Catalog Course Search Details

 Department:    EASC

 Course #:    102

 Credits:    5

 Variable:     No

 IUs:    5.5

 CIP:    400703

 EPC:    n/a

 REV:    2018

 Course Description  

A survey of atmospheric science, emphasizing weather observation and global viewpoint. Forecasting, weather map interpretation, physics and chemistry of the atmosphere, and optics. The interaction between human activity and the atmosphere is stressed. Lab included.

 Prerequisite  

Prerequisite: Appropriate placement or grade of 2.0 or higher in ENGL 099 and MATH 98.

Contact Hours (based on 11 week quarter)

Lecture: 44

Lab: 22

Other: 0

Systems: 0

Clinical: 0

Intent: Distribution Requirement(s) Status:  

Academic Natural Sciences  

Equivalencies At Other Institutions

Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, the student will be able to:

1. Identify common weather patterns using weather charts, and know what the patterns imply for local and regional weather.
2. Identify clouds and cloud elevations, and use this knowledge along with surface winds and barometric pressure to make fairly accurate weather predications when outdoors.
3. Know how the physics of the atmosphere controls not only weather and climate, but also distribution of pollution and optical behavior.
4. Know how global and regional climate interacts with geography, seasonal air patterns, ocean circulation, and human culture (for example, monsoons, urban heat islands, photochemical pollution).
5. Know some basic ideas about the possibilities of global warming, ozone depletion, acid rain, and other large-scale climatic changes, and understand the ramifications of various courses of action to address these problems.
6. Identifies the ways in which cultural expectations, assumptions and beliefs define who we are, how others see us, and influence how others and we perform science.

General Education Learning Values & Outcomes

Revised August 2008 and affects outlines for 2008 year 1 and later.

8. Mathematical Reasoning

Definition: Understanding and applying concepts of mathematics and logical reasoning in a variety of contexts, both academic and non-academic.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
8.1 Analyze problems to determine what mathematical principles apply.
8.2 Correctly apply logical reasoning and mathematical principles to solve problems.
8.3 Interpret information and reasoning expressed mathematically (for example in spreadsheets, diagrams, charts, formulas, etc.).

9. Scientific Literacy

Definition: Understanding scientific principles, and analyzing and applying scientific information in a variety of contexts.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
9.1 Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental scientific concepts.
9.2 Demonstrate their understanding of the principles of scientific methods, analysis, and reasoning.
9.3 Analyze, apply, and communicate scientific concepts and principles in context (for example, in technological, personal, and/or professional situations).
9.4 Use scientific concepts and principles to understand the natural world, human behavior and culture, and relationships between humans and the rest of the natural world.
9.5 Demonstrate an understanding of the political and ethical issues in science.

10. Technology

Definition: Understanding the role of technology in society and using technology appropriately and effectively.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
10.1 Demonstrate an understanding of the development and impact of technology in human experience (history, global, and local).
10.3 Use technology appropriate to the context and task to effectively retrieve and manage information, solve problems, and facilitate communication.

Course Contents

1. Introduction, Basic physics of gases and water
2. Energy, Heat, and Temperature-Equation of State
3. Optics. Refraction/dipersion and rainbows
4. Clouds and Rain-BF process; Lapse rates, Instability
5. Wind I: pressure gradient force, Coriolis force, Pressure
6. Wind II: Fronts, Jet Stream, Convergence
7. Midlatitude cyclones, clyconogenesis, monsoons
8. Major storms: hurricanes, tornados, wind storms
9. Climate-regional pattersn, variations, ice ages
10. Air pollution I-chemistry adn distribution, local effects
11. Air pollution II-Global and regional (ozone depletion, greenhouse warming)