University of Wisconsin-Madison
Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences
Course Syllabus
AOS 101: Weather and Climate Lab
Fall 2010
Lisha M. Roubert
roubert@wisc.edu
Office: 1449 AO&SS Bldg
Office Hours:
T 1:00-2:30PM, W 2:30-3:45PM, *or by appointment
www.aos.wisc.edu/~roubert/aos_101_home.html
Lab/Discussion Website:
Course Objectives: The focus of this lab section will be climate. It is intended to provide students a basic
understanding of climate and laboratory climate analysis techniques. We will be using software such as excel to
carry out climate analysis. We will also be using other resources outside the classroom such as the rotating tank lab
to do demonstrations and make the course more interesting. Many topics you will learn about here will not be
covered in lecture, but they will help you understand the concepts taught in lecture, as well as provide for an
additional understanding of climate.
Grading:
Your grade for this class will be based on weekly assignment, quizzes, attendance and a final project assignment.
Quizzes
25%
Laboratory exercises
30%
Participation in discussion
20%
Final Project
25%
The grade for this lab section makes up 25% of your final grade for AOS 101. The remaining 75% of the grade
comes from Prof. Ackerman’s lecture (exams, homework, etc.).
Expectations of the student:
1) Enjoy the class!
2) Come to class. Participation counts towards your grade! Also, if you do not come to class you will not be
able to make up missed quizzes and activities.
3) LEARN THE MATERIAL. “Trying” is not enough to pass any college course. You must work hard to
improve your ability to think, work and write scientifically.
4) Assignments should be turned in promptly on time at the beginning of class. No excuses! Late assignments
will not be accepted.
5) No use of cell phones is allowed in class. No online chatting on computers.
6) CHEATING OR PLAGIARISM will not be tolerated! Please refer to the University guidelines for
academic misconduct.
7) Respect your TA, your classmates and yourself.
What the student can expect from me.. :
1) A class that is both interesting and fun. We will be using computers as well as use other resources such as
the rotating tank laboratory to illustrate different climate concepts.
2) Dedication to help you do your best in this class. I will be available during office hours to provide help.
Don’t be afraid to come to office hours and ask questions.
Approximate Course Outline:
Week
Date
Lab Topic
Week 1
September 2 & 7
Introduction, Excel
Week 2
September 9 & 14
Solar Cycle
Week 3
September 16 & 21
Temperature trends of WI cities
Week 4
September 23 & 28
Temperature trends in WI cities
Week 5
September 30 & October 5
Precipitation in WI counties
Week 6
October 7 & 12
Global cloud cover trends
Week 7
October 14 & 19
Rotating Tank: General Circulation
Week 8
October 21 & 26
El Nino
Week 9
October 28 & November 2
Rotating Tank: Frontal Lab
Week 10
November 4 & 9
Convection
Week 11
November 11 & 16
Jet Stream
Week 12
November 18 & 23
Hail, tornadoes, wind events
Week 13
November 30 & December 2
Ice on and off of Lake Mendota
Week 14
Week 15
December 7 & 9
December 14 & 16
Ice on and ice off of Lake Mendota
Hand in Final Project, Evaluations
* This syllabus is subject to change by the instructor at any time. The instructor reserves the right to change
grading policies in exceptional circumstances.