Required ATMOS Courses

This course provides an introduction to the atmospheric sciences profession and related environmental fields. Career opportunities in government, industry, and education are discussed by professionals employed in areas such as weather forecasting, broadcasting, air quality, fire weather, hydrology, and snow safety. The course also introduces critical concepts related to observing and forecasting the atmosphere that are applied in many of the upper-division courses. (1.5 credits)

The course will apply basic principles of physics and chemistry to quantitatively describe the processes that control the chemical composition and evolution of the Earth's atmosphere. Special topics include acid rain, the ozone hole, photochemical smog production, health effects of air pollution, and alternative energy sources. (3 credits)

Prerequisites: CHEM 1210 AND MATH 1220 or instructor's consent

Influence of terrain upon typical and severe weather, including local wind circulations and mountain snowstorms. Applications of mountain meteorology to related fields such as air pollution, fire weather, sports aviation and snowpack evolution. (3 credits)

An intermediate-level introduction to the atmospheric sciences for both atmospheric science majors and other scientists and engineers. Topics include the structure of atmosphere, atmospheric thermodynamics, cloud physics, radiative transfer, and atmospheric dynamics. (3 credits)

Prerequisites: MATH 1220, PHYS 2210 or instructor's consent

Understanding our environment requires understanding how measurements of it are made. The techniques and instrumentation required to observe conditions near and immediately above the earth's surface are introduced. Laboratory and field exercises are used to develop experience applicable for careers in the atmospheric and environmental fields. (2 credits)

Co-requisite: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in PHYS 2220 or instructor's consent

Introduction to atmospheric fluid dynamics, including fundamental forces, conservation laws, governing equations, circulation and vorticity. (3 credits)

Prerequisite: ATMOS 5000

Thermodynamics of dry and moist air, including adiabatic processes, parcel theory, and thermodynamic diagrams; boundary layer structure and processes, including turbulence, surface fluxes, vertical structure and diurnal cycle.

Overview of aerosols, clouds and precipitation in the atmosphere including observed characteristics and the thermodynamics of how clouds are created and dissipated. Physical interactions of solar and terrestrial radiation with atmospheric constituents, including greenhouse gases, aerosols, clouds and the ground, the role of clouds and atmospheric gases in the earth's energy budget, and the role of anthropogenic greenhouse gases in climate change.

Environmental fields are overwhelmed with information, but methods are available to help acquire, analyze, visualize, and interpret the associated time series and multidimensional fields. To accomplish these tasks, applications of computer programming and statistics relevant to environmental fields are introduced. The Python programming language using the Linux programming environment is emphasized. Statistical methods include time series analysis, multivariate data analysis of two-dimensional fields, forecast verification, and hypothesis testing.

Interactions among components of the climate system are examined, especially interactions concerning the atmosphere, oceans, land surfaces, and sea ice. After completion of the course, knowledge of the physical processes underlying climate dynamics will enable students to evaluate and understand projected climate change and variability.

Prerequisites: MATH 1050

Students are guided through independent and group study to prepare an experiential learning experience, e.g., a research project, internship, or outreach activity. Students propose a customized experience relevant to their own interests that will be pursued during a subsequent semester. The course will also help students develop their skills in oral and written scientific communication.