School of Mathematics and Sciences
Sierra Vista – Fall 2013
August 19, 2013 – November 2, 2013
WAYLAND MISSION STATEMENT: Wayland Baptist University exists to educate students in an academically
challenging, learning-focused and distinctively Christian environment for professional success lifelong learning,
and service to God and humankind.
COURSE NUMBER AND TITLE: GEOL 3302 - Meteorology
CAMPUS: Tucson Campus
INSTRUCTOR:
Michael Engel
Office Hours, Building and Location: Before and after class
Email:
Michael.engel@wayland.wbu.edu
CATALOG DESCRIPTION: The composition of the atmosphere and the energy transformations which take
place in the various atmospheric arenas are discussed in detail. Weather analysis, forecasting and climatology
are also studied. (No lab for GEOL 3302).
PREREQUISITE: none
REQUIRED TEXTBOOK: Ahrens, C. Donald: Meteorology Today, 10TH Edition
OUTCOME COMPETENCIES: Upon completion of the course the student will
1. know the composition and chemical properties of the atmosphere
2. understand the earth’s atmospheric global heat budget and mechanisms of heat transfer and
atmospheric circulation
3. be able to interpret quantitative data relevant to weather forecasting, including air temperature,
pressure and humidity readings.
4. understand the physical processes behind the development of clouds, thunderstorms tornadoes
and hurricanes- major weather phenomena
5. be familiar with concepts of global climates and the affects of human population on the
atmosphere.
ATTENDANCE-TIME COMMITMENT: The university expects students to make class attendance a priority. If a
student is unable to attend a class, it is the responsibility of that student to notify the instructor immediately and
to acquire the notes from another student for the class(es) missed. More than three absences will result in at
least a one (1) letter drop in the final grade and could result in a failure of the course.
DISCRIMINATION POLICY: “In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), it is the
policy of Wayland Baptist University that no otherwise qualified person with a disability be excluded from
participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any educational program or
activity in the university. The Coordinator of Counseling Services serves as the coordinator of students with a
disability and should be contacted concerning accommodation requests at (806) 291- 3765. Documentation of a
disability must accompany any request for accommodations.”
It is the responsibility of the student to inform the instructor of any disability that may require accommodation
during the lecture or laboratory portions of the course. It is of particular importance to report any condition or
disability that may affect the safety of the individual or others. Information provided for this purpose will be kept
strictly confidential and will not in any way affect the individual’s course grade.
Disability Statement: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), it is the policy of
Wayland Baptist University that no otherwise qualified person with a disability be excluded from participation in,
be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any educational program or activity in the
university. The Coordinator of Counseling Services serves as the coordinator of students with a disability and
should be contacted concerning accommodation requests at (806) 291-3765. Documentation of a disability must
accompany any request for accommodations.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Students will be evaluated by examinations, class assignments, etc. as described
in this syllabus under the heading “Evaluation”.
EVALUATION: University Grading System: A=90-100, B=80-89, C =70-79, D=60-69, F=below 60.
The final class grade will be based on the average of grades that are earned as listed below.
Exam 1
Exam 2
Exam 3
Homework
BlackBoard Assign
50pts
50pts
50pts
50pts
50pts
20.0%
20.0%
20.0%
20.0%
20.0%
Assignment*s: All assignments are due no later than the date AND time listed on the posted DUE DATES
document. Time is based on Plainview time (Central Time Zone U.S.) Late assignments are assessed a 10%
late penalty. The first assignment may be turned in by the second week deadline. (This is to allow all students
sufficient time to obtain materials.)
Note: You must have a valid reason for missing an exam. Missed exams must be made up within 7
days and will result in a 10% penalty. Consult with the instructor immediately should you require a
make-up exam.
*Exception for serious illness (hospital time) or major emergencies may be allowed only at instructor discretion.
You will be required to furnish evidence of any extenuating circumstances. If you are military and will be going
TDY during the course, you need to let me know ahead of time (verification from your C.O. may be required).
COURSE OUTLINE
Class
19 Aug
26 Aug
2 Sep
9 Sep
16 Sep
23 Sep
1 Oct
8 Oct
15 Oct
22 Oct
29 Oct
TOPIC
Course Introduction
The Earth and Its Atmosphere
Energy: Warming the Earth and the
Atmosphere
Seasonal and Daily Temperatures
Atmospheric Humidity
Exam 1
Air Pollution
Condensation: Dew, Fog, and Clouds
Stability and Cloud Development
Precipitation
Air Pressure and Winds
Wind: Small-Scale and Local Systems
Wind: Global Systems
Exam 2
The Earth’s Changing Climate
Assignments
Read Sections
Meteorology Today: Chapter 1
Meteorology Today: Chapter 2
No Class – Exam on BB
HW 1 Due
HW 2 Due
No Class
No Class – Exam on BB
See BB Assignment
HW 3 Due
Global Climate
Air Masses and Fronts
Weather Forecasting
Hurricanes
Thunderstorms and Tornadoes
HW 4 Due
Final Exam
HW 5 Due
Meteorology Today: Chapter 3
Meteorology Today: Chapter 4
Chapter 1,2,3,4
Meteorology Today: Chapter 18
Meteorology Today: Chapter 5
Meteorology Today: Chapter 6
Meteorology Today: Chapter 7
Meteorology Today: Chapter 8
Meteorology Today: Chapter 9
Meteorology Today: Chapter 10
Chapter 5,6,7,8,9,10,18
Meteorology Today: Chapter 16
Meteorology Today: Chapter 17
Meteorology Today: Chapter 11
Meteorology Today: Chapter 13
Meteorology Today: Chapter 15
Meteorology Today: Chapter 14
Chapter 11,13,14,15,16,17
This outline and other syllabus items are subject to change at university or instructor discretion.