Syllabus
Instructor:
Professor David S. Battisti
david@atmos.washington.edu
543-2019
Office Hours: M, T, W, Th, 11:45-12:45, ATG 718
| TAs: | Office Hours | TA Office | CLUE Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bri Dotson bdotson@atmos.washington.edu |
M 12:00 - 1:00 | ATG 420 543-6627 |
See CLUE schedule |
| Steve Robinson stever@atmos.washington.edu |
M 2:00 - 3:00 | ||
| Mark Zelinka mzelinka@atmos.washington.edu |
M 1:00 - 2:00 |
Lecture:
| M, T, W, Th | 10:30-11:20 | KNE 220 |
Sections:
| AA | F | 10:30-11:20 | EE1 003 | Bri |
| AB | F | 10:30-11:20 | MGH 287 | Steve |
| AC | F | 10:30-11:20 | MGH 234 | Mark |
| AD | F | 1:30-2:20 | BNS 115 | Bri |
| AE | Th | 11:30-12:20 | BAG 261 | Bri |
| AF | Th | 1:30-2:20 | SAV 243 | Steve |
| AG | Th | 2:30-3:20 | LOW 105 | Mark |
"Sections" may include a quiz, a laboratory demonstration, a discussion about the lecture material, or a de-briefing on the homework questions.
General Description
This course deals with the science of the Earth's atmosphere and its goal is to provide you with a better understanding of the processes occurring in the atmosphere that are responsible for the weather and climate we experience. The class will focus on why and how things happen, rather than on memorization of climate classifications and statistics. You will also learn how to read the sky and weather maps, and we will discuss the cause of selected natural and human-induced climate variations. Such topics will include El Niño, greenhouse warming, acid rain, and possibly the ozone hole.
A more specific list of topics to be covered can be found on the class schedule.
Web Page
http://www.atmos.washington.edu/2006Q2/101/
Here, you will find the course outline, homework, syllabus, and handouts. You will also find some interesting weather and climate links.
Course Grading
Homework: 25%
Two Midterms: 20% each
Final: 30%
Quiz: 5%
Evaluation
Homework: Homework will generally consist of six questions, each with multiple parts. Homework will be handed out on Tuesday and be due within the first five minutes of the lecture on the following Tuesday or it will be considered late. Late homework is devalued at 50% if turned in after the first five minutes of lecture on Tuesday. It will not be accepted after the beginning of lecture on Wednesday. You will be allowed one free drop for the quarter (worst grade, sick, etc...). Two of the six questions will be graded, but all will be reviewed in section.
Exams: The content of the exams will be based on lectures, class discussions, section discussions and activities, reading assignments, and homework. The final exam will cover the entire course. All exams are closed book and consist of short answer and multiple choice questions. Under very unusual circumstances, a makeup exam will be offered; arrangements must be made in advance of the day of the exam. Makeup exams will consist of very challenging essays assigned by Prof. Battisti.
Midterm Exam Dates: Wednesday April 19 and Wednesday May 10
Final Exam Date: Monday, June 5, 2006, 8:30-10:20 AM
Forecasting Contest: An opportunity for extra credit
Forecasting will begin the third week of the quarter. Students who submit a minimum of 30 forecasts will receive 5 extra credit points on the final. Students who do well on their forecasts and submit at least 30 forecasts, are eligible for up to 5 additional points of extra credit on the final. Total possible extra credit is 10 points added to a 100-point final. More information will be provided before the contest begins.
Academic Honesty
Working with other students on assignments is acceptable as long as the written result is your own work. Direct copying of any part of another person's work by any means is considered cheating. Cheating will not be tolerated. All parties involved will receive no credit.
Disability Accommodations
If you require any disability accommodations, please contact Disability Resources for Students at (206) 543-8924, uwdss@u.washington.edu, or in person at 448 Schmitz Hall. In the interest of fairness, we will only accommodate those with proper documentation.
Required Text
Aherns, C. Donald, 2006: Meteorology Today: An Introduction to Weather, Climate, and the Environment. Eighth Edition: Core Chapters Version. Thompson Brooks Cole Publisher. ISBN: 0495017213.
Note: The 8th edition of the "Core" version of Meteorology Today is exactly the same as the 8th edition of the standard version of Meteorology Today (ISBN: 0495110051) except it doesn't include chapters 17-19. Either book will work for this course.
Books on Reserve at the Undergraduate Library
Aherns, C. Donald, 2006: Essentials of Meteorology: An Invitation to the Atmosphere. Wadsworth Publishing.
Aherns, C. Donald, 2006: Meteorology Today: An Introduction to Weather, Climate and the Environment. Eighth edition: Thompson Brooks Cole Publisher.
Lutgens, Frederick K. and Edward J. Tarbuck, 1992: The Atmosphere. Fifth Ed., Prentice Hall. 430p.