Northeast Alabama Community College
Fall 2014-2015
SYLLABUS
PHS 230
Introduction to Meteorology
4 Semester Hours - C
I.
6 Contact Hours
Course Description
This course is an introductory survey of meteorology emphasizing the hydrologic
cycle, cloud formation, weather maps, forecasting, and wind systems. Local
weather systems will be given detailed study. Laboratory is required.
II.
Prerequisite or Co-requisite
None
III.
Course Textbook
Aguado, Edward and Burt, James E. (2010). Understanding Weather and Climate
(5th ed.). Pearson.
IV.
Course Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course the student will:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
V.
Discuss energy and mass relationships based on the composition and
structure of the atmosphere.
Discuss atmospheric structure and cloud development.
Analyze and describe the distribution and movement of air.
List and describe atmospheric disturbances.
Describe weather forecasting and analysis.
Discuss human effects on the atomosphere.
Compare current, past and future climates.
Describe atmospheric optics.
Activities Promoting General Education Outcomes
A. Cognition
1. Problem solving- Students will solve basic problems related to
unit conversion of temperature and pressure.
2. Quantitative reasoning- Students will identify and classify weather
conditions in order to predict possible changes in the weather.
B. Information Literacy – Students will retrieve and utilize scientific data from
the appropriate textbook, laboratory text, handbook, or computer database.
VI.
Outline of Course Topics
A. Composition and structure of the atmosphere.
B. Solar radiation and the seasons.
C. Energy balance and temperature.
D. Atmospheric pressure and the wind.
E. Atmospheric moisture, cloud development and precipitation.
F. Atmospheric circulation, air masses and fronts.
G. Lightning, thunder and tornadoes.
H. Tropical storms and hurricanes.
I. Weather forecasting and analysis.
J. Human effects: Air pollution and heat islands.
K. Earth’s Climates.
L. Climate changes.
M. Atmospheric optics.
VII.
Methods of Instruction
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
Lectures
On-campus laboratory
Virtual Laboratory
Online discussion
Class discussion
Multiple activities on Blackboard
VIII. Evaluation and Assessment
A. Procedures for Assessment of Student Achievement
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Online examinations
Online quizzes
Laboratory work
Homework and online exercises
Comprehensive final (on campus)
A laboratory grade will be assigned based on successful completion of
the assigned experiments.
7. Grades will be given based upon A = 90 – 100%, B = 80 – 89%, C =
70 – 79%, D = 60 – 69%, and F = below 60%.
B. Departmental Assessment of General Education Outcomes
1. Cognition:
a. Problem solving skills will be assessed by questions on a quiz
which will require students to convert from one temperature
scale to another and from one type of pressure unit to another.
b. Quantitative reasoning will be measured by a lab activity
which will require students to identify prevailing atmospheric
conditions make predictions based on those conditions.
2. Information literacy will be evaluated by the same laboratory activity
from 1b above. After making laboratory measurements, the students will
then compare and evaluate their experimental results with data retrieved
from the laboratory text to reach the appropriate conclusion.
3. Assessment of all sections of Physical Science 230 will occur at least
once every five years. The assessment will consist of selected laboratory
exercises and tests as indicated above. Each instructor will complete the
appropriate form documenting learning outcomes and submit to the
division chair.
C. Use of Assessment Findings
During the Fall In-service of the year following the scheduled review of PHS
230, a committee will review all course assessment materials submitted by the
instructors and division chair. The committee will send a report of any
recommended curriculum changes to the division chair who will then submit
them to the Curriculum Committee. Upon approval by the Curriculum
Committee, a copy will be filed with the Office of Institutional Planning and
Assessment.
IX.
Attendance
Students are expected to attend all classes for which they are registered. Students
who are unable to attend class regularly, regardless of the reason or circumstance,
should withdraw from that class before poor attendance interferes with the
student’s ability to achieve the objectives required in the course. Withdrawal from
class can affect eligibility for federal financial aid.
X.
Statement on Discrimination/Harassment
NACC and the Alabama State Board of Education are committed to providing
both employment and educational environments free of harassment or
discrimination related to an individual’s race, color, gender, religion, national
origin, age, or disability. Such harassment is a violation of State Board of
Education policy. Any practice or behavior that constitutes harassment or
discrimination will not be tolerated.
XI.
Statement of Adherence to ADA Guidelines
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) and the Americans with Disabilities
Act of 1990 state that qualified students with disabilities who meet the essential
functions and academic requirements are entitled to reasonable accommodations.
It is the student’s responsibility to provide appropriate disability documentation to
the College.