Eric P. Salathe
Examines different subjects or problems from an interdisciplinary framework.
BCLIM 300 Fundamentals of Weather and Climate
This course provides a broad introduction to the atmospheric sciences, including atmospheric composition, atmospheric physics, radiation, thermodynamics, clouds, atmospheric dynamics, the large-scale circulation, and climate. Insight on these topics is gained by application of mathematics and basic physical laws.
Student learning goals
Understand the dynamical, thermodynamical, and physical processes in the Earth system that determine its behavior on both short (i.e. weather) and long (i.e. climate) time scales.
Gain the skills to formulate and research scientific problems related to the weather and climate.
Express and solve atmospheric problems mathematically using calculus.
Understand the interaction of the various components of the earth system as they relate to a specific research problem.
Apply computational methods to problems of atmospheric dynamics, chemistry, and physics.
General method of instruction
This course is intended for students building a strong science education based on mathematics and physics. As such, a 2.0 or better is required in Calculus I & II (BCUSP 124, 125), Mechanics, and Electromagnetism (BPHYS 121, 122).
Class assignments and grading