating in any form will NOT be tolerated! Refer to the Code of Student Conduct in the Student Affairs Handbook.

Civility in the Classroom

Students are expected to conduct themselves in a courteous and respectful manner during class. Please turn off or silence your cell phones during class.

Class Schedule

The following schedule should be used as a guide and is subject to change during the course of the semester:

1/12 - Introduction, Pre-course Survey
1/14 - Weather Discussion, Chapter 1 - Composition and Structure of the Atmosphere
1/17 - No Class, MLK Holiday
1/19 - Chapter 1
1/21 - Weather Discussion, Chapter 1
1/24 - No Class, Instructor at Conference
1/26 - No Class, Instructor at Conference
1/28 - No Class, Instructor at Conference
1/31 - Chapter 2 - Solar Radiation and the Seasons
2/2 - Chapter 2
2/4 - Weather Discussion, Chapter 2
2/7 - Chapter 3 - Energy Balance and Temperature
2/9 - Chapter 3
2/11 - Weather discussion, Chapter 3
2/14 - Chapter 3
2/16 - Exam 1 Review
2/18 - Exam 1
2/21 - Pass Back/Go Over Exam 1, Chapter 4 - Atmospheric Pressure and Wind
2/23 - Chapter 4
2/25 - Weather Discussion, Chapter 4
2/28 - Chapter 5 - Atmospheric Moisture
3/2 - Chapter 5
3/4 - Weather Discussion, Chapter 6 - Cloud Development and Forms
3/7 - Chapter 6
3/9 - Chapter 7 - Precipitation Processes
3/11 - Weather Discussion, Chapter 7
3/14 - No class, Spring Break
3/16 - No class, Spring Break
3/18 - No class, Spring Break
3/21 - Chapter 7
3/23 - Exam 2 Review
3/25 - Exam 2
3/28 - Pass Back/Go Over Exam 2
3/30 - Chapter 8 - Atmospheric Circulation and Pressure Distributions
4/1 - Weather discussion, Chapter 8
4/4 - Chapter 9 - Air masses and Fronts
4/6 - Chapter 10 - Midlatitude Cyclones
4/8 - Weather Discussion, Chapter 10
4/11 - Chapter 11 - Lightning, Thunder, and Tornadoes
4/13 - Chapter 11
4/15 - Weather Discussion, Chapter 12 - Tropical Storms and Hurricanes
4/18 - No Class, University Break
4/20 - Chapter 12
4/22 - Weather Discussion, Chapter 13 - Weather Forecasting and Analysis
4/25 - Chapter 13, Exam 3 Review
4/27 - Exam 3
4/29 - Pass Back/Go Over Exam 3, Weather Discussion
5/2 - Post-course Survey