METEO 3110
Introduction to Atmospheric Science
Fall 2007, Prof. Zhaoxia Pu

Lecture schedule: MWF 11:50-12:40
Classroom: 820 WBB

Instructor: Dr. Zhaoxia Pu, 813 WBB, (801)585-3864, Zhaoxia.Pu@utah.edu, http://www.met.utah.edu/pu/
Office Hours : M 12:40-14:30; F 12:40-14:00
Homework session : F 12:40-13:10 (office or WBB 820)

Course Objectives: This course provides an intermediate-level introduction to the field of meteorology for both meteorology majors and other scientists and engineers. Topics include the structure of atmosphere, atmospheric thermodynamics, cloud physics, radiative transfer, and atmospheric dynamics. This course is the first of a series of theoretical and practical courses that you will take to qualify yourself as a meteorologist.

Main Topics:

  • Atmospherical composition
  • Atmospheric thermodynamics
  • Atmospheric aerosol and cloud microphysical processes
  • Radiative transfer
  • Atmospheric dynamics

    Prerequisite: METEO 1010; MATH 1210 and 1220; PHYSC 2210; or instructor's permission

    Required Textbook: Wallace, J. M., and P. V. Hobbs, Atmospheric Science: An Introductory Survey (Second Edition), Academic Press, 2006. ( Errata : click linked pdf here)

    Recommended References:
    Holton, J. Introduction to Dynamic Meteorology, 4th Edition, Academic Press, 2004
    Salby,M.L., Fundamentals of Atmospheric Physics,Academic Press, 1996
    Rogers, R. R., and M. K. Yau, A Short Course in Cloud Physics, 3rd Edition, Butterworth-Heinemann, 1989
    Petty, G. W., A First Course in Atmospheric Radiation,Sundog Publishing, 2004

    Grading Policy:
    Grades will be based upon your performance on the homework exercises, exams, and the class participation. The weighted contribution of each of these items to your final grade is given below:
    35% Homework
    15% Exam 1: Atmospheric Thermodynamics
    15% Exam 2: Cloud Microphysics
    15% Exam 3: Radiative Transfer
    15% Exam 4: Atmospheric Dynamics
    5% In class one-minute quizzes
    Final grades are based on the following scale:
    >90 % guarantees an A or A-
    >80 % guarantees a B+, B, or B-
    >70 % guarantees a C+, C, or C-
    >60 % guarantees a D+, D, or D-
    <60% results in an E

    Disabilities Act: The University of Utah seeks to provide equal access to its programs, services and activities for people with disabilities. If you will need accommodations in the class, reasonable prior notice needs to be given to the Center for Disability Services, 162 Olpin Union Building, 581-5020 (V/TDD). CDS will work with you and the instructor to make arrangements for accommodations.
    All written information in this course can be made available in alternative format with prior notification to the Center for Disability Services.


    Last update: April 05, 2007