Meteorology GEOL 1447–IN Class Syllabus Spring 2015 INSTRUCTORS:
FMiguel@alvincollege.edu and for lecture and E-MAIL:
Michelle Bradford mbradford@alvincollege.edu for lab
OFFICE:
S­254
Frederick Miguel OFFICE HOURS:
PHONE: (925) 354­3410
By Appointment
A. COURSE DESCRIPTION: Meteorology is an introductory, online, lecture and lab science
course that studies the atmosphere and weather. It fulfills the core curriculum requirements
for the Associates Degree.
The course material is developed by the American Meteorological Society. AMS Weather
Studies examines the dynamic state of the atmosphere by studying fundamental scientific
principles as they apply to everyday weather. It focuses on how weather is monitored, the
structure and composition of the atmosphere, as well as employing information to
understand weather patterns and understanding air motions.
Important information to consider as you start this course: The big benefit of an online
course as opposed to an on campus course is that you can work on your class work at any
time day or night. This benefit comes with a greater degree of responsibility. You must be
disciplined to stay on schedule with your studies and assignments. This course is not suited
for people who wait until the last minute to submit their work
The course is a self-study but not self-paced course.
Important information to consider as you start this course: the big benefit of an
online course as opposed to an on campus course is that you can do your class work
at any time day or night. This benefit comes with a greater degree of responsibility.
You must be disciplined to stay on schedule with your studies and assignments.
The preferred method of communication is via email on MyBlackboard. Your
instructors are here to provide clarification and help. (it goes directly to the instructor’s
college e-mail) and/or give a call and leave a phone message at 925-354-3410. If you call,
and no one answers, please state your name, phone number, and what the problem is. On
weekends/holidays your Instructors check Messages and e-mail less frequently – usually
once per day unless notified otherwise.
Mr. Miguel is available for direct communication via phone, skype, google+ chat, or other
multimedia communication. Mr. Miguel will be instructing the course from out of town, so if
meeting on campus is necessary, please give at least 3 days notification to set up an
appointment time to meet on either Monday or Friday.
B. CREDIT: 4 credit hours
C. PREREQUISITE: DIRW-0310 (READ 0310) and MATH 0312
D. NATURAL SCIENCE EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES:
● To understand and apply method and appropriate technology to the study of natural
sciences.
● To recognize scientific and quantitative methods and the differences between these
approaches and other methods of inquiry and to communicate findings, analysis, and
interpretation both orally and in writing.
● To identify and recognize the differences among competing scientific theories.
● To demonstrate knowledge of the major issues and problems facing modern science,
including issues that touch on ethics, values, and public policies.
● To demonstrate knowledge of the interdependence of science and technology and their
influence on, and contribution to, modern culture.
METEOROLOGY OBJECTIVES: The student will…
● develop an awareness of the different methods of monitoring the atmosphere
● discuss the atmosphere's layered structure, composition, and method by which
it is heated
demonstrate the relationship between humidity, cloud formation, and
precipitation.
● explain weather systems of the middle latitudes
● describe conditions related to tropical weather systems
●
E. FIVE MINIMUM CONDITIONS REQUIRED ON THE FIRST DAY OF CLASS:
1. To successfully access the data for this course, you must have
high speed internet. You must have the current textbook and lab e-book package
on the first day of class.
2. To successfully complete this course, you must like to read.
and you must set aside a minimum of 10.0 hours each week to study for this
course (plus more time when studying for tests and completing core assessments and
discussions).
3. This course requires the same amount of time commitment as does an on-campus
lecture and lab science course (on campus classes have 3 hours of lecture and 3 hours of
lab in class each week over the 16-week course).
4. Lecture & Laboratory Text Book Package– Required. You must have the
text book and lab book on the first day of class. They are available on the
AMS website at http://www.ametsoc.org/amsedu/bookstorelink/index.html.
The text book is available in e-format or printed, but the lab book is in e-format
only. The bookstore also sells access cards so you can access the same material
that is being sold on the website. Please get the material in a timely manner so
the first chapter quiz and labs can be completed at the end of the first week. The package you will need is: AMS Weather Studies - Spring 2015
Weather Studies Student ePackage
- Weather Studies: Introduction to Atmospheric Science, 5th Ed.
eTextbook
- eInvestigations Manual 2014-2015 & Summer 2015
- RealTime Weather Portal Access
- eGlossary
ISBN: 978-1-935704-76-8 ... $139
or if you prefer print:
Weather Studies Student Package (print)
- Weather Studies: Introduction to Atmospheric Science, 5th Ed.
Printed Textbook
- eInvestigations Manual 2014-2015 & Summer 2015
- RealTime Weather Portal Access
- eGlossary
ISBN: 978-1-940033-00-6 ... $175
The access card can be purchased from the ACC Bookstore
ACC College Store's Web page . To purchase from AMS directly by Credit Card:
Orders by telephone (202-737-1043), fax (202-737-0445)
5. ADDITIONAL MATERIALS: You will need a calculator (a basic calculator is fine [add,
subtract, multiply and divide] – no need for a scientific calculator).
If you cannot meet these five minimum conditions then please drop the course now and get a refund. F. EVALUATION:
a. Lecture – Four lecture tests are scheduled.
The tests 1, 2, and 3 are not
comprehensive. Tests are timed and typically allow for 80 – 90 minutes. Test 4/Final
Exam is a comprehensive test. Test 4 is allotted two hours. A missed test results in a
zero for that test; no makeup tests will be given.
There will be 12 chapter quizzes. Chapter quizzes consist of 10 multiple choice
questions. A missed quiz results in a zero for that quiz. Tests and quizzes are based on
information from your textbook.
There will be 4 discussion items. A missed discussion deadline results in a zero for that
discussion.
There will be core assessment items demonstrating writing, teamwork, quantitative
skills, and critical thinking for a combined 100 points – more information will be provided
during the semester. Missing the submittal deadline for these core assessments will
result in a zero for each assessment.
b. Laboratory – There will be 12 weekly lab investigations; approximately one per
week. Lab investigations require your lab ebook. A missed lab investigation results in
a zero for that lab. Look at Start Here on the Geol. 1447 homepage (is found on the
left side of the screen under Course Tools) for lab schedule. To submit your answers
to lab questions go to Content found on left side of the screen on our home page.
The current Lab eInvestigations Manuel is required to do your lab ( it must be the
current edition – there is no way to use old lab books for this course).
c. Core Assessments:
Writing Assignment (Written Communication)
Student will prepare and submit a paper on an weather/climate- related
topic. Students will receive the parameters for theassignment in class.
Studying the pros and cons of a subject (Teamwork)
The class members are divided into groups. Each group
researches a topic both the pros and cons of the subject.
The members must demonstrated shared decision making
and personal responsibility in ensuring that the final product is
completed.
Problem Solving (Empirical/Quantitative and Critical Thinking)
The student will be given a set of problems that assesses his or her ability to
formulate a scientific inquiry, generate data utilizing mathematical formula (s),
measurements, tables, and graphs. The student will provide a reasonable
conclusion based on the analysis and synthesis of the data.
G. GRADING SYSTEM: Grades for this course are based on a weighted average system.
The point values indicated on the table are approximate to the weight of each section
on your grade. The actual weight is based on the percentage shown on the table. The
sum of weighted percentages will be your final grade, and is indicated on Blackboard
under the “Weighted Total”. Use that entry in Blackboard to monitor your grade
progress.
Lecture:
Four Tests (100 points each)
Twelve Chapter Quizzes (10pts
each)
Four discussions (10 points each)
Points
400 (47%)
120 (14%)
40 (5%)
Lab:
Core Assessments
Writing (35 pts.)
Pros and Cons (20 points)
Problem solving (45 pts)
Twelve weekly lab investigations
(15.84 points each)
Total
Grade
Points
A
90-100%
B
80-89%
C
70-79%
D
60-69%
F
<60%
100 (12%)
190 (22%)
850
I.…..Incomplete. No Incompletes or “I” grades will be given for this course except under extreme circumstances. W.......Withdrawal. It is recommended that the student talk to the instructor before withdrawing. Current course withdrawal information can be found in the printed version of the ACC Schedule for this semester or online at ACC Course WITHDRAWAL INSTRUCTIONS. Students who file withdrawal requests by the published deadline and have not exceeded the withdrawal maximum will receive a grade of W. H. Course Policies: 1. CLASS ATTENDANCE POLICY This course is conducted through MyBlackboard. Although we will not meet face to face, the student is expected to log into this course a minimum of every other day. Completing all assignments, labs, quizzes, and exams on time will be counted as attendance as well. You follow a self-study format but the due dates for each assignment and assessment apply. At a minimum check announcements, the calendar, and course messages. This lets you know what you need to do and any current information for the class. 2. LATE COURSE WORK POLICY Students are expected to have their assignments completed by the due dates. Late work will not be accepted. 3. EXPECTATIONS a. Students are expected to obtain a textbook lab book in time for the first day of class. Each student must send the instructors a Message stating that they have (or have not the books), have read the syllabus and lecture and lab policies and schedules and state whether or not they understands what is expected of them. This Message should be addressed to both Mrs. Devery and Ms. Bradford. The Message should be sent no later than the end of the first week of class. b. Students are expected to allocate a minimum of 10 hours per week on textbook readings, interacting with course materials, participating in class discussions and completing assignments, quizzes and exams. Students are expected to have a workable computer that can access high speed Internet and the course website/MyBlackboard or they can access the Internet through the computers in one of the many ACC computer labs. Technical problems such as slow or no Internet connection at home WILL NOT be an acceptable excuse for late work. You will need to download Lockdown Browser in order to do the tests and quizzes. Lockdown Browser is not required for submitting lab investigations and other assignments. All students enrolled in the class are set up to use MyBlackboard, which is accessed by clicking on the link entitled MyBlackboard on the Alvin Community College home page at: www.alvincollege.edu. ∗MyBlackboard - Any technical problems or issues with MyBlackboard or Lockdown Browser should be directed to the Distance Education Department at de@alvincollege.edu. Include your first and last name, student ID number and a description of the problem. Students will not be penalized if there is an interruption in MyBlackboard service and the instructor is notified of such an issue by the Distance Education Department. ∗WEBACCESS, Passwords or ACC Computer Lab Information -Help Desk Website or contact the IT Dept. Help Desk at 281-756-3544. ∗TheACCLearning Lab, http://www.alvincollege.edu/TutoringLearningLab.aspx, located upstairs in building A, provides students with a variety of services including tutoring (math, writing papers, and other disciplines); computers and printers; a testing facility; and tables/carrels for studying. Learning Lab hours are M-TH 8:00am – 9:00pm and F 8:00am – 4:00pm. Testing hours are M-TH 10:00am – 7:30pm (Tests must be completed by 8:30pm) and F 10:00am – 12:00pm (Tests must be completed by 1:00pm). Call 281-756-3566 for more information. 4 .. QUIZZES Quizzes and tests are given according to the course schedule. All of the quizzes and exams are open on the days assigned. Once a quiz is closed, it will not be reopened. There are no make ups for quizzes or tests. Quizzes consist of 10 multiple choice questions. 5. Core assessments The instructions will be provided during the semester for the writing, teamwork, critical thinking, and quantitative and empirical assignments. 6. Discussions – Topics and instructions will be announced and Course Messages will be sent out during the semester to notify students of the dates of availability. Look in discussions on the left side of our home page to see and submit your discussion posts. 7∗ACADEMIC SUCCESS AND SUPPORT SERVICES: ∗Americans With Disabilities Act ACC complies with ADA and 504 Federal guidelines by affording equal access to individuals who are seeking an education. Students who have a disability and would like classroom accommodations must register with the Office of Disability Services, A 136, (281)756-3533. Instructors are not able to provide accommodations until the proper process has been followed. ∗Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) – Letting someone know The Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) at Alvin Community College is committed to improving community safety. College faculty, staff, students and community members may communicate safety concerns to the BIT team by email, bitcore@alvincollege.edu or through the electronic reporting option located on the BIT page of the college website. ∗The ACC Library website: http://www.alvincollege.edu/Library.aspx. The ACC Library is an excellent source of assistance for writing the required research paper. 8. CODE OF ACADEMIC INTEGRITY AND HONESTY -Students at Alvin Community College are members of an institution dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge through a formalized program of instruction and learning. At the heart of this endeavor, lie the core values of academic integrity which include honesty, truth, and freedom from lies and fraud. Because personal integrity is important in all aspects of life, students at Alvin Community College are expected to conduct themselves with honesty and integrity both in and out of the classroom. Incidents of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated and students guilty of such conduct are subject to severe disciplinary measures. See the Student Handbook. Student Handbook - page 40 and 41 -these are the actions that
follow an incidence of plagiarism or academic dishonesty. Page 40 in Student Handbook
What is Academic Dishonesty? Academic dishonesty is any form of cheating and/or plagiarism which result in students
giving or receiving unauthorized assistance in an academic exercise or receiving credit for
work
which is not their own. Kibler, W. L., et al, Academic Integrity and Student Development:
Legal Issues and Policy Perspectives, Ashville, North Carolina: College Administration
Publications, 1988, pp. 1-3. Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to the following: 1. using the ideas and/or words of another person without giving that person appropriate
credit; 2. representing another’s artistic or scholarly works (i.e., musical compositions, computer
programs, photographs, paintings, drawings, sculptures, etc.) as your own; 3. submitting a paper purchased from a research paper service, including the internet;
On Page 41 Students are expected to report incidents of academic dishonesty to the instructor,
department chair, division chair, or college administrator. Instructor Responsibility
Prior to filing an Academic Integrity Sanction Incident report:
Distance education
instructor - send written correspondence to the student to describe the charge and the
sanction. The student has five days to return an email acknowledgment receipt. If no
acknowledgment is received, the instructor may file the report.
Instructors submit an Academic Dishonesty Incident Report to the Director of Advising
Services for any student
charged with conduct violations. The following sanctions may be imposed by the
course instructor:
reduced grade on assignment, paper, project or exam;
failing grade on assignment, paper, project or exam;
lower grade in the course; assignment of an F in the course.
Consequences of Academic Dishonesty
Academic dishonesty is a Class II disciplinary offense. Students who commit acts of
academic dishonesty will
receive a disciplinary reprimand which could impact employment and future educational
opportunities. Graduate and professional degree programs,
governmental agencies, and prospective employers may request information from the
college regarding a student’s disciplinary record to investigate moral and
ethical character. The reprimand will be entered on the student’s disciplinary record. The
college maintains a record of students who have engaged in academic
dishonesty for a period of two years from date of the last entry. Students who have
multiple academic integrity sanctions are subject to suspension or expulsion. 9. Disclaimer: The instructor reserves the right to modify this syllabus as needed and will notify students of any changes using MyBlackboard e-mail or announcements. Reminder: This is an internet-based course presented in a directed, but self-study format. This is not a self-paced course; there are weekly labs and assignments as well as tests that must be taken by specific dates. If you miss any deadline it will result in a zero for that assessment. If your computer is not working, it is not an excuse for missing any of the assignments. Only if the college’s server or MyBlackboard is not working will assignment deadlines be changed. If you need help with lab questions – often one question must be
answered correctly in order to answer the next few questions – do
not agonize more than 15- 20 minutes – send a note to Ms. Bradford
to ask for clarification and help. To ask for help requires that you
contact Ms. Bradford at least 24 hours before the deadline – allowing
for enough time for Ms. Bradford to respond. If you have questions
about any of the lecture material or concepts – write to Mr. Miguel.
The same 24 hour rule applies with getting help from Mr. Miguel. You
are not meant to struggle on your own….Ms. Bradford and Mr.
Miguel can be of help before deadlines.
I . Study suggestions for lecture and lab: Get a hard copy of the calendar and make sure that the deadlines for all quizzes, labs, tests, core assessments, and discussions are on it during the semester. Organization is critical to successfully completing the assigned work in this class. You should get in the habit of working in advance of deadlines. This approach is beneficial for two reasons: a) if you need help you have plenty of time to ask for clarification and get it and b) if there is a computer glitch you can alert the Instructor and get help. 1. Read the assigned chapter to find out what is covered in that chapter. Re­read the chapter a second time and write an outline for that chapter. The outline is a record of the main information as well as key terms (words written in bold or italicized type) and concepts. Look at the review questions and critical thinking questions at the end of the chapter. Read the chapter a third time to find the answers to each of these questions. Write out each question and then write the answer. Once you have a good understanding of what information is in the chapter, only then should you take the chapter quiz and do the corresponding numbered lab, only then log onto MyBlackboard. Chapter quizzes are located on the left side of the homepage screen in the section entitled: Content 2. Read the appropriate lab investigations A and B. Answer the questions in your lab book. When you feel you are ready, go to Content and click on the appropriate lab investigations (remember you will do A and B). Read the related chapter before doing each lab. * All quiz and lab scores are typically released the day after the availability period expires. 3. All tests will be available for a few days within which time you are to take the test. Tests are taken online. You must log onto MyBlackboard using Lockdown Browser. Tests are in Assessments. They become visible only during the availability period. See the schedule below for the dates. Look under Assessments when the time to take each test is near to see the parameters for that test. The AMS requires that we provide limited access to tests. You will only see your test grades. If you want to see your test; questions and your response, you will need coordinate with Mr. Miguel. Please note – if you have test anxieties but are conscientious and persevering – the tests cannot cause you to fail the course. You must be doing poorly in several of the course requirements to fail. 4. Discussions are designed to be helpful with regard to your grade average ­ they are not difficult but they require you make an effort and put in some time. Don't be foolish and miss out on points that can be earned by doing these. If you don't complete the assignments they can also hurt your grade average quite a bit. To do the Discussions – go to Discussions on the left side of the screen on our home page. ** Grades for the various assessments will only become visible after the availability period for that assessment expires – typically the next day or two, unless otherwise notified. During the semester you will see your grades for the various assignments, tests, etc. in MyBlackboard by clicking on Tools and then MyGrades. At the end of the semester look in Web Access to see final grade for course at the end of the semester. Alternative login page for AMS – if the link via MyBlackboard Content is not working. amsedu.ametsoc.org/amsedu/login.cfmaddress V. Read and print a copy of the lecture and lab policy and schedules along with this syllabus and place in a folder for easy access and reference. . Lecture and Lab Investigation s –Topics covered Go to MyBlackboard, on Geol. 1447 homepage, click on Content to take chapter quizzes and submit lab answers. You will click on Assessments for
the tests. Be sure to keep track of the calendar and update it to keep track of all deadlines for quizzes, tests, labs and when announced add the deadlines for discussions, core assessments, and extra credit. Organization is a key element for completing this course with a passing grade. Deadlines will be posted on first day of class. Week…. R
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r Description of lecture quiz, labs, and deadlines (to be determined on the first day of class) 1 2 3 4 5­6 Monitoring the Weather­ Quiz 1 Investigations 1A and 1B C
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r 1 Atmosphere: Origin, Composition, and Structure­ Quiz 2 Investigations 2A and 2B C
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r 2 Solar and Terrestrial Radiation – Quiz 3 Investigations. 3A and 3B C
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r 3 Heat, Temperature, and Atmospheric Circulation – Quiz 4 Investigations 4A and 4B C
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r 4 Test 1 Air Pressure­ Quiz 5 Investigations 5A and 5B T
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r 5 7 8 9 10­11 Humidity, Saturation, and Stability – Quiz 6 Investigations 6A and 6B C
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r 6 Clouds, Precipitation, and Weather Radar –Quiz 7 Investigations 7A and 7B C
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r 7 Wind and Weather – Quiz 8 Investigations 8A and 8B C
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r 8 Test 2 Atmosphere’s Planetary Circulation­ Quiz 9 Investigations 9 A and 9B T
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r 9 12 Weather Systems of Middle Latitudes –Quiz 10 Investigations 10 A and 10 B 13 Thunderstorms and Tornadoes –Quiz 11 Investigations 11A and 11B 14 Tropical Weather Systems – Quiz 12 Investigations 12A and 12B 15­16 Test 3 Test 4/final exam * look at study guide for Test 4 on bottom of CONTENT page and make sure you answered all questions at the end of each chapter during the semester. Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Test 3 – covers chapters 9,10,11,12 And Final Exam/Test 4 comprehensive