Instructor: Prof. Gregory Hakim (685.2439) (www) Department of Atmospheric Sciences; University of Washington
This course provides a broad introduction to the atmospheric sciences,
including atmospheric composition, weather forecasting, radiation,
thermodynamics, and climate. Insight on these topics is gained by
application of basic physical laws. A daily review of current weather
provides real-time examples of principles derived in lecture.
Prerequisites: MATH 126; PHYS 123.
Class meets: M-F 9:30-10:20 am in ATG 310C. (No Class: 4,5,6 October; 11 November; 24-25 November)
Text: Atmospheric Science. An Introductory Survey, Second Edition, by J. M Wallace and P. V. Hobbs.
Syllabus:
| Week 1 | Atmospheric observations |
| Week 2 | Structure and composition of the atmosphere |
| Week 3 | Radiation, greenhouse effect, and global warming |
| Week 4 | Clouds and cloud interpretation |
| Week 5 | Ideal gas law and hydrostatics |
| Week 6 | Thermodynamics |
| Week 7 | Thunderstorms and severe weather |
| Week 8 | Basic dynamics; Cyclones |
| Week 9 | Cyclones and fronts |
| Week 10 | Weather prediction |
| Week 11 | Climate and climate change |
Office Hours:Tuesday 10:30-11:30 am.
Evaluation:Homework: every Tuesday (one score dropped; no late hw accepted).
Quizzes: every Friday (one score dropped; no make-ups).
Midterm Exam: Wednesday 2 Nov.
Final Exam: Wednesday 14 Dec. 8:30--10:20 am
Grading:Equal weight (25% each): homework, quizzes, midterm exam and final exam.