11/21/2024 1:15:25 AM	METRO 10 Course Outline as of Fall 2011	Changed Course
CATALOG INFORMATION
Discipline and Nbr:  METRO 10	Title:  INTRO TO METEOROLOGY
Full Title:  Introduction to Meteorology
Last Reviewed:9/12/2022

Units		Course Hours per Week			Nbr of Weeks	Course Hours Total
Maximum	3.00	Lecture Scheduled	3.00		17.5 max.	Lecture Scheduled	52.50
Minimum	3.00	Lab Scheduled	0		6 min.	Lab Scheduled	0
		Contact DHR	0			Contact DHR	0
		Contact Total	3.00			Contact Total	52.50
		Non-contact DHR	0			Non-contact DHR Total	0

Total Out of Class Hours:  105.00

Total 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: 
Formerly: 

Catalog Description:

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, and atmospheric optics. California weather patterns and climate will be included.

Prerequisites/Corequisites:

Recommended Preparation:
Eligibility for ENGL 1A or equivalent

Limits on Enrollment:

Schedule of Classes Information
Description:

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, and atmospheric optics. California weather patterns and climate will be included.

(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:
	B1	Physical Science		Fall 1981
IGETC:	Transfer Area			Effective:	Inactive:
	5A	Physical Sciences		Fall 1981
CSU Transfer:	Transferable	Effective:	Fall 1981	Inactive:
UC Transfer:	Transferable	Effective:	Fall 1981	Inactive:
C-ID:

Certificate/Major Applicable: Both Certificate and Major Applicable

COURSE CONTENT

Outcomes and Objectives:
At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1.    Define the nature of meteorology as a science.

2.    Identify and describe fundamental meteorological variables.  

3.    Explain the processes that generate weather phenomena.

4.    Identify weather phenomena and patterns on maps.

5.    Distinguish between weather and climate.

6.    Explain the Earth's seasons.  

7.    Describe the mechanisms of heat transfer and apply this knowledge to the Earth's radiation budget, greenhouse effect, ozone depletion, and climate change.  

8.    Recognize global climate patterns.

9.    Evaluate merit of scientific claims.

Topics and Scope

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

          i.   Processes

          ii.  Types

          iii.  Measurement

    G. Global, regional and seasonal patterns

VI. Atmospheric pressure

    A.  Pressure, density, and temperature

    B.  Measurement

     C.  Mapping and analysis  

     D.  Global, regional and seasonal patterns

VII. Wind

     A.  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.  Fronts

    C. Midlatitude storms

    D. Tropical storms

IX.   Weather analysis

     A. Data acquisition and mapping  

     B. Forecasting

X.  Climate

     A. Classification

     B. Global patterns

    C. Global climate change

XI. Air Pollution

     A.  Types

    B.  Sources

    C.  Contributing factors

XII. Optical phenomena

     A.  Nature of light

    B.  Types

Assignments:

1. Assigned readings (20-40 pages per week)

2.  Assignments: written homework; problem solving homework; in class activities (5-15)

3.  Quizzes (3-15)

4.  Current event or issue papers (1-4)

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 - 25%
Written homework; current event or issue papers.
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:

The Atmosphere:  An Introduction to Meteorology, 11th edition.  Lutgens, Frederick K., Edward J. Tarbuck and Dennis Tassa.  Prentice Hall:  2009

 

Essentials of Meteorology:  An Invitation to the Atmosphere, 6th edition.  Ahrens, C. Donald. Brooks and Cole: 2011

 

Meteorology Today:  An Introduction to Weather, Climate, and the Environment, 9th edition.  Ahrens, C. Donald.  Brooks / Cole:  2009

Print PDF