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| Atmospheric Sciences (AtSc) |
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Askelson,
Borho, Dong, Grainger, Osborne, Poellot (Chair),
Remer and Zhang
The Department of Atmospheric Sciences offers
a comprehensive education in the Atmospheric
Sciences leading to the degree of Bachelor of
Science in Atmospheric Sciences and the Master
of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees (see
graduate school listing). The degree is awarded
in the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences.
A minimum of a 2.50 GPA is required for admittance
into the program and for graduation.
Facilities
The
Department of Atmospheric Sciences has several
unique research and teaching facilities. The
Regional Weather Information Center supports
operational weather analyses and forecasting.
Several teaching laboratories for use in cloud
physics, air chemistry and radar meteorology
are also available. Three primary research facilities
are used in national and international research
programs: a 5-cm wavelength, dual-polarization
Doppler weather radar; a surface transportation
weather test site; and an atmospheric and hydrologic
observations ground site. Students are provided
opportunities to participate in the research
at the undergraduate level. Current research
areas include clouds and climate change, ground/satellite
remote sensing, atmospheric aerosols, radar meteorology,
tropical meteorology, numerical modeling, data
assimilation and surface transportation weather.
Students also have the opportunity to produce
and present broadcast weather segments.
| B.S. IN ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCES |
| Requires 125 credits (36 of which must
be number 300 or above, and 60 of which
must be from a 4-year institution) including: |
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I. |
General Education Requirements (see University
GER listing). |
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II. |
Center for Aerospace Sciences requirements,
see Aerospace Sciences listing. |
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III. |
The Following Curriculum: |
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Freshman |
First
Semester
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Second
Semester |
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Engl 110, 125 |
College Composition I,
Technical & |
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Bus. Writing |
(3) |
(3) |
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Math 165, 166 |
Calculus I, II |
(4) |
(4) |
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CSci 120 |
Computer Programming I |
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(4) |
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AtSc 110 |
Meteorology I |
(4) |
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Social Science |
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(3) |
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Arts and Humanities |
(3) |
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Free Electives |
(2) |
(3) |
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Sophomore |
First
Semester
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Second
Semester
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Math 265 |
Calculus III |
(4) |
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Phys 251/251L |
University Physics I and Laboratory |
(4) |
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Phys 252/252L |
University Physics II and Laboratory |
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(4) |
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Chem 121/121L |
General Chemistry I and Laboratory |
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(4) |
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AtSc 240 |
Meteorological Instrumentation |
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(4) |
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AtSc 270 |
Computer Concepts in Meteorology |
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(3) |
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*Atmospheric Science Elective |
(4) |
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Communications |
(3) |
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Junior |
First
Semester
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Second
Semester
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Math 266 |
Elem. Differential Equations |
(3) |
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AtSc 350 |
Atmospheric Thermodynamics |
(3) |
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Math 321 or |
Applied Statistic Methods or |
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Econ 210 |
Intro.
to Business & Economics
Statistics
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(3) |
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AtSc 353 |
Physical Meteorology |
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(3) |
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AtSc 360 |
Dynamic Meteorology |
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(4) |
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Social Sciences |
(3) |
(3) |
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Arts & Humanities |
(3) |
(3) |
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*Atmospheric Sciences Elective |
(4) |
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Senior |
First
Semester
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Second
Semester
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AtSc 405 |
Numerical Methods in Meteorology |
(3) |
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AtSc
411 |
Synoptic
Meteorology |
(4) |
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AtSc 492 |
Senior Project |
(1) |
(1) |
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*Atmospheric Sciences Electives |
(2) |
(3) |
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**Technical Electives |
(3) |
(3) |
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Free Electives |
(3) |
(4) |
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| * |
A
total of 12 credit hours of additional
Atmospheric Science classes are required,
9 of which must be upper-division
classes. |
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| ** |
A
total of 6 credits of technical electives
must be taken from the following:
Any approved upper-division math,
physics, chemistry, or engineering
class; any approved remote sensing
class; any approved computer science
class. |
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| # |
A maximum combined
limit of 6 credit hours of AtSc 397,
Cooperative Education, and AtSc 497,
Internship, may be used as Atmospheric
Science electives. |
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MINOR IN ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCES |
| Requires 20 credits including: |
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AtSc 110 |
Meteorology I |
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(4) |
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AtSc 210 |
Meteorology II |
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(4) |
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AtSc 310 |
Introduction to Weather Forecasting |
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(3) |
| All other Atmospheric Sciences courses
will satisfy the minor excluding the following: |
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AtSc 251, Advanced Weather Modification |
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AtSc 331, Aviation Meteorology II |
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AtSc 397, Cooperative Education |
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AtSc 494, Special Studies |
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AtSc 497, Internship |
Courses
110. Meteorology
I. 4 credits. Elements of the atmosphere with
emphasis on those processes
that affect the global atmospheric circulation.
Includes laboratory. F,S
210. Introduction to Synoptic Meteorology. 4 credits. Prerequisites: AtSc 110, Math 146
or Math 165. The analysis and portrayal of synoptic
weather information. Kinematic flow analyses
of barotropic and baroclinic systems. Introduction
to many of the products produced by NWS. Includes
laboratory. F
231. Aviation Meteorology I. 4 credits.
Prerequisite: AtSc 110. A study of weather hazards,
meteorological flight planning, aviation weather
equipment and human factors in weather flying
safety. F,S
240. Meteorological Instrumentation. 4 credits.
Prerequisites: AtSc 110 and Math 103. A study
of the theory, design, and accuracy of instrumentation
for the measurement of temperature, pressure,
humidity, wind, and radiation. In addition, topics
such as radar, and the use of aircraft and balloons
as instrument platforms are also discussed. Includes
laboratory. S
250. Introduction to Weather Modification. 3 credits. Prerequisite: AtSc 110. Provides a
comprehensive introduction to basic concepts
of weather modification as currently undertaken
and researched around the world. It includes
application of fundamental meteorological processes
to weather modification, a study of cloud physics
and seeding theory, an introduction to the principles
of weather radar, a review of past and current
programs, and a discussion of related legal,
societal, economical and environmental issues.
F
251. Advanced Weather Modification. 3 credits.
Prerequisites: AtSc 250. Provides students exposure
to the practical aspects of weather modification
operations. Instruction is given in the following
areas: program design and evaluation, care and
use of seeding materials and equipment, identification
of seeding opportunities, and airborne delivery
of seeding materials. Emphasis is given to safety,
both on the ground and in the air. S
270. Computer Concepts in Meteorology. 3
credits. Prerequisite: AtSc 110 and an approved
computer language course. Examines the need for
and use of computers in atmospheric science.
Topics will include the application of various
computer concepts, such as numerical solution
of linear differential equations and numerical
integration, and numerical modeling techniques.
S
310. Introduction to Weather Forecasting.
3 credits. Prerequisite: AtSc 210. An operations
approach to application of practical methodologies
of weather analysis using computer textual and
graphic analysis systems. Involves routine weather
laboratory activities commonly found within the
operational sector of meteorology. S
315. Broadcast Meteorology. 3 credits. Prerequisites:
AtSc 310 and Communication or Atmospheric Sciences
major. An introduction to the field of broadcast
meteorology which provides an overview of television
production, the profession of broadcast meteorology,
AMS Seal requirements, ethics and the production,
organization, critique, and presentation of weather
information. F/2
331. Aviation Meteorology II. 3 credits.
Prerequisite: AtSc 231. A study of aviation weather
topics related to flight in high performance
and air transport category aircraft. Includes
a treatment of high altitude weather features,
airborne weather radar, international weather,
ground de-icing procedures and other topics.
On demand.
340. Introduction to Radar Meteorology. 4 credits.
Prerequisite: Phys 252. Introduction to principles
and theory of microwave radar and its uses as
a meteorological observation or research tool.
Includes laboratory. F/2
350. Atmospheric Thermodynamics. 3 credits.
Prerequisites: AtSc 270, Math 166, and Phys 251.
An introduction into the theory and application
of atmospheric thermodynamics used in synoptic,
meso- and microscale meteorology. The course
covers the principles of classical thermodynamics
and how they are applied to atmospheric processes.
F
353. Physical Meteorology. 3 credits. Prerequisites:
AtSc 110 and Phys 252. A study of atmospheric
processes and properties from a physical standpoint.
Includes boundary layer and upper atmosphere
processes, cloud microphysics and electrification,
and atmospheric radiation. S
355. Surface Transportation Weather I. 3 credits.
Pre- or corequisite: AtSc 310. An introduction
to the concepts, practices and methodologies
used in the surface transportation weather industry.
Includes configuration, siting, and data management/quality
control of environmental sensor stations, fundamentals
of surface transportation weather forecasting,
overview of winter road maintenance methods,
and applications of geographical information
systems technologies in a weather and road maintenance
environment. S
360. Dynamic Meteorology. 4 credits. Prerequisites:
AtSc 350 and Math 266. Corequisite: Math 266.
Basic equations of motion, atmospheric thermodynamics,
balanced motions, and atmospheric disturbances
are examined on an introductory level. S
397. Cooperative Education. 1-8 credits,
may be repeated to a total of 12 credits with
a maximum of 4 credits toward major electives.
Prerequisites: Overall GPA of at least 2.5, and
approval of the Coordinator of Atmospheric Sciences
cooperative education. The student will receive
credit for on-the-job compensated work experience
in various areas of meteorology available within
the government, university or private sectors.
S/U grading only. F,S,SS
405. Numerical Methods in Meteorology. 3 credits.
Prerequisites: AtSc 270 and Math 266. This course
is designed to introduce students to numerical
methods used to solve mathematical problems that
are difficult to solve analytically. The course
is designed to focus on numerical problems encountered
in the field of atmospheric science. F
411. Synoptic Meteorology. 4 credits. Prerequisites:
AtSc 210 and 360. Development and application
of quasi-geostrophic theory, including its application
to the development and propagation of surface
and upper-level systems, isentropic analysis,
IPV theory, fronts, jets, and the relation between
the synoptic environment and convection. Includes
a laboratory in which concepts are reinforced
through map discussion, map analysis, forecasting
exercises and forecasting techniques. F
441. Radar Meteorology. 4 credits. Prerequisite:
AtSc 340. Advanced radar theory, including basic
radar principles, digital processing of radar
signals, Doppler radar principles, displays,
polarization techniques, and characteristic returns.
Includes laboratory. S/2
450. Introduction to Cloud Physics Meteorology. 4 credits. Prerequisite: AtSc 350 and 353. A
study of the physics of clouds with emphasis
on micro-physical processes involved in cloud
formation, precipitation production, and dissipation.
Includes Laboratory. F/2
455. Surface Transportation Weather II. 3 credits.
Prerequisites: AtSc 355 or consent of instructor.
Corequisite: AtSc 420. An in-depth exploration
of surface transportation meteorology designed
to prepare students for a career in operational
surface transportation meteorology. Includes
application of mesoscale weather prediction models
in surface transportation environment, introduction
to pavement condition modeling, forecast verification
methods, and an introduction to methods of maintenance
decision-making. S
460. Mesoscale Dynamics. 3 credits. Prerequisite:
AtSc 360. An introduction to mesoscale dynamics
and forecasting. Topics include mesoscale circulations,
warm and cold season weather systems, terrain
induced weather systems and mesoscale models.
F
492. Senior Project. 1 credit, must be repeated
for a total of 2 credits. Senior status in meteorology,
consent of adviser required. A capstone program
demonstrating competency of undergraduate general
atmospheric sciences and original student investigation
of field or laboratory problems, after conference
with a supervising faculty member of the department.
S/U grading only. F,S,SS
494. Special Studies in Meteorology. 1-4
credits. Prerequisites: Upper division status
and consent of instructor. May be repeated with
change of subject matter to a maximum of four
credit hours. Designed for those students who
wish to pursue advanced topics in meteorology
on an individual basis. F,S,SS
497. Internship. 1-4 credits. Prerequisites:
Upper division status and consent of instructor.
Field experiences in several areas of meteorology
including weather modification, radar operations,
and cloud physics will be offered as available.
S/U grading only. F,S,SS
499. Topics in Meteorology. 2-4 credits.
Consent of instructor. This course will cover
one or more topics in meteorology of special
interest to upper division students. Course may
be repeated up to a maximum of 6 credits. F,S
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