SRJC Course Outlines

3/28/2024 6:19:59 AMMETRO 10 Course Outline as of Summer 2021

Changed Course
CATALOG INFORMATION

Discipline and Nbr:  METRO 10Title:  WEATHER AND CLIMATE  
Full Title:  Introduction to Weather and Climate
Last Reviewed:9/12/2022

UnitsCourse Hours per Week Nbr of WeeksCourse Hours Total
Maximum3.00Lecture Scheduled3.0017.5 max.Lecture Scheduled52.50
Minimum3.00Lab Scheduled06 min.Lab Scheduled0
 Contact DHR0 Contact DHR0
 Contact Total3.00 Contact Total52.50
 
 Non-contact DHR0 Non-contact DHR Total0

 Total Out of Class Hours:  105.00Total Student Learning Hours: 157.50 

Title 5 Category:  AA Degree Applicable
Grading:  Grade or P/NP
Repeatability:  00 - Two Repeats if Grade was D, F, NC, or NP
Also Listed As:  GEOG 10
Formerly: 

Catalog Description:
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A descriptive introduction to the science of the atmosphere. Topics include Earth/Sun relationships, temperature, atmospheric pressure and wind, clouds and precipitation, storm fronts, hurricanes and tornadoes, weather forecasting, climate patterns and climate change, and atmospheric optics. California weather patterns and climate will be emphasized.

Prerequisites/Corequisites:


Recommended Preparation:
Eligibility for ENGL 1A or equivalent

Limits on Enrollment:

Schedule of Classes Information
Description: Untitled document
A descriptive introduction to the science of the atmosphere. Topics include Earth/Sun relationships, temperature, atmospheric pressure and wind, clouds and precipitation, storm fronts, hurricanes and tornadoes, weather forecasting, climate patterns and climate change, and atmospheric optics. California weather patterns and climate will be emphasized.
(Grade or P/NP)

Prerequisites:
Recommended:Eligibility for ENGL 1A or equivalent
Limits on Enrollment:
Transfer Credit:CSU;UC.
Repeatability:00 - Two Repeats if Grade was D, F, NC, or NP

ARTICULATION, MAJOR, and CERTIFICATION INFORMATION

Associate Degree:Effective:Fall 1981
Inactive: 
 Area:C
Natural Sciences
 
CSU GE:Transfer Area Effective:Inactive:
 B1Physical ScienceFall 1981
 
IGETC:Transfer Area Effective:Inactive:
 5APhysical SciencesFall 1981
 
CSU Transfer:TransferableEffective:Fall 1981Inactive:
 
UC Transfer:TransferableEffective:Fall 1981Inactive:
 
C-ID:

Certificate/Major Applicable: Both Certificate and Major Applicable



COURSE CONTENT

Student Learning Outcomes:
At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:
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1.  Describe fundamental meteorological concepts and the physical laws which govern
    atmospheric behavior.
2.  Explain the interactions between the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere.  
3.  Examine Earth/Sun relationships and recognize the role each plays in shaping weather and
    climate.
4.  Analyze and interpret weather maps, radar imagery and satellite data.
 

Objectives: Untitled document
During this course students will:
1. Define the nature of meteorology as a science.
2. Identify and describe the elements of weather.  
3. Explain the processes that generate weather phenomena.
4. Identify weather phenomena and patterns on weather maps, and radar and satellite images.  
5. Explain Earth seasonality.  
6. Describe the mechanisms of heat transfer and apply this knowledge to the Earth's radiation
    budget, greenhouse effect, and climate change.  
7. Recognize and describe global climate patterns and the implications of climate change.
8. Evaluate the merit of scientific claims.

Topics and Scope
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I. Introduction to Science, the Scientific Method and Meteorology as a Science
II. Atmosphere
    A. Composition
    B. Vertical structure
    C. Weather and Climate
III. Solar and Terrestrial Radiation
    A. Electromagnetic spectrum
     B. Insolation
     C. Mechanisms of heat transfer
    D. Earth/Sun relationships
    E. Energy budget
IV. Temperature
     A. Heat and temperature
    B. Measurement
    C. Controlling factors  
     D. Global, regional and seasonal patterns
V. Atmospheric Moisture
    A. Properties of water
    B. Hydrologic cycle
    C. Humidity and humidity measurement
    D. Adiabatic processes and stability
    E. Clouds and fog
     F. Precipitation
     G. Global, regional and seasonal patterns
VI. Atmospheric Pressure
    A. Relationship between air density and temperature
    B. Measurement
     C. Mapping and analysis  
     D. Global, regional and seasonal patterns
VII. Wind
     A. Pressure gradient force, direction, speed, and measurement
    B. Surface and upper level
    C. Global, regional, and seasonal circulation patterns
    D. Effects on oceanic circulation
VIII. Air Masses and Weather Systems
    A. Air masses
     B. Polar, mid-latitude and tropical patterns
          i. Fronts and mid-latitude cyclones
         ii. Thunderstorms and tornadoes
         iii.  Tropical cyclones (hurricanes, typhoons, and cyclones)
IX. Weather Analysis
     A. Data acquisition and mapping  
     B. Forecasting
X. Climate and Climate Change
    A. Classification
     B. Global patterns
    C. Global and regional climate change
XI. Air Pollution
     A. Types
    B. Sources
    C. Contributing factors
XII. Optical Phenomena
     A. Nature of light
    B. Types

Assignments:
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1. Assigned readings (20-40 pages per week)
2. Assignments: written homework, problem solving homework, in-class activities (5-15)
3. Quizzes (2-15)
4. Current event and/or other papers/projects (1-3)
5. Exams (2-5)

Methods of Evaluation/Basis of Grade.
Writing: Assessment tools that demonstrate writing skill and/or require students to select, organize and explain ideas in writing.Writing
5 - 20%
Written homework; current event or other papers/projects
Problem solving: Assessment tools, other than exams, that demonstrate competence in computational or non-computational problem solving skills.Problem Solving
10 - 30%
Problem solving homework; in class activities
Skill Demonstrations: All skill-based and physical demonstrations used for assessment purposes including skill performance exams.Skill Demonstrations
0 - 0%
None
Exams: All forms of formal testing, other than skill performance exams.Exams
50 - 80%
Exams, including objective questions and essays; quizzes
Other: Includes any assessment tools that do not logically fit into the above categories.Other Category
0 - 10%
Participation and attendance


Representative Textbooks and Materials:
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Essentials of Meteorology:  An Invitation to the Atmosphere. 8th ed. Ahrens, C. Donald and Henson, Robert. Brooks and Cole. 2017
The Atmosphere:  An Introduction to Meteorology. 13th ed. Lutgens, Frederick and Tarbuck, Edward and Tasa, Dennis. Pearson. 2015
Meteorology Today:  An Introduction to Weather, Climate, and the Environment. 9th ed. Ahrens, C. Donald. Cengage Leanring. 2012 (classic)

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