University of Alberta

Weather Analysis and Forecasting, EAS 372

Course Outline, Jan. - April, 2013

Course Web Page: http://courses.eas.ualberta.ca/eas372/index.html (accessible to registered students by User Name and Password): links to past exams and quizzes, and much more.

Instructor: Dr. J.D. Wilson

Office: CCIS Room 3-277

Phone: 492 0353

E-mail: jaydee.uu@ualberta.ca

Instructor's Office Hours: Mon, Wed, Fri 11-12

Lecture Room & Time: ESB 1-39, Tues & Thurs, 9:30-10:50

Course Description: (3-0-0). An introduction to synoptic analysis. Meteorological codes. Analysis of surface charts. Air-masses and fronts. Upper air constant pressure charts. Structure and evolution of weather systems. Analysis of current and predicted weather data. Synoptic weather forecasting. Prerequisite: EAS 371.

Recommended Textbook: Midlatitude Synoptic Meteorology, G. Lackmann (published by the American Meteorological Society)

Comment: This "practicum"-type course will place a strong emphasis on interpretation of weather analyses and forecasts supplied by Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP), to assist students to understand and use NWP products. Many other types of information complement the information available from weather models, e.g. atmospheric soundings, satellite and radar images, pilot reports, etc. A theory side of the course will be motivated towards ensuring students are fluent with the vocabulary and the concepts that are relevant to informed discussion of weather situations and forecasts, e.g. the governing equations in vector notation or component form, the role of unresolved scales of motion, idealized models of synoptic weather evolution (the geostrophic and quasi-geostrophic paradigms).

Resources: The course web page (http://courses.eas.ualberta.ca/eas372/) will give course information (dates of assignments and exams; grading criteria) and archive materials used in class.

Class Format: Classes will take place in ESB 1-39, where students will have individual web access. Some exercises and assignments will involve computing, e.g. MATLAB or GrADS (an introduction to these resources will be provided).

Evaluation:

Five assignments (10% + 10% + 10% + 15% + 15%)
In-class weather analysis/forecast presentation. Performed in pairs (10%)
Final exam (120 mins, 30%)

A final letter grade will be assigned on the basis of your total (cumulative) score. Where possible, natural breaks in the mark distribution will be used in assigning grades, but no pre-determined distribution of grades will be imposed. Your grade will reflect a combination of your absolute achievement and relative standing in the class. Median grades for this course in (2012, 2011, 2010) respectively were (Bplus, B, Bplus).

A deferred exam, if necessary, will be held Monday 6 May 2013 at 09:00-11:00

Mandatory Statements

"Policy about course outlines can be found in Section 23.4(2) of the University Calendar."
Disclaimer: Any typographical errors in this Course Outline are subject to change and will be announced in class. The date of the final examination is set by the Registrar and takes precedence over the final examination date reported in this syllabus.
Academic Integrity: "The University of Alberta is committed to the highest standards of academic integrity and honesty. Students are expected to be familiar with these standards regarding academic honesty and to uphold the policies of the University in this respect. Students are particularly urged to familiarize themselves with the provisions of the Code of Student Behaviour (online at http://www.governance.ualberta.ca) and avoid any behaviour which could potentially result in suspicions of cheating, plagiarism, misrepresentation of facts and/or participation in an offence. Academic dishonesty is a serious offence and can result in suspension or expulsion from the University."

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University of Alberta

Weather Analysis and Forecasting, EAS 372

Course Outline, Jan. - April, 2013

Mandatory Statements

Last Modified: 20 Dec., 2012