Geography 3510 Meteorology -- 3 credit hours Spring, 2003
5:30 PM to 8:00 PM Thursday DSC 285
Dr.Peake; Office-DC-263;Phone-554-2726 E-Mail-Jpeake@mail.unomaha.edu
Web- http://maps.unomaha.edu/Peake
Office Hours-9 to 11 M,W; 3-5 PM Thursday and by appointment
Text - Ahrens, Meteorology Today, 7h edition
Topics for each lecture and readings in Ahrens
Jan 16-- Introduction; Atmosphere-----Chapter 1 and 48-52
Jan 23--Energy---Chapter 2
Jan 30-Temperature----Chapter 3
Feb 6-- Humidity----Chapter 5
*Feb 13-Condensation---- Chapter 6
Feb 20-Atmospheric Stability--Chapter 7
Feb 27-Precipitation--Chapter 8
March 6-Wind Principles--Chapter 9
*March 13-Local and Global Wind Systems--Chapter 10 and 11
March 20--SPRING BREAK
March 27-Air Masses and Fronts-Chapter 12
April 3-Mid Latitude Circulation Systems--Chapter 13
April 10--Weather Forecasting--Chapter 14
*April 17--Thunderstorms and Tornadoes--Chapter 15
April 24--Tropical Weather--Chapter 16
May 1--Catch up
Final Exam will be on Thursday May 8
COURSE STRUCTURE
There will be four tests in all with one of them being given during finals week (and primarily including the last 1/4 of the course. Each test will be of equal weight and all 4 of them will count for 90% of your grade. They will most likely be given on the dates above preceded by an asterisk *There will also be at least 10 short assignments to hand in. Each one will be worth 1% of your grade and the lowest 2 will be dropped. Most of these will be web based and I would encourage you to hand them in in via email. None should take more than 10 or 15 minutes each. For the other two points you are required to email two questions to me at different times inthe semester. These need not be in a question format but should indicate material that you would like to learn about. Don't just go to the back of the text and pick out a question (remember I read the text as well). Doesn't have to be formally stated, just something you want to learn about and it wasn't covered in class or you want to make sure it will be covered. It is ok to ask a question on a topic already covered, just don't wait too long before submitting it to me.
While it is important you read the book and understand the diagrams most test questions will be based on material emphasized in lecture. I will put out on the web short test review sheets before each exam.
I have placed a link to an announcements page on the course home page. There I will place any odds and ends that might come up such as web sites you might look at, further elaboration of material that I find is necessary from email messages from you, and any changes in schedule. Try to check it at least once a week.
GRADING SCALE
97-100 % = A+ ; 93-97% = A ;90-93 % = A-, etc
PREREQUISITES---There are no specific prerequisites for this course. Past experience has shown that interest, ability and effort are the primary determinants of "success" in the course. However, experience garnered in any of the following courses would prove helpful and make the course easier and more enjoyable: Geography 1030 or 1060, a college physics course, or Aviation Meteorology.
MISCELLANY---Besides keeping a copy of this syllabus on my web page I will also post various links to meteorological sites and any announcements that I need to make between class meetings. Assignments and miscellaneous notes and handouts will also be available. Check the site regularly.