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Graduate Program Curriculum (new Fall 2006)

ATSC Courses
Number	Title	Credits	Description
5001	Atmospheric Energetics*	2	First and second laws of thermodynamics applied to energy transformations in the atmosphere. Investigated are: moist air saturating processes, conserved temperatures, dry air entrainment into clouds, and first and second law applications in atmospheric models. Prereq: MATH 2210, PHYS 1310 and PHYS 1320 (or equivalent)
5002	Atmospheric Radiation*	3	This course covers the principles of atmospheric radiative transfer. Conceptual and theoretical frameworks are provided for the understanding of radiative measurement systems (e.g., satellite, lidar and radar), blackbody radiation, the planetary radiative budget, and the propagation of both longwave and shortwave radiation. Prereq: MATH 2210, PHYS 1310 and PHYS 1320 (or equivalent)
5003	Problems in Energetics and Radiation*	1	Proficiency in the use of tools for assimilation, analysis and presentation of quantitative information is fostered. The course also considers solutions to problems developed theoretically in ATSC5001 and ATSC5002. These consist of solution to thermodynamic and radiative transfer govering equations. Prereq: ATSC5001 and ATSC5002, or concurrent enrollment in ATSC5001 and ATSC5002.
5004	Problems in Dynamic Meteorology*	1	The course focuses on computational solutions to problems developed theoretically in ATSC5100. Students gain proficiency in developing computer codes for problem solving. Data visualization software is also introduced and used to develop understanding of dynamical processes. Prereq: ATSC5100 or concurrent enrollment in ATSC5100.
5005	Microphysics*	2	Microphysical observations of clouds and precipitation are first briefly surveyed. Thermodynamic equilibria in multiphase microphysical systems are then examined, as are homogeneous and heterogeneous nucleation, and diffusional and collisional processes leading to time-dependent changes in hydrometeor size. Embedded in these discussions are elementary considerations of single particle mechanics and hydrodynamics. Prereq: ATSC5001, ATSC5002 and ATSC5003.
5006	Problems in Microphysics*	1	Atmospheric processes altering the hydrometeor size distribution are examined using computer algorithms developed by the student. Condensational and collisional growth processes, in warm and cold clouds, are examined. Data from hydrometer size spectrometers are used to initialize the problems. Prereq: ATSC5005 or concurrent enrollment in ATSC5005.
5007	Problems in Synoptic Meteorology*	1	Laboratory supplement to ATSC5160. Analysis of weather systems using operational observations and numerical model output. Real-time weather briefings. Numerical simulation of select weather phenomena. Prereq: ATSC5160 or concurrent enrollment in ATSC5160.
5008	Mesoscale Meteorology*	2	Mesoscale energy sources, including symmetric instability. Fronts, frontogenesis, and frontogenetic circulation. Surface fronts and cold fronts aloft. Orographically modified flow and boundary-layer circulations. Shallow and deep convection, and mesoscale organized convection. Effects of buoyancy, shear and cold pool-shear interaction on the structure and longevity of thunderstorms. Prereq: ATSC5160, ATSC5007 and ATSC5210 or ATSC5160, ATSC5007 and concurrent enrollement in ATSC5210.
4010	Atmospheric Processes	3	Studies radiation and heat balance; dry and moist thermodynamics; motion and driving forces; energy exchanges, characteristics of the atmosphere and their applications to engineering, agriculture, aviation, and other environmental sciences. Emphasizes weather and climate in mountain and western plains regions. Prerequisites: MATH 2210 and PHYS 1220 or ES 2310.
5100	Atmospheric Dynamics*	3	Development and interpretation of the atmospheric equations of motion, scales of motion, horizontal atmospheric winds, thermal wind equation, circulation and vorticity. Quasi-geostrophic motion. Fundamentally unbalanced motions. Prerequisites: senior or graduate standing in physical science or engineering. Structure and evolution of extratropical cyclones; identification and development of fronts, jet streams and associated weather features; theories of cyclogenesis; role of topography. Climatology of formation and movement of cyclone. Mesoscale circulation features; ingredients of severe weather. Prerequisites: MATH 2210, PHYS 1310 and PHYS 1320 (or equivalent)
5020	Physical Meteorology Lab*	1	A laboratory course concerned with physical processes in the atmosphere. Approximately eight experiments are conducted examining phenomena related to atmospheric radiation, gas expansions, phase transitions, and nucleation. Prerequisites: concurrent enrollment in (??)
5160	Synoptic Meteorology*	3	Structure and evolution of extratropical cyclones; identification and development of fronts, jet streams and associated weather features; theories of cyclogenesis; role of topography. Climatology of formation and movement of cyclone. Mesoscale circulation features; ingredients of severe weather. Prerequisites: ATSC5100 and ATSC5004
5320	Ocean Environment	3	Focuses on the ocean as a system. Objecive is the development of interdisciplinary understanding of marine processes, especially those processes occuring along coastal margins. Emphasis is on the development of quantitiative models and their use in understanding anthropogenic impact on ocean resources. Dual listed with ATSC 4320.
4320	Ocean Environment	3	Focuses on the ocean as a system. Objecive is the development of interdisciplinary understanding of marine processes, especially those processes occuring along coastal margins. Emphasis is on the development of quantitiative models and their use in understanding anthropogenic impact on ocean resources. Dual listed with ATSC 5320. Prereq: MATH 2310, PHYS 1310, CHEM 1030, ES 3060 (or ES 3070), BIOL 1010, senior standing or higher.
5330	Boundary Layer Meteorology	3	A quantitative and descriptive study of the thermodynamics and dynamics of the planetary boundary layer, including budgets (heat, moisture, momentum, turbulent kinetic energy, radiation), stability, turbulence and turbulent fluxes, convection, terrain effects, phenomenology, and measurement and analysis techniques. Prerequisites: ATSC 5000, 5100.
4410 [4330]	Introduction to Micrometeorology	3	Quantitative and descriptive study of processes effecting exchanges of energy, momentum, gases, and particles between the atmosphere and the bio/geosphere, including the effects of plant cover, land use changes, diurnal and seasonal cycles, turbulence, boundary layer structure, local weather, and climate. Instrumentation and techniques also discussed. Prerequisites: MATH 2200 and PHYS 1110 and 1120 or 1310 and 1320, plus BOT 4400 or 4700 or REWM 4540.
5400	Physical Basis for Climate	3	Global atmospheric and oceanic circulations, radiation balance, water balance and hydrologic cycle, energy balance, energy and moisture transport, evaporation and evapotranspiration, energetic processes, and theories of climate change. Dual listed with ATSC 5400. Prerequisites: Graduate standing in physical science or engineering.
4400	Physical Basis for Climate	3	Global atmospheric and oceanic circulations, radiation balance, water balance and hydrologic cycle, energy balance, energy and moisture transport, evaporation and evapotranspiration, energetic processes, and theories of climate change. Dual listed with ATSC 5400. Prerequisites: MATH 2200, PHYS 1310, and CHEM 1020.
5210	Cloud and Precipitation Systems*	3	Types of clouds and precipitation systems, and the precipitation mechanisms in those systems; structure of convective, orographic, and frontal systems and severe storms. Schematic and numerical models of clouds and storms with emphasis on hailstorms. Prerequisites: ATSC 5000, 5010>
5310	Atmospheric Dynamics II	3	More advanced treatment of atmospheric dynamics, in particular large-scale energetics of the atmosphere, wave theory, atmospheric instabilities, mesoscale dynamics, tropical and stratospheric dynamics. Introduction to numerical modeling of geophysical fluid dynamics, applications. Prerequisite: ATSC 5100
5340	Radar Meteorology	3	The theory of radar and teh application of radars to studies of the atmosphere, including basic radar design, distributed targets, attenuation, polarization, Doppler velocities, analsis techniques, and examples of radar studies of clear air, clouds, and precipitation. Prerequistes: ATSC 5010, 5210.
5350	Atmospheric Chemistry	3	Origin and composition of the atmosphere. Sources, lifetimes, transport of gases and aerosols. Cycles of C, S, N and trace elements. Removal processes: precipitation, and dry deposition. Homogenous and heterogeneous kinetics. Anthropogenic influences: effect of air pollution on radiation balance and cloud processes. Prerequisite: graduate standing in a physical science or engineering.
5370	Meteorological Instrumentation	3	Physical principles of instruments, their response characteristics and their proper use. Error analysis and interpretation of data. Classical instruments. Introduction to modern methods and instrumentation. Remote sensing, such as by radar and lidar. Instrument systems, such as on aircraft, and remote platforms, such as satellites and buoys. Laboratory experience with a large variety of instruments will be part of the course. Prerequisite: graduate standing in a physical science or engineering.
5500	Atmospheric Radiation and Optics	3	Physical principles of instruments, their response characteristics and their proper use. Error analysis and interpretation of data. Classical instruments. Introduction to modern methods and instrumentation. Remote sensing, such as by radar and lidar. Instrument systems, such as on aircraft, and remote platforms, such as satellites and buoys. Laboratory experience with a large variety of instruments will be part of the course. Prerequisite: graduate standing in a physical science or engineering.
5880	Atmospheric Science Problems	1-3, max 6	A special course for graduate students in atmospheric science only, designed to make possible the study and investigation of problems or phases of atmospheric science selected to fit the needs of students. Prerequisite: consent of Department Head.
5890	Atmospheric Science Seminar	1-3 max 6	A seminar-type class furnishing motivation for advanced study of current problems by means of library research, study of current literature, and carefully guided class discussions. Prerequisite: consent of Department Head.