Course Syllabus
Overview
Course Description
Class in the atmospheric and snow sciences designed to build useful knowledge and expertise for students with a passion for mountains, powder, and winter sports. This course will explore the contemporary and enduring issues involving the ski industry and water resources and the potential impacts of climate change on mountain sports and culture in Utah and around the world.
Course Outcomes and Objectives
At the end of this course, you will be able to:
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- Summarize the evidence supporting Utah’s claim to “The Greatest Snow on Earth”.
- Explain the processes or phenomena (cloud, radiation, and wind) that affect the weather and snow in mountainous regions.
- Monitor and predict the weather and snowfall by using meteorological observations and computer-model forecasts.
- Describe the meteorological, snowpack, terrain, and human factors that contribute to avalanches and avalanche accidents.
- Discuss how climate change will affect the future of snow, ice, mountain sports, and culture in Utah and around the world.
- Apply problem-solving strategies, creativity, and atmospheric and snow information to better pursue winter-sports interests.
- Summarize the challenges posed by winter weather and climate change for glaciers, snow, and skiing in mountainous regions.
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Instructor
Jim Steenburgh
Department of Atmospheric Sciences
University of Utah
480/488 INSCC
jim.steenburgh@utah.edu
801-581-8727
X.com: @ProfessorPowder
Bluesky: @professorpowder.bsky.social
Blog: https://wasatchweatherweenies.blogspot.com
Teaching/Learning Assistants
Vanessa Sun (u1545774@utah.edu)
Ashley Evans (u6036943@utah.edu)
Kyle Ebner (u1307433@utah.edu)
Colin Jacobs (u1345874@utah.edu)
Rowan Brown (u1359213@utah.edu)
Will Summa (u0847975@utah.edu)
Textbook
Secrets of the Greatest Snow on Earth, Second Edition by Jim Steenburgh. This book has a suggested retail price of $22.95, may be purchased through the Campus bookstore, and is also freely available online if you are on the University of Utah network or off campus if you follow these directions. Downloads, however, may be limited and images are not high resolution. If you elect to not purchase the book, please note that we cannot troubleshoot problems with online access.
Prerequisites
None. This course is open to all students of any year in any major. No prior background or experience needed. You don't even need to be a skier or snowboarder and we encourage anyone with an interest in mountain weather or snow to take the course! Students should be comfortable reading maps like those provided by Google Earth and examining basic line and bar graphs.
General Education
This course meets the Physical Science (PS) requirement and addresses the learning framework intersection: Persist in addressing complex problems.
Credits
3
Meeting Times and Locations
This class is fully online and has no meeting locations or times. Complete everything online via Canvas. Work at your own schedule and pace, completing assignments prior to deadlines.
Virtual Help Hours (a.k.a. Student or Office Hours)
These are times when we are available to answer your questions, provide assistance, or just talk about anything, including snow and skiing.
Use the zoom link and passcode on our Online Assistance page to join the virtual help hours during the time periods indicated. You may be placed temporarily in a waiting room if we are assisting other students. We are also available by appointment if you contact us through Canvas or using the e-mail addresses above.
Helpful Tips
Have questions? Join our virtual help hours using the zoom link and passcode at our Online Assistance page. We are here for you! Or, send Jim an e-mail or a message through Canvas and we will schedule an alternative time to meet.
Some of the images for the scenario based learning activities may be small. In some cases, there are links to access larger ones. If not, you can right click on the image and either open it in a new window or tab or download it to access a larger version.
Course Requirements
Teaching and Learning Methods
Atmos 1000 is an online course that involves the completion of weekly modules. Each module includes a reading assignment, educational videos, participation in a discussion forum, a knowledge check, scenario-based learning activities, and optional additional exploration.
Readings and educational videos should be completed early in the week.
The initial post for discussions is due Thursdays by 11:59 p.m. MT and responses to posts are due Sundays by 11:59 pm MT.
The knowledge check and scenario-based learning activities are due Sundays 11:59 pm MT.
Late assignments reduced by 15% per day late without prior arrangement. Maximum late penalty reduction of 30%.
Grading
Most modules involve a knowledge check (15 points), a graded discussion (5 points), and scenario-based learning activities (20 points), for a total of 40 points. The graded discussion facilitates deeper discussion as you reflect on the weekly reading and videos, respond to one of the given prompts, and comment on the posts shared by two other students. The knowledge checks, which are multiple choice, can be completed while consulting course materials, can be repeated once, and are designed to help you gain deeper understanding of key concepts covered in the readings and educational videos. The scenario-based learning activities help you develop problem-solving strategies for using atmospheric, snow, and other information sources to better pursue your winter-sports interests or address challenges posed by winter weather and climate change in mountainous regions. These learning activities include multiple choice or short essay questions (multiple choice activities may be repeated once). There will also be a mid-term and a final, each will contain 50 multiple choice or fill-in-the blank questions, with a 90 minute time limit. Final grades are based on the weekly discussion/knowledge check/scenario-based learning activities (60%; breaks down into: 8% discussions, 23% knowledge checks, and 29% scenario-based learning activities), the mid-term exam (20%), and the final exam (20%).
Final grades will be assigned as follows:
| Letter Grade | Percentage |
|---|---|
| A | 100% to 92.5% |
| A- | < 92.5% to 89.5% |
| B+ | < 89.5% to 86.5% |
| B | < 86.5% to 82.5% |
| B- | < 82.5% to 79.5% |
| C+ | < 79.5% to 76.5% |
| C | < 76.5% to 72.5% |
| C- | < 72.5% to 69.5% |
| D+ | < 69.5% to 66.5% |
| D | < 66.5% to 62.5% |
| D- | < 62.5% to 59.5% |
| F | < 59.5% to 0% |
An F will be assigned an E in the University of Utah grade system.
We get lots of requests from students for a better grade at the end of the semester, sometimes asking if they can do extra work. If you want a better grade, many of the activities can be completed twice for an improved grade prior to the due date. This is your opportunity for extra credit. Please do not contact us at the end of the semester asking for extra credit opportunities.
How to Succeed in this Class
Be disciplined. Stay on top of the material and begin work early each week. Consult the book and videos as needed while completing Knowledge Checks and Learning Activities. Contact the instructor or teaching assistant when questions arise or if assistance is needed.
Schedule
Each module represents a week during the semester
Module 1: The Secrets
Module 2: Wasatch Microclimates
Module 3: Understanding Wasatch Microclimates
Module 4: Snow Climates of North America
Module 5: Snow Climates beyond North America
Module 6: Flaky Science
Module 7: Lake Effect/Mid-Term Exam
Module 8: Alta Goes to War
Module 9: Avalanche Fundamentals
Module 10: Avalanche Awareness and Human Factors in Accidents
Module 11: Powder Prediction – Observations
Module 12: Powder Prediction – Model Forecasts
Module 13: Climate Change and Snow – Recent Trends and Causes
Module 14: Future Climate Change and the Fate of Skiing
Module 15: Review/Final Exam
Expectations
University Policies and Online Etiquette
University policies and online expectations are summarized below and at https://regulations.utah.edu/academics/6-400.php. I expect you to be self-motivated and stay on top of the schedule; complete assignments, discussions, knowledge checks, and learning activities on time; contact me or the teaching or learning assistants if you have questions or need assistance; and follow the Core Rules of Netiquette. Plagiarism, cheating, harassment, or other forms of misconduct will not be tolerated. This includes the use of artificial intelligence (AI) content generators to produce content for discussions, essays, or other class assignments.
Our Online Community
My intent for this class is to create a space where students feel included, heard, and respected and that students' diverse identities and backgrounds are valued and viewed as an asset. We all come to this course with unique life (and snow) experiences, and there will be diversity of perspectives in our discussions. This diversity is a strength as we strive to communicate and connect across differences, and build an healthy learning environment. If you have a conflict with an assignment for a religious/cultural/spiritual event, please notify me beforehand and we will make arrangements.
Americans with Disability Act
The University of Utah seeks to provide equal access to its programs, services, and activities for people with disabilities.
All written information in this course can be made available in an alternative format with prior notification to the Center for Disability & Access (CDA). CDA will work with you and the instructor to make arrangements for accommodations. Prior notice is appreciated. To read the full accommodations policy for the University of Utah, please see Section Q of the Instruction & Evaluation regulations.
In compliance with ADA requirements, some students may need to record course content. Any recordings of course content are for personal use only, should not be shared, and should never be made publicly available. In addition, recordings must be destroyed at the conclusion of the course.
If you will need accommodations in this class, or for more information about what support they provide, contact:
Center for Disability & Access
801-581-5020
disability.utah.edu
65 Student Services Building
201 S 1460 E
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
Counseling Services
Your personal health and wellness are essential to your success as a student. Personal concerns like stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, depression, or cross-cultural differences can interfere with a student’s ability to succeed and thrive in this course and at the University of Utah. Please feel welcome to reach out to your instructor or TA to handle issues regarding your coursework.
For helpful resources to manage your personal wellness, the University of Utah Counseling Center provides developmental, preventative, and therapeutic services to promote the intellectual, emotional, cultural, and social development of University of Utah students. This includes services that address personal, career, and academic learning issues. They are located in 426 SSB and can be reached at 801-581-6826. Their 24/7 crisis line is 801-587-3000.
University Online Expectations and Policies
Student Expectations
Though the online format allows students greater flexibility to complete their work, this course does have a structure and timeline! As such, the following is expected of all students in this class:
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- Students must be self-motivated, organized, and willing to stay on top of their schedules. Students should take control of their learning while in this course.
- Students are expected to follow the Core Rules of Netiquette at all times while participating in the class and communicating with others.
- Students will log in to the course a minimum of 3 times per week.
- Students are not expected to interact with their classmates in person. Students may be expected to work with classmates via online communication options like Canvas Discussions, video conferencing, or other communication technologies of choice (Groupme, FaceTime, Google Hangouts, etc).
- Students will regularly check for course updates and will update their Canvas notification settings to ensure they receive timely notifications from the course.
- Students will contact their instructor or teaching assistant in a timely manner if they have any questions, are struggling with course materials, or need further assistance from their instructor.
- If you do not hear back within 3 days after sending a message, please contact your instructor/TA again.
- Students will follow all official University of Utah policies regarding interpersonal conduct, academic dishonesty, and other rights and responsibilities of students outlined in the University of Utah Student Handbook and Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities.
- If you have any questions about this, please contact the Dean of Students.
Instructor Expectations
Your course instructor is an expert in the topics you will learn about this semester. Your instructor is your mentor and facilitator of the classroom experience, aided by teaching assistants. Instructors are committed to:
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- The instructor will design the course to include lectures, learning materials, and assignments that are accessible and provide students with opportunities to learn and practice course content.
- The instructor and teaching assistants will ensure that the course remains a safe space where students can engage with difficult content thoughtfully and respectfully.
- The instructor and teaching assistants will interact with the class regularly via announcements, virtual help hours (one-on-one video conferencing), emails/the Canvas Inbox, feedback on assignments, and comments on Discussions, among other methods.
- The instructor and teaching assistants will respond to students in a timely manner: within 48 hours, not including weekends and holidays.
- The instructor and teaching assistants will be available for an individual consultation via virtual help hours (one-on-one video conferencing), email, or phone and will not require students to meet in person.
- The instructor and teaching assistants will provide relevant feedback in a timely manner.
- The instructor and teaching assistants will follow all official University of Utah policies regarding interpersonal conduct, accommodations, and other important duties.
Additional University Policies
Safety at the U
The University of Utah values the safety of all campus community members. You will receive important emergency alerts and safety messages regarding campus safety via text message. For more safety information and to view available training resources, including helpful videos, visit safeu.utah.edu.
To report suspicious activity or to request a courtesy escort, contact:
Campus Police & Department of Public Safety
801-585-COPS (801-585-2677)
dps.utah.edu
1735 E. S. Campus Dr.
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
Addressing Sexual Misconduct
Title IX makes it clear that violence and harassment based on sex and gender (which includes sexual orientation and gender identity/expression) is a civil rights offense subject to the same kinds of accountability and the same kinds of support applied to offenses against other protected categories such as race, national origin, color, religion, age, status as a person with a disability, veteran’s status, or genetic information.
If you or someone you know has been harassed or assaulted, you are encouraged to report it to university officials:
Title IX Coordinator & Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action
801-581-8365
oeo.utah.edu
135 Park Building
201 Presidents' Cir.
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
Office of the Dean of Students
801-581-7066
deanofstudents.utah.edu
270 Union Building
200 S. Central Campus Dr.
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
To file a police report, contact:
Campus Police & Department of Public Safety
801-585-COPS (801-585-2677)
dps.utah.edu
1735 E. S. Campus Dr.
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
If you do not feel comfortable reporting to authorities, the U's Victim-Survivor Advocates provide free, confidential, and trauma-informed support services to students, faculty, and staff who have experienced interpersonal violence.
To privately explore options and resources available to you with an advocate, contact:
Center for Campus Wellness
801-581-7776
wellness.utah.edu
350 Student Services Building
201 S. 1460 E.
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
Academic Misconduct
It is expected that students comply with University of Utah policies regarding academic honesty, including but not limited to refraining from cheating, plagiarizing, misrepresenting one’s work, and/or inappropriately collaborating. This includes the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools without citation, documentation, or authorization. Students are expected to adhere to the prescribed professional and ethical standards of the profession/discipline for which they are preparing. Any student who engages in academic dishonesty or who violates the professional and ethical standards for their profession/discipline may be subject to academic sanctions as per the University of Utah’s Student Code: Policy 6-410: Student Academic Performance, Academic Conduct, and Professional and Ethical Conduct.
Plagiarism and cheating are serious offenses and may be punished by failure on an individual assignment, and/or failure in the course. Academic misconduct, according to the University of Utah Student Code:
“...Includes, but is not limited to, cheating, misrepresenting one’s work, inappropriately collaborating, plagiarism, and fabrication or falsification of information…It also includes facilitating academic misconduct by intentionally helping or attempting to help another to commit an act of academic misconduct.”
For details on plagiarism and other important course conduct issues, see the U's Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities.
Adjustments
This syllabus is meant to serve as an outline and guide for our course. Please note that I may modify it with reasonable notice to you. I may also modify the course schedule to accommodate the needs of our class. Any changes will be announced in class and posted on Canvas under Announcements.