ATMOS 101 Introduction to Weather (5 credits)
Distribution Area Fulfilled Natural Sciences with Lab; General Transfer Elective
Course Description
A study of Earth’s atmosphere and major controls of weather and climate; including solar radiation, temperature, pressure, wind, clouds, precipitation, severe weather, pollution, and climate change. For non-science and science majors. Includes Lab.
Course Content
A. Elements and Controls of Weather and Climate
B. Composition and Structure of the Atmosphere
C. Solar Radiation and Temperature
D. Atmospheric Moisture and Stability
E. Condensation and Precipitation
F. Air Pressure and Wind
G. Global Circulation
I. Air Pollution and Global Climate Change
J. Middle Latitude Weather (Air Masses, Fronts, and Wave Cyclones)
K. Thunderstorms and Tornadoes
L. Tropical Weather and Hurricanes
M. Weather Forecasting
Student Outcomes
1. Describe the major elements and controls of weather and climate.
2. Recognize Earth as a system and describe the four major “spheres” of planet Earth and the major thermal spheres of the atmosphere.
3. Analyze the gaseous composition of the atmosphere.
4. Describe the basic motions of Earth and the relationship to the seasons and the length of daylight.
5. Distinguish between the basic mechanisms of energy transfer and give examples of each.
6. Diagram the movement of water and energy through the hydrologic cycle.
7. Calculate relative humidity and dew point from weather instruments and weather tables.
8. Discuss the formation of fog, dew, clouds, and major forms of precipitation.
9. Visually identify the major cloud types and associated weather conditions.
10. Explain air pressure and the general weather conditions associated with high and low pressure.
11. Discuss the possible causes of climate change and differentiate between the major air pollution components and their effects on the environment and human health.
12. Interpret middle latitude weather patterns in relation to air masses, fronts, and cyclonic storms.
13. Relate the development of severe weather to hazard risk, including hurricanes, tornadoes, and thunderstorms. Apply scientific classification and intensity scales to these storms.
14. Summarize the major tools of weather forecasting and the potentials and limitations of forecasts.
15. Critical Thinking: Using Ideas and Information. Integrate and analyze information and ideas to form conclusions and understand effects (e.g. use observation of current weather conditions to make forecasts).
16. Effective Communication: Recognize and use a variety of methods and styles to convey ideas and information (e.g. record and interpret weather data from instruments and field observations).
17. Evaluate Sources. Evaluate and use meteorological data sources to interpret weather maps, construct isopleth maps, analyze satellite imagery, and utilize various weather graphics. Accesse and interpret meteorological and climatological data from the Internet.
18. Appraises .Appraises information in order to explain and diagram the major components of the global circulation system (e.g. pressure systems, prevailing wind belts, and major ocean currents)
Degree Outcomes
Natural Sciences: Graduates use the scientific method to analyze natural phenomena and acquire skills to evaluate authenticity of data/information relative to the natural world.
Critical, Creative and Reflective Thinking: Graduates will evaluate, analyze and synthesize information and ideas in order to construct informed, meaningful and justifiable conclusions.
Lecture Contact Hours 40
Lab Contact Hours 20
Clinical Contact Hours 0
Total Contact Hours 60
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