University of Alberta Course Outline

EAS270

The Atmosphere

Sept.-Dec., 2016

Instructor: Dr. J.D. Wilson

Office: CCIS Room 3-277

Phone: 780 492 0353

E-mail: jaydee.uu@ualberta.ca

Class Web Page: accessed via eClass

Instructor's Office Hours: Tues, Thurs 15:00-17:00

Lecture Room & Time: ESB Room 3-27, 13:00-13:50

Course Description: (3-0-0). An introduction to weather. Atmospheric composition, vertical structure and energetics. Humidity and clouds, stratification and instability. Atmospheric motion on the global and synoptic scales. Air masses, fronts and storms. Introduction to weather maps, weather analysis and numerical weather prediction models. Weather map discussions. Prerequisite: Any 100-level Mathematics or Physics course, or SCI 100.

Course Objectives: To impart science skills in the context of introductory learning about the atmosphere, and the processes determining weather on the synoptic scale. We will encounter and use many symbols and formulae. You will also learn how to interpret various types of weather chart.

Textbook: "Weather and Climate: an introduction," by S.L. Ross, Oxford University Press, 2013. (Two copies are on reserve in Cameron Library.)

Lecture/Learning Format: We will cover the material of textbook chapters 1-15, less excluded sections/topics (which will be listed on the web site); thus there will be about two lectures per textbook chapter. Chapters 16, 17 will be excluded entirely as the focus of the course is weather (not climate). Some classes will include a discussion of recent and/or forecast weather: on such occasions weather charts will be placed on the web by or before 9 am of the day of the lecture; students may find it useful to print a copy and bring it to class.

Grade Evaluation:

First mid-term exam Monday 3 Oct., 50 min [25%]
Second mid-term exam Wednesday 2 Nov., 50 min [25%]
Final exam, 120 min [50%]

No course weight (ie. mark) is assigned on the basis of in-class "participation." All course material covered prior to a given exam is eligible to be tested. Exams are "closed book", and a "cheat sheet" is not permitted.

A final letter grade will be assigned on the basis of your total (cumulative) score on term and exam work. Where possible, natural breaks in the mark distribution will be used in assigning grades, but no pre-determined distribution of grades will be imposed on the class. Your grade will reflect a combination of your absolute achievement and relative standing in the class. In past years, the mean grade in this course has been in the Bminus to B range.

Missing work: If (by choice or necessity) you miss a mid-term exam then (unless unusual individual circumstances prevail) the weight of the missed exam will be deferred to the final exam; however only one item of missing work will be handled that way. There will be no alternative dates. If you miss the final exam, you should know that there is a formal procedure to apply for a deferred exam (please open University Calendar in a new tab). Compelling documentation will be required of you. The deferred exam, if necessary, will be held during the February 2017 Reading Week.

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.
"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 (please open this link in a new tab) 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."

University of Alberta Course Outline

EAS270

The Atmosphere

Sept.-Dec., 2016

Mandatory Statements

Last Modified: 25 August, 2016