GGS309 Spring 2021
Introduction to Weather and Climate

Course Description

This course will introduce students to the fundamental principles upon which the atmosphere and climate sciences are based and provide quantitative description and interpretation of the wide range of atmospheric observations and phenomena, with an emphasis on sub-synoptic scales (i.e. weather and regional scale climate). This course engages students with realworld examples and a captivating narrative. One of the main goals of this course is not only to provide the basic knowledge of physical fundamentals of the weather and climate, but also to prepare students for the atmospheric science and climate science. This course is designed for both science majors and non-majors taking their first course in weather and climate sciences.
Goals of the course include:

1. providing basic knowledge of physical fundamentals of weather and climate
2. preparing learners for the science of atmospheric modeling and simulations

Course Objectives

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

1. Describe the difference between weather and climate
2. Define basic concepts of atmosphere and climate sciences
3. Assess how weather and climate impact assessments
4. Utilize textbook and references to learn why we have extreme weather and climate events
5. Describe climate change and future challenges

Course Methodology

The class format will combine reading, lectures, presentations, and other learning tools. The class will be interactive and require every student to be engaged in the classroom discussion and assignments. In addition to the lectures, screencasts and timely completion of assignments, every student will be expected to be an active participant and a dedicated individual applying what you learn to every element of the course work.

Required Textbook
Understanding Weather and Climate, Seventh Edition, (2015), by Edward Aguado and James E. Burt, Pearson, ISBN-13: 978-0321987303 and ISBN-10: 0321987306, ISBN-13: 9780133943641 (eText), 570 pages.

Suggested Reference Books

1. Atmospheric Science: An Introductory Survey, Second Edition, (2006), Wallace, J. M., and P. V. Hobbs, Academic Press.
2. Climatology, 2011, By Robert V. Rohli, Anthony J. Vega, Jones & Bartlett Learning, Paperback - 432 pages - ISBN 0763791016
3. What We Know about Climate Change, Updated Edition, (2018) by Kerry Emanuel, MIT Press, ISBN: 9780262535915

Online Materials
Throughout the course you should also be prepared to refer to the following websites:

• World Meteorological Organization
• The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
• Local Weather on The Weather Channel

Grading

Honor code

Schedule