Introduction to Meteorology
Environmental Science-301-901
Fall Semester 2007
Instructor: Mr. John Bernier
Location: Hibbs 427
When: Tuesday
Phone: 330-8844
Email: jgbernier@vcu.edu
Course Description & Objectives
Meteorology
is the study of the atmosphere and the processes that create what you and I
refer to as weather.
The
objective of this course is to provide the student with an overview of the
structure of the atmosphere and the physical processes that produce atmospheric
circulations and thus the weather patterns that we observe. Additionally, the course will strive to
develop and understanding of weather observation and the principles and practices
of forecasting in the students. The purpose of this is to develop an
understanding of the atmosphere, the physical processes that produce what is
thought of as “weather” and the ability to communicate these concepts. This course is designed as an “on ramp” for
Meteorology and Climatology ENVS 401 but also is designed to serve as a “stand
alone” course of study for those who are involved in non physical science
disciplines and for educators who will be instructing students at the
elementary and middle school level in a simplified manner.
Meteorology
as a science is heavily rooted in the disciplines of physics and mathematics.
Atmospheric circulations are governed by the rules of physics, and are modeled
using such. Mathematics is highly
involved in the measurement of the current state of the atmosphere and
prediction of the future state of the atmosphere using Numerical Weather
Prediction. It is hoped that the
students have had some training in
physics and post-algebra mathematics, however
it is not required. You will be exposed to some numerical equations in this
course. Understanding their use and meaning is what is important; not
calculating the numerical result.
Ahrens, C, Donald; Essentials of Meteorology. Fifth Edition,
Thomson Higher Education,
ISBN 13: 978-0-495-11558-8
ISBN 10: 0-495-11558-4
Fourth Addition is perfectly
acceptable as a “value” textbook.
ISBN 10: 0-534-42264-0
30% Midterm
Exam Week 5
20% Case
Study Week 10
10% Weather Exercise Weeks15
40% Cumulative
Final Week 16
Exams
will consist of, but not limited to multiple choice, matching, fill in the
blanks, and or discussion questions.
Do
not miss the exams! Makeup will be
considered on an individual basis in
case of medically certified illness or FEMLA cases, provided you notify me via
telephone before class (note, my voice mail timestamps all incoming messages)
Grading: 1000 possible points 700-799=C 800-899=B 900+=A
Case Study: You will work
in groups of 3 to 5. Your assignment is to pick a “weather disaster” and to
prepare a written case study of the event and a 10 minute oral presentation on
what happened, what led to it, and how it affected the people of that
area. You are open to pick anything that
is of interest to your group. I will
also have a list of suggested topics that you can pick from. The written papers are due week 10. The papers will be graded on content and
writing structure. The oral
presentations will be staggered out over weeks 10-15. Grading is 140 points written and 60 points
oral presentation.
Weather Exercise: Class on Week
15 will consist of a case study where you will get to act as operational
weather forecasters. Using your groups
from the above, you will be assigned to “staff” a weather office, emergency
operations center, public service organization, or whatever else I come up
with. Your task will involve analyzing
the ongoing weather situation and producing forecasts, warnings, or advisories
for the general public. You will deal
with a real historical event which could be anything from a hurricane, to a
tornado outbreak to a blizzard.
Course Outline & Schedule
Fall Track
|
Date |
Title |
Chapter |
|
1 |
The History of Weather Forecasting and Where Are
YOU? |
|
|
2 |
The Atmosphere and an Introduction to Weather
Observation |
Chapter 1, |
|
3 |
Weather Observation and Analysis |
Appendix C, D, E |
|
4 |
Solar Energy, Energy Balance & The Seasons |
Chapter 2 & 3 |
|
5 |
Cloud Formation, Structure &Precipitation
Process |
Chapter 4 & 5 |
|
6 |
Atmospheric Circulation Part 1 |
Chapter 6 & 7 |
|
7 |
Atmospheric Circulation Part 2 MID
TERM EXAM |
Chapter 6 & 7 |
|
8 |
Synoptic Systems
and the Polar Front Theory |
Chapter 8 |
|
|
|
|
|
9 |
Weather Forecasting 1 |
Chapter 9 |
|
10 |
Weather Forecasting
2 Case Studies Due |
Chapter 9 |
|
11 |
Air Pollutions and
“Funny things in the Sky” |
Chapter 12, 15 |
|
12 |
Severe Local Storms |
Chapter 10 |
|
13 |
Open Week to Account for Severe Weather |
|
|
14 |
Tropical Storms and
Hurricanes |
Chapter 11 |
|
15 |
Weather Exercise |
|
Please note, lecture topics
and schedules are subject to change and you will be notified as to such.