Courses
Introductory Courses for Undergrads
Climate, Justice, and Energy Solutions (ATMOS 100)
Explore scientific climate solutions
Presents visions of the future when the climate crisis is solved and describes paths towards reaching these goals. Examines solutions including building a resilient society with clean energy, sustainable agriculture, climate justice, and a just transition for workers.
- Winter
- 5 credits (NW, I&S, DIV)
- Prerequisites: None
- Faculty: Dargan Frierson
Weather (ATMOS 101)
Explore weather phenomena
The earth’s atmosphere, with emphasis on weather observations and forecasting. Daily weather map discussions. Highs, lows, fronts, clouds, storms, jet streams, air pollution, and other features of the atmosphere. Physical processes involved in weather phenomena. Intended for nonmajors.
- Autumn, Winter, Spring, Summer
- 5 credits (NW)
- Prerequisites: None
- Faculty: Cliff Mass, Greg Hakim
Hurricanes and Thunderstorms: Their Science and Impact (ATMOS 103)
Understand the science and impacts of thunderstorms and hurricanes
Explores the science, history, and impacts of thunderstorms and hurricanes. Includes basic processes responsible for thunderstorms and hurricanes and for the lightning, hail, high winds, and storm surges that accompany them. Presents significant historical examples, along with the impact on human activities, strategies for personal safety, and societal adaptation.
- Spring
- 3 credits (NW, I&S)
- Prerequisites: None
- Faculty: Alexandra Anderson-Frey
Global Warming: Understanding the Issues (ATMOS 111)
Understand the science and causes of global warming
Presents a broad overview of the science of global warming. Includes the causes, evidence, and societal and environmental impacts from the last century. Recounts future climate projections and societal decisions that influence greenhouse gas emission scenarios and our ability to adapt to climate change. Presents ways to identify disinformation versus correct science. Includes both online and in-person components.
- Autumn, Winter, Spring, Summer
- 5 credits (NW, I&S)
- Prerequisites: None
- Faculty: Dargan Frierson, Abby Swann, Alexandra Anderson-Frey, Cecilia Bitz, Qiang Fu, Lyatt Jaeglé, Joel Thornton, David Battisti, Kat Huybers
Climate and Climate Change (ATMOS 211)
Explore processes that drive the climate system
Provides a deeper look into the science of global warming. Examines the nature of the global climate system, factors influencing climate—including interactions among the atmosphere, oceans, solid earth, and biosphere — and the stability and sensitivity of the climate system. Intended for non-ATMS majors.
- Autumn, Spring
- 5 credits (NW, I&S)
- Prerequisites: None
- Faculty: Dargan Frierson, Abby Swann, Alexandra Anderson-Frey, Cecilia Bitz, Qiang Fu, Lyatt Jaeglé, Joel Thornton, David Battisti, Kat Huybers
Check out more introductory classes at the College of the Environment
Air Pollution: Societal Impacts and Solutions (ATMOS 212)
Understand the causes, trends, and solutions to modern-day air pollution
This course explores the causes, impacts, and solutions for air pollution on local, regional, and global scales. Topics include urban smog, wildfires, acid rain, the ozone hole, and contrasts between indoor and outdoor air pollution. Health and environmental effects of air pollutants, technological solutions, environmental justice, and international policy regulations.
- Spring
- 3 credits (NW, I&S)
- Prerequisites: None
- Faculty: Becky Alexander