Offered by the Department of Geological and Atmospheric Sciences.
The bachelor of science major in Meteorology: The study of meteorology involves the description of the earth’s atmosphere and the processes responsible for its behavior. Students majoring in Meteorology earn the bachelor of science. The major satisfies guidelines specified by the American Meteorological Society and meets education requirements for employment with the National Weather Service and the World Meteorological Organization. Successful preparation for professional or graduate work in Meteorology requires that the student develop and integrate a diverse range of skills and knowledge bases. These include weather observing, the physics and dynamics of the global atmosphere, application of new weather technologies, advanced mathematical tools, computer programming and modeling, and effective oral and written communication. The faculty view the senior thesis (MTEOR 499 Senior Research), in particular, as a capstone experience in which students demonstrate they have achieved this integration. Also, contemporary meteorology is an earth-system science with ties to a variety of human experiences. The electives and general education requirements of the college are further experiences that the meteorology student must integrate with their core meteorology knowledge in order to function effectively in a globally-oriented profession.
Meteorology as a Secondary Major: The Meteorology program allows students in academic programs with affinity to meteorology to complete a secondary major in meteorology through an accelerated pathway. Students earning a BS degree in electrical or aerospace engineering who complete the designated Meteorology coursework of at least 25 credit hours can earn a secondary major in Meteorology. Students should work closely with their advisors in each department to ensure that all requirements are met. Please review information on the department website or contact the current program head for more information and sample four year plans to earn a secondary major in Meteorology.
Combined Degrees: A concurrent program is offered which combines a bachelor of science degree in meteorology and a master of science degree in meteorology. This program gives well-qualified Iowa State juniors and seniors the opportunity to begin working on the M.S. degree before completing the B.S. degree, reducing by at least one year the normal time period necessary to complete both degrees separately. Additionally, a concurrent program exists that gives students the opportunity to receive a B.S. in meteorology and an M.B.A. (master of business administration) within five years. Review the department website or contact the current program head for more information regarding these options.
Minor - Meteorology
The department offers a minor in Meteorology which may be earned by completing 15 credits including MTEOR 111 Synoptic Applications (only 1 credit may count toward the minor), MTEOR 206 Introduction to Weather and Climate and MTEOR 301 General Meteorology. The minor must include at least 6 credits in the courses numbered 300 or above taken at Iowa State University and must include at least 9 credits that are not used to meet any other department, college or university requirement. Further information concerning programs of study, including sample degree programs, is available from the department.
The program requires the following courses:
| MTEOR 111 | Synoptic Applications | 1 |
| MTEOR 201 | Introductory Seminar | R |
| MTEOR 206 | Introduction to Weather and Climate | 3 |
| MTEOR 227 | Computational Meteorology I | 3 |
| MTEOR 301 | General Meteorology | 4 |
| MTEOR 311 | Introduction to Synoptic Meteorology | 2 |
| MTEOR 341 | Atmospheric Physics I | 3 |
| MTEOR 342 | Atmospheric Physics II | 3 |
| MTEOR 411 | Synoptic Meteorology | 3 |
| MTEOR 417 | Mesoscale Forecasting Laboratory | 3 |
| MTEOR 432 | Instrumentation and Measurements | 3 |
| MTEOR 443 | Dynamic Meteorology I | 3 |
| MTEOR 454 | Dynamic Meteorology II | 3 |
| MTEOR 499 | Senior Research | 2 |
| Total Credits | 36 | |
An additional 9 credits must be chosen from:
| MTEOR 402 | Watershed Hydrology | 3 |
| MTEOR 404 | Global Change | 3 |
| MTEOR 405 | Environmental Biophysics | 3 |
| MTEOR 406 | World Climates | 3 |
| MTEOR 407 | Mesoscale Meteorology | 3 |
| MTEOR 416 | Hydrologic Modeling and Analysis | 3 |
| MTEOR 435 | Radar Applications in Meteorology | 3 |
| MTEOR 440 | Tropical Meteorology | 3 |
| MTEOR 452 | Climate Modeling | 3 |
| MTEOR 489 | Survey of Remote Sensing Technologies | 3 |
| MTEOR 489L | Satellite Remote Sensing Laboratory | 1 |
| MTEOR 490 | Independent Study | 1-3 |
| GEOL 415 | Paleoclimatology | 3 |
| or C E 372 | Engineering Hydrology and Hydraulics | |
| GEOL 452 | GIS for Geoscientists | 3 |
Supporting work is required in areas at least equivalent to:
| One of the following sequences | 5 | |
| College Chemistry and Laboratory in College Chemistry | ||
| Or | ||
| General Chemistry I and Laboratory in General Chemistry I | ||
| PHYS 221 | Introduction to Classical Physics I | 5 |
| PHYS 232 | Introduction to Classical Physics II | 4 |
| MATH 165 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MATH 166 | Calculus II | 4 |
| MATH 265 | Calculus III | 4 |
| MATH 266 | Elementary Differential Equations | 3 |
| STAT 305 | Engineering Statistics | 3 |
| SP CM 212 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| Total Credits | 35 | |
A grade of C or better (not C-) is required in each of the following courses to meet minimum graduation requirements for a bachelor of science degree in Meteorology:
| MTEOR 206 | Introduction to Weather and Climate | 3 |
| MTEOR 301 | General Meteorology | 4 |
Several co-op programs are available for upper-division undergraduates. Although a range of opportunities exists for men and women who terminate their studies with a bachelor of science, students who meet the necessary academic standards are encouraged to continue their studies in a graduate program. For these students, additional coursework is recommended in mathematics or physical science. Other students can choose a wide range of supporting courses that will contribute to their particular area of interest in meteorology.
Communication Proficiency requirement: According to the university-wide Communication Proficiency Grade Requirement, students must demonstrate their communication proficiency by earning a grade of C or better in ENGL 250.
| ENGL 150 | Critical Thinking and Communication | 3 |
| ENGL 250 | Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition | 3 |
| or ENGL 250H | Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition: Honors | |
| MTEOR 399X | Writing for Research | 1 |
| MTEOR 499 | Senior Research | 2 |
Path 1 for students preparing to start in calculus
| Freshman | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| MTEOR 111 | 1 | MTEOR 113 | 1 |
| MTEOR 112 | 1 | MTEOR 206 | 3 |
| MATH 165 | 4 | MATH 166 | 4 |
| CHEM 163 or 1771 | 4 | PHYS 221 | 5 |
| CHEM 163L or 177L1 | 1 | Humanities/Social Science Choice | 3 |
| ENGL 150 | 3 | ||
| LIB 160 | 1 | ||
| PSYCH 131 | 1 | ||
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Sophomore | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| MTEOR 201 | R | MTEOR 301 | 4 |
| MTEOR 227 | 3 | MATH 266 | 3 |
| ENGL 250 | 3 | SP CM 212 | 3 |
| MATH 265 | 4 | STAT 305 | 3 |
| PHYS 232 | 4 | Humanities/Social Science Choice | 3 |
| 14 | 16 | ||
| Junior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| MTEOR 311 | 2 | MTEOR 342 | 3 |
| MTEOR 341 | 3 | MTEOR 399X | 1 |
| MTEOR 443 | 3 | MTEOR 454 | 3 |
| World Language/Elective | 3-4 | World Language/Elective | 3-4 |
| Humanities/Social Science Choice | 3 | Humanities/Social Science Choice | 3 |
| Humanities/Social Science Choice | 3 | ||
| 14-15 | 16-17 | ||
| Senior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| MTEOR 411 | 3 | MTEOR 417 | 3 |
| MTEOR 499 | 2 | MTEOR 432 | 3 |
| Meteorology Elective/elective Choice2,3 | 3 | Meteorology Elective/Elective Choice2,3 | 3 |
| Meteorology Elective/Elective choice2,3 | 3 | Meteorology Elective/Elective Choice2,3 | 3 |
| Humanities/Social Science Choice | 3 | Humanities/Social Science Choice | 3 |
| 14 | 15 | ||
LAS majors require a minimum of 120 credits, including a minimum of 45 credits at the 300/400 level. You must also complete the Communication Proficiency and LAS World Language Requirements. Six semesters of one foreign language in high school satisfies the World Language requirement. | |
Students in all ISU majors must complete a 3-credit course in U.S. diversity and a 3-credit course in international perspectives. Discuss with your advisor how the two courses that you select can be applied to address general education requirements. Check for a list of approved courses at: http://www.registrar.iastate.edu/courses/div-ip-guide.html | |
| 1 | Students taking CHEM 177 should plan to take CHEM 178 as well. |
| 2 | Students must select at least 12 credits from a list of optional courses. |
| 3 | Students should select a humanities or social science course based on need. If these LAS requirements have been satisfied, students may select a meteorology elective or alternate course. Students should discuss possible alternate course options with their advisor. |
Path 2 for students needing preparatory mathematics
| Freshman | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| MTEOR 112 | 1 | MTEOR 113 | 1 |
| MATH 143 | 4 | MATH 165 | 4 |
| ENGL 150 | 3 | MTEOR 206 | 3 |
| CHEM 163 | 4 | SP CM 212 | 3 |
| CHEM 163L | 1 | Humanities/Social Science Choice | 3 |
| LIB 160 | 1 | Humanities/Social Science Choice | 3 |
| PSYCH 131 | 1 | ||
| 15 | 17 | ||
| Sophomore | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| MTEOR 111 | 1 | MATH 265 | 4 |
| MTEOR 201 | R | MTEOR 301 | 4 |
| MTEOR 227 | 3 | STAT 305 | 3 |
| ENGL 250 | 3 | PHYS 232 | 4 |
| MATH 166 | 4 | ||
| PHYS 221 | 5 | ||
| 16 | 15 | ||
| Junior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| MTEOR 311 | 2 | MTEOR 342 | 3 |
| MTEOR 341 | 3 | MTEOR 399X | 1 |
| MTEOR 443 | 3 | MTEOR 454 | 3 |
| MATH 266 | 3 | World Language/Elective | 3-4 |
| World Language/Elective | 3-4 | Humanities/Social Science Choice | 3 |
| Humanities/Social Science Choice | 3 | ||
| 14-15 | 16-17 | ||
| Senior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| MTEOR 411 | 3 | MTEOR 417 | 3 |
| MTEOR 499 | 2 | MTEOR 432 | 3 |
| Meteorology Elective/Elective Choice2,3 | 3 | Meteorology Elective/Elective Choice2,3 | 3 |
| Meteorology Elective/Elective Choice2,3 | 3 | Meteorlogy Elective/Elective Choice2,3 | 3 |
| Humanities/Social Science Choice | 3 | Humanities/Social Science Choice | 3 |
| 14 | 15 | ||
LAS majors require a minimum of 120 credits, including a minimum of 45 credits at the 300/400 level. You must also complete the Communication Proficiency and LAS World Language Requirements. Six semesters of one foreign language in high school satisfies the World Language requirement. | |
Students in all ISU majors must complete a 3-credit course in U.S. diversity and a 3-credit course in international perspectives. Discuss with your advisor how the two courses that you select can be applied to address general education requirements. Check for a list of approved courses at: http://www.registrar.iastate.edu/courses/div-ip-guide.html | |
| 1 | Students taking CHEM 177 should plan to take CHEM 178 as well. |
| 2 | Students must select at least 12 credits from a list of optional courses. |
| 3 | Students should select a humanities or social science course based on need. If these LAS requirements have been satisfied, students may select a meteorology elective or alternate course. Students should discuss possible alternate course options with their advisor. |
Graduate Meteorology
The department offers programs leading to the master of science (M.S.) and doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) in Meteorology. Students desiring a major in Meteorology normally will have a strong undergraduate background in the physical and mathematical sciences. Individuals desiring to enter a graduate program are evaluated by considering their undergraduate preparation and performance along with their expressed goals in the statement of purpose. Prospective students are encouraged to reach out to individual faculty members who they wish to work with prior to applying.
Programs of study are designed on an individual basis in accordance with the requirements of the Graduate College and established requirements for each departmental major. Additional coursework is normally taken in complementary areas such as aerospace engineering, agronomy (soil science), chemistry, civil and construction engineering, computer engineering, computer science, engineering mechanics, environmental science, materials engineering, mathematics, mechanical engineering, microbiology, physics, or statistics. Departmental requirements provide a strong, broad background in the major and allow considerable flexibility in the program of each individual.
A thesis is required of all M.S. candidates, and a dissertation is required of all Ph.D. candidates.
Course requirements for the M.S. degree include MTEOR 542 and 543, along with at least four courses from the graduate Meteorology electives (502, 504, 505, 507, 516, 518, 535, 540, 552, 568, 589, or 605) or from outside the department according to the students' professional goals and interests, in consultation with their advisor and POS committee. Students without prior synoptic meteorology course work must complete MTEOR 511 and may substitute these credits in place of other elective courses.
Graduates in Meteorology have a good comprehension of basic principles, a capacity for critical and independent thought, and an ability to communicate effectively with scientific colleagues. They have an appropriate breadth in their understanding of meteorology with a suitable specialization. Graduates are able to undertake thorough research and explain the results in a scientifically reasonable fashion.
Courses
Courses primarily for undergraduates:
(2-0) Cr. 1. F.
Understanding of atmospheric processes that play a role in creating severe and hazardous weather. Focus on thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, blizzards, ice storms, and temperature extremes. Impacts on lives and property.
(1-0) Cr. 1. Repeatable. F.
Prereq: Credit or enrollment in MATH 165
Current weather discussions and introduction to synoptic-scale interpretation of meteorology. Application and use of calculus in meteorology. Course restricted to majors. Others with permission of instructor.
(Cross-listed with GEOL). (1-0) Cr. 1. F.
Orientation course for students enrolled in the Earth, Wind and Fire Learning Community. Provides an introduction to Iowa State University and meteorology, geology, and Earth science programs for students enrolled in the department's learning community. Activities include academic and social activities, talks and presentations on academic success, resume writing, and study abroad, as well as research talks by faculty members.
(Cross-listed with GEOL). (1-0) Cr. 1. S.
Spring orientation course for students enrolled in the "Earth, Wind and Fire" Learning Community. Develop and apply quantitative, data-analysis, management, and communication skills on an authentic research project in a team to focus on professionalism and resilience. Introduction to interview strategies and the importance of creating a professional image on social media. Academic and social events, plus two field trips.
(Cross-listed with AGRON, ENV S, GEOL). Cr. 3. F.S.
The climate system of our planet. How nature and our actions alter the existing energy balance leading to climate change. Past climates on our planet. The influence of climate on society and resource availability during the Holocene (~ 11,000 years ago to present) with focus on changes post industrial revolution. Significant climate events that have altered our way of life in the past. Projected changes in future climate and potential impacts on society, environment and resources. Adaption to and mitigation of climate change.
(Cross-listed with AGRON, ENV S, GEOL). (3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Study of the occurrence, history, development, and management of world water resources. Basic hydrologic principles including climate, surface water, groundwater, and water quality. Historical and current perspectives on water policy, use, and the role of water in society and the environment.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
Cr. R. F.
Prereq: Credit or enrollment in PHYS 221
An overview of the atmospheric sciences, the meteorology program at Iowa State, and the major research journals used in the discipline.
(Cross-listed with AGRON). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.
Basic concepts in weather and climate, including atmospheric measurements, radiation, stability, precipitation, winds, fronts, forecasting, and severe weather. Applied topics include global warming, ozone depletion, world climates and weather safety.
(3-1) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: Credit or concurrent enrollment in MTEOR 206, credit or concurrent enrollment in PHYS 221
An introduction to computer programming using FORTRAN with focus on meteorological applications. Emphasis on basics of good programming techniques and style through extensive practice in top-down design, writing, running, and debugging small programs. Topics include operations and functions, selective execution, repetitive execution, arrays, input/output, file processing, and subprograms. This course is designed for majors.
(Cross-listed with AER E). (0-2) Cr. 1. F.
Engineering aspects of scientific balloon flights. Integration of science mission objectives with engineering requirements. Operations team certification. FAA and FCC regulations, communications, and command systems. Flight path prediction and control.
Cr. 1-4. Repeatable.
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Independent study for freshman and sophomore students.
Cr. R. Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Permission of the department cooperative education coordinator; sophomore classification
Required of all cooperative education students. Students must register for this course prior to commencing the work period.
(1-2) Cr. 2. F.
Prereq: MTEOR 301
Concepts of weather map plotting and analysis. Introduction to forecasting and to the use of real-time UNIDATA computer products.
Cr. 1-2. Repeatable, maximum of 3 credits. F.S.SS.
Prereq: MTEOR 311; junior or senior standing; permission of co-op program coordinator; acceptance by sponsoring agency
Supervised practical experience in a professional meteorological agency. Experiences may include providing weather information for radio, TV, utilities, government agencies, construction, or agribusiness.
(Cross-listed with ENSCI, ENV S, GEOL). (3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: CHEM 163 or CHEM 177, MATH 140
Exploration of the origin of Earth’s energy resources and the environmental and climatic impacts of energy acquisition and consumption. Renewable and non-renewable energy resources within an Earth-system context. Various environmentally-relevant topics such as water quality and availability, habitat destruction, greenhouse-gas emissions, and health and safety hazards to wildlife and human communities.
(3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: MTEOR 341
Precipitation physics, radar, atmospheric radiation, atmospheric optics, atmospheric electricity.
Cr. R. Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Permission of the department cooperative education coordinator; junior classification
Required of all cooperative education students. Students must register for this course prior to commencing the work period.
(Dual-listed with MTEOR 502). (Cross-listed with ENSCI, GEOL, NREM). (2-3) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: Four courses in physical or biological sciences or engineering; junior standing
Examination of watersheds as systems, emphasizing the surface components of the hydrologic cycle. Combines qualitative understanding of hydrological processes and uncertainty with quantitative representation. Laboratory emphasizes field investigation and measurement of watershed processes.
(Dual-listed with MTEOR 504). (Cross-listed with AGRON, ENSCI, ENV S). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.
Prereq: Four courses in physical or biological sciences or engineering; junior standing
Recent changes in global biogeochemical cycles and climate; models of future changes in the climate system; impacts of global change on agriculture, water resources and human health; ethical issues of global environmental change.
(Dual-listed with MTEOR 505). (Cross-listed with AGRON, ENSCI). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered odd-numbered years.
Prereq: MATH 165 and some exposure to computer programming (any language)
The movement of energy and mass among the soil, vegetation, and atmosphere. The heat and water budget of humans, other animals, plants, and plant communities. Relevance to weather and climate, the effect of climate change on organisms, and remote sensing.
(Cross-listed with AGRON, ENSCI). (3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: AGRON 206/MTEOR 206
Distribution and causes of different climates around the world. Effects of climate and climate variations on human activities including society, economy and agriculture. Current issues such as climate change and international efforts to assess and mitigate the consequences of a changing climate. Semester project and in-class presentation required.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
(Dual-listed with MTEOR 507). (Cross-listed with AGRON). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: MATH 166 and MTEOR 443
Physical nature and practical consequences of mesoscale atmospheric phenomena. Mesoscale convective systems, fronts, terrain-forced circulations. Observation, analysis, and prediction of mesoscale atmospheric structure.
(Dual-listed with MTEOR 516). (Cross-listed with ENSCI, GEOL). (2-3) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered odd-numbered years.
Prereq: Four courses in Earth science, meteorology, or engineering; junior standing
Study of the basic principles of hydrologic modeling, including rainfall-runoff analysis, lumped and distributed modeling, conceptual and physical models, parameter estimation and sensitivity analysis, input and validation data, uncertainty analysis, and the use of models in surface water hydrology. A range of common models are applied to study hydrologic topics such as flood forecasting and land use change impacts. Previous experience with Matlab or other programming language is needed.
(1-5) Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: Credit or enrollment in MTEOR 411
Real-time computer analysis of current weather, with emphasis on small-scale features. Studies of severe weather, lake-effect snow, CSI, cold-air damming.
(2-2) Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: Credit or enrollment in MATH 266, PHYS 232
Principles of meteorological sensing and data analysis. Thermometry, barometry, hygrometry, anemometry, precipitation measurements, radiometry, radar, remote sensing, visibility, and cloud height. Calibration and measurement uncertainties. Digital signal processing. Field trip to the National Weather Service. Labs emphasize dataloggers and modern weather stations.
(Dual-listed with MTEOR 535). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: Credit or enrollment in MTEOR 341
Fundamentals of radar meteorology with emphasis on applications. Topics presented include theory of radar, engineering principles, Doppler radar, polarimetric radar, and applications to remote sensing of clouds and precipitation.
(Dual-listed with MTEOR 540). Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered odd-numbered years.
Prereq: Credit or enrollment in MTEOR 341
Weather and climate of the tropical atmosphere. Weekly forecast discussions related to the development of tropical cyclones and teleconnection patterns between the tropics and higher latitudes. Topics covered include easterly waves, tropical cyclogenesis (i.e., hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones), equatorial waves, El Niño-Southern oscillation, Madden-Julian oscillation, and monsoons.
(3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: MTEOR 341
Conservation laws, governing equations, circulation and vorticity. Development of quasi-geostrophic theory.
(Dual-listed with MTEOR 552). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered odd-numbered years.
Prereq: MTEOR 301
Developing and working with climate models based on fundamental physical principles that govern the climate systems of the Earth and other planets. Emphasis on coupled, nonlinear-system interactions of physical processes such as circulation dynamics, radiative transfer, and cloud/precipitation physics, starting with fairly simple 0- and 1-dimensional analytical and numerical models based on energy, mass, and momentum conservation. Observational study of seasonally evolving weather patterns that form climates around the world.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: MTEOR 443
Planetary boundary layer, linear perturbation theory, atmospheric wave motions, baroclinic and convective instability, mesoscale circulations.
(Dual-listed with MTEOR 568). (Cross-listed with ENSCI, GEOL). Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: GEOL 452, C R P 351, C R P 452, NREM 345, or NREM 446
Introduction to geospatial data collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation. Geospatial techniques including geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing (RS), and global positioning systems (GPS). Study of applied geostatistical analysis (e.g., interpolation and spatial regression).
(Dual-listed with MTEOR 589). (Cross-listed with E E, ENSCI, GEOL, NREM). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: Four courses in physical or biological sciences or engineering
Electromagnetic-radiation principles, active and passive sensors, multispectral and hyperspectral sensors, imaging radar, SAR, thermal imaging, lidar. Examples of applications. Also offered online S.
(Dual-listed with MTEOR 589L). (Cross-listed with E E, GEOL, NREM). (0-3) Cr. 1. F.
Prereq: Completion or concurrent enrollment in MTEOR/GEOL/NREM/EE 489/589
Processing and analysis of satellite sensor data (optical and radar). Provides practical applications in an environmental context.
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits.
Prereq: 6 credits in meteorology, permission of instructor
No more than 9 credits in Mteor 490 may be counted toward graduation.
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits.
Prereq: 6 credits in meteorology, permission of instructor
No more than 9 credits in Mteor 490 may be counted toward graduation.
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits.
Prereq: 6 credits in meteorology, permission of instructor
No more than 9 credits in Mteor 490 may be counted toward graduation.
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits.
Prereq: 6 credits in meteorology, permission of instructor
No more than 9 credits in Mteor 490 may be counted toward graduation.
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits.
Prereq: 6 credits in meteorology, permission of instructor
No more than 9 credits in Mteor 490 may be counted toward graduation.
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits.
Prereq: 6 credits in meteorology, permission of instructor
No more than 9 credits in Mteor 490 may be counted toward graduation.
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits.
Prereq: 6 credits in meteorology, permission of instructor.
No more than 9 credits in MTEOR 490 may be counted toward graduation.
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits.
Prereq: 6 credits in meteorology, permission of instructor
No more than 9 credits in MTEOR 490 may be counted toward graduation.
Cr. R. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Permission of the department cooperative education coordinator; senior classification
Required of all cooperative education students. Students must register for this course prior to commencing each work period.
(2-0) Cr. 2. F.
Required of all senior meteorology majors. Research projects in collaboration with faculty. Written and oral presentations of results at the end of the semester.
Courses primarily for graduate students, open to qualified undergraduates:
(Dual-listed with MTEOR 402). (Cross-listed with ENSCI, GEOL, NREM). (2-3) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: Four courses in physical or biological sciences or engineering; junior standing
Examination of watersheds as systems, emphasizing the surface components of the hydrologic cycle. Combines qualitative understanding of hydrological processes and uncertainty with quantitative representation. Laboratory emphasizes field investigation and measurement of watershed processes.
(Dual-listed with MTEOR 404). (Cross-listed with AGRON, ENSCI). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.
Prereq: Four courses in physical or biological sciences or engineering; junior standing
Recent changes in global biogeochemical cycles and climate; models of future changes in the climate system; impacts of global change on agriculture, water resources and human health; ethical issues of global environmental change.
(Dual-listed with MTEOR 405). (Cross-listed with AGRON, ENSCI). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered odd-numbered years.
Prereq: MATH 165 and some exposure to computer programming (any language)
The movement of energy and mass among the soil, vegetation, and atmosphere. The heat and water budget of humans, other animals, plants, and plant communities. Relevance to weather and climate, the effect of climate change on organisms, and remote sensing.
(Dual-listed with MTEOR 407). (Cross-listed with AGRON). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: MATH 166 and MTEOR 443
Gallus. The physical nature and practical consequences of mesoscale atmospheric phenomena. Mesoscale convective systems, fronts, terrain-forced circulations. Observation, analysis, and prediction of mesoscale atmospheric structure. Semester project and in-class presentation required.
(Dual-listed with MTEOR 416). (Cross-listed with ENSCI, GEOL). (2-3) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered odd-numbered years.
Prereq: Four courses in Earth science, meteorology, or engineering; junior standing
Study of the basic principles of hydrologic modeling, including rainfall-runoff analysis, lumped and distributed modeling, conceptual and physical models, parameter estimation and sensitivity analysis, input and validation data, uncertainty analysis, and the use of models in surface water hydrology. A range of common models are applied to study hydrologic topics such as flood forecasting and land use change impacts. Previous experience with Matlab or other programming language is needed.
(Cross-listed with AGRON, E E). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: MATH 265
Microwave remote sensing of Earth's surface and atmosphere using satellite-based or ground-based instruments. Specific examples include remote sensing of atmospheric temperature and water vapor, precipitation, ocean salinity, and soil moisture.
(Dual-listed with MTEOR 435). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: Credit or enrollment in MTEOR 341
Fundamentals of radar meteorology with emphasis on applications. Topics presented include theory of radar, engineering principles, Doppler radar, polarimetric radar, and applications to remote sensing of clouds and precipitation.
(Dual-listed with MTEOR 440). Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered odd-numbered years.
Prereq: Credit or enrollment in MTEOR 341
Weather and climate of the tropical atmosphere. Weekly forecast discussions related to the development of tropical cyclones and teleconnection patterns between the tropics and higher latitudes. Topics covered include easterly waves, tropical cyclogenesis (i.e., hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones), equatorial waves, El Niño-Southern oscillation, Madden-Julian oscillation, and monsoons.
(3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: MTEOR 455
The first half of a two semester sequence. Governing equations, scale analysis, simple types of wave motion in the atmosphere, instability theory.
(3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered odd-numbered years.
Prereq: MTEOR 543
Continuation of 543. General circulation and dynamics of zonally symmetric circulations, atmospheric energetics, nonlinear dynamics of planetary waves.
(Dual-listed with MTEOR 452). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered odd-numbered years.
Prereq: MTEOR 301
Developing and working with climate models based on fundamental physical principles that govern the climate systems of the Earth and other planets. Emphasis on coupled, nonlinear-system interactions of physical processes such as circulation dynamics, radiative transfer, and cloud/precipitation physics, starting with fairly simple 0- and 1-dimensional analytical and numerical models based on energy, mass, and momentum conservation. Observational study of seasonally evolving weather patterns that form climates around the world.
(Dual-listed with MTEOR 468). (Cross-listed with ENSCI, GEOL). Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: GEOL 452, C R P 351, C R P 452, NREM 345, or NREM 446
Introduction to geospatial data collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation. Geospatial techniques including geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing (RS), and global positioning systems (GPS). Study of applied geostatistical analysis (e.g., interpolation and spatial regression).
(Dual-listed with MTEOR 489). (Cross-listed with E E, ENSCI, GEOL, NREM). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: Four courses in physical or biological sciences or engineering
Electromagnetic-radiation principles, active and passive sensors, multispectral and hyperspectral sensors, imaging radar, SAR, thermal imaging, lidar. Examples of applications. Also offered online S.
(Dual-listed with MTEOR 489L). (Cross-listed with E E, GEOL, NREM). (0-3) Cr. 1. F.
Prereq: Completion or concurrent enrollment in MTEOR/GEOL/NREM/EE 489/589
Processing and analysis of satellite sensor data (optical and radar). Provides practical applications in an environmental context.
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable.
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Topics of current interest.
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable.
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Topics of current interest.
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable.
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Topics of current interest.
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable.
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Topics of current interest.
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable.
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Topics of current interest.
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable.
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Topics of current interest.
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable.
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Topics of current interest.
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable.
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Topics of current interest.
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable.
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Topics of current interest.
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable.
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Topics of current interest.
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable.
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Topics of current interest.
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable.
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Topics of current interest.
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable.
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Topics of current interest.
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable.
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Topics of current interest.
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable.
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Topics of current interest.
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable.
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Topics of current interest.
(Cross-listed with GEOL). Cr. 1. Repeatable. F.S.
Prereq: Senior or graduate classification
Weekly seminar on topics of current research interest. All students seeking a graduate degree must enroll during each semester of residence. Students pursuing a non-thesis option for the M.S. in Earth Science must enroll for one semester.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
(Cross-listed with GEOL). (1-0) Cr. 1. Repeatable. F.S.
Prereq: Senior or graduate classification
Weekly seminar on topics of current research interest. All students seeking a graduate degree must enroll during each semester of residence. Students pursuing a non-thesis option for the M.S. in Earth Science must enroll for one semester.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
(Cross-listed with GEOL). Cr. R. Repeatable. F.S.
Prereq: Senior or graduate classification
Attendance only. Weekly seminar on topics of current research interest. All students seeking a graduate degree must enroll during each semester of residence. Students pursuing a non-thesis option for the M.S. in Earth Science must enroll for one semester.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
Courses for graduate students:
(Cross-listed with AGRON). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered odd-numbered years.
Prereq: MTEOR 443 or equivalent-level course in engineering fluids
Atmospheric boundary-layer structure and dynamics. Diurnal and seasonal variations, turbulent fluxes and turbulence kinetic energy. Measurements and empirical relations for wind and temperature near the ground. Numerical simulation and applications to wind energy.
Cr. arr. Repeatable.