[MLG 100] Introduction to Meteorology

Introduction

Studying weather is one of the most interesting things you can do! This course brings together the most important elements of atmospheric science in a fast paced, challenging, online format. You will be joined by and interact with students with like interests to learn more about this fascinating and important science. This is not an easy course. Meteorology is a challenging science and we will be covering the course material at a rapid pace. We will do everything that is done in a live class in this course. The online version will NOT be easier. This four credit lab science will require a significant amount of time each week of dedicated study time. It is important that you are proficient with basic computer use.

There are two basic things this course will provide. They include

• the mastery of and improvement upon some basic proficiencies, and
• learning through a scientific approach a considerable amount about the Earth's atmosphere and related systems.

Working with a body of information in certain ways provides students with some basic proficiencies which go beyond the specific subject matter learned. Because these are generic abilities, they are very useful throughout students' university study, within their chosen career and generally throughout life as they continue to learn. The study of science and particularly Earth science is a great way to master and improve these proficiencies. It is hoped that this course will greatly expand the ability to do these things and thus will have significant value long after it is over. These proficiencies will be assessed in a variety of ways throughout the course and on the final exam.

Description

UW Colleges Catalog Course Description for MLG 100 - Introduction to Meteorology - 4 credits. Introductory course in meteorology. Study of atmospheric processes, weather elements (temperature, pressure, moisture, wind, clouds, precipitation), and weather systems (storm systems and fronts; thunderstorms, tornados and hurricanes); forecasting and weather map analysis. Lab Work. This course fulfills the UWC requirement for Natural Science (NS) and Laboratory Sciences (LS).

Introduction to Meteorology uses the American Meteorological Society's Online Weather Studies course as the basis of instruction. During this course students will complete investigations and respond to questions from the reading material. Students will also interact online with other course participants. Online Weather Studies covers the composition and structure of the atmosphere, the flows of energy to, from, and through the atmosphere, and the resulting motions produced from small to planetary scales. The physical principles of atmospheric phenomena are stressed in the understanding of weather's impact on humans, particularly with severe weather. Methods of analysis are developed through the study of current weather as meteorological data are delivered via the Internet.

Proficiencies

Institutional proficiencies assigned to this course

Successful completion of this course will enhance students' ability to

• interpret and synthesize information and ideas;
• analyze and evaluate arguments;
• demonstrate a large and varied vocabulary;
• interpret graphs, tables, and diagrams;
• gather and assess information from printed sources, electronic sources, and observation.

Requirements

Students must have the computer skills to be able to: submit assignments as documents, scan and submit *.gif graphics, and (an absolute must!) navigate the Web with ease.

Software

• Microsoft Word.

  The most current edition of MS Office (containing MS Word, Excel and other valuable programs) is available to University of Wisconsin students at discounted prices through the Wisconsin Integrated Software Catalog.

Hardware

• Printer (color printer preferable but not necessary).
• A reasonably fast internet connection to download assignment files (which can be as large as 1.5 MB) and upload completed reports with graphics.
• You must have access to a scanner in order to create *.gif files from images and diagrams and knowledge of the use of applicable software.

About the Instructors

• Jim Brey
  Professor, Geology and Geography
  AA, University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan
  BA, University of Wisconsin-Madison
  MS, University of Wisconsin-Madison
  PhD, University of Wisconsin-Madison
  
• Darrel Johnson
  Associate Lecturer, Geography
  BS, UW-Milwaukee
  MS, UW-Milwaukee
  
• Bruce Smith
  Associate Lecturer, Geology and Geography
  BSc, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
  MSc, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh