COURSE SYLLABUS

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YEAR COURSE OFFERED: 2016
SEMESTER COURSE OFFERED: Spring Semester
DEPARTMENT: Earth & Atmospheric Sciences
COURSE NUMBER: GEOL 1350
NAME OF COURSE: Introduction to Meteorology
NAME OF INSTRUCTOR: Xun Jiang
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The information contained in this class syllabus is subject to change without

notice. Students are expected to be aware of any additional course policies
presented by the instructor during the course.
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Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
! Understand the compositions and vertical structure of the atmosphere.
! Understand basic concepts of radiation, heat, moisture, cloud, and precipitation
in the atmosphere.
! Understand local and global circulations, air mass and fronts, climate change,
and sever weather systems.

Major Assignments/Exams
There will be one exam following each of the four sections and a comprehensive final
exam covering all chapters. The exams will be a combination of multiple-choice and
short questions. There are also pop quizzes. Use of scientific calculator is encouraged
during the classes and some exams.

Text Book
Essentials of Meteorology by C. Donald Ahrens, 6th edition

Evaluation and Grading

Section exams: 20% each, 60% total (four section exams, lowest score dropped)
Quiz: 10%
Final exam: 30%
Policy on grades: As a general rule, a makeup exam will be offered only under
extraordinary circumstances. If you miss an exam, that exam will automatically become
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COURSE SYLLABUS
the dropped one. If you do not participate in more than one exam, any additional exam
in which you do not participate will be counted as 0 points.
Last day to drop a course or withdraw without receiving a grade (must be online by
11:59 pm).

List of discussion/lecture topics

Basic concepts and principles of meteorological processes including clouds and
precipitation, local and global circulation, air masses and fronts, sever weather systems
and air pollution.

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