Course Catalog • Atmospheric Science

A lecture and laboratory course introducing students to the atmosphere, weather and climate phenomena, and their controlling physical processes. Topics covered include: the structure of the atmosphere, energy and energy budgets, climate and climate change, air pollution, clouds and precipitation, pressure and wind systems, severe weather, and weather forecasting. Ten written assignments; 18 laboratory assignments (students need regular access to a scanner); midcourse and final examinations. Instructor: David Huber.

Textbooks (separate purchase):

• Aguado and Burt. Understanding Weather and Climate, 4th ed., Pearson/Prentice Hall, 2007. Accompanying CD-ROM recommended.
• University of Kansas Atmospheric Science Program. Laboratory Guide to Meteorology, 2nd ed., Thomson, 2007, or 3rd ed., 2008, published by Cengage Learning.

An introductory course which surveys the general principles and techniques of atmospheric science and illustrates their application through discussions of natural but unusual weather phenomena such as blizzards, hurricanes, tornadoes, and chinooks, of the effects of air pollution on weather, and of intentional human alteration of the atmosphere. Nine written assignments (students need regular access to a scanner); midcourse and final examinations. Instructor: David Huber.

Textbooks (separate purchase):

• Rauber et al. Severe and Hazardous Weather, An Introduction to High Impact Meteorology, 2nd ed., Kendall/Hunt, 2005.