Course Syllabus
Instructor
Jim Steenburgh
Professor
Department of Atmospheric Sciences
jim.steenburgh@utah.edu
Teaching Assistant
Dallas McKinney
Graduate Student
Department of Atmospheric Sciences
dallas.j.mckinney@utah.edu
Course Description
Atmos 5110/6110 provides an introduction to contemporary synoptic-dynamic meteorology and its applications. The course is not restricted to the synoptic scale, but instead synthesizes observational and numerical analysis to understand weather across all scales, with an emphasis on the midlatitudes. Major course topics include basic dynamics (e.g., divergence, deformation, vorticity, and potential vorticity), upper-level waves, quasigeostrophic (QG) theory, diagnosis of vertical motion and height tendency, potential vorticity thinking, extratropical cyclones, and additional topics as time allows.
Learning Objective
At the end of this course, you will be able to apply and synthesize atmospheric dynamics, observational analysis, and numerical analysis to diagnose and understand the past, present, and future weather.
Credits
3
Co-Requisite
Students must be co-enrolled in Atmos 5120/6120 (Weather Discussion) unless otherwise approved by the instructor.
Meeting Times and Locations
9:10-10:30 AM T/Th. This is an Interactive Video Content (IVC) – Hybrid Course, which allows interactive online, in person, or hybrid formats. The method used will vary based on circumstances. In-person instruction when it occurs will take place in the 711 WBB computer lab. Access for online content will be via Zoom: https://utah.zoom.us/j/98878702582. Password: jimsclass. Students will be assigned computers to use during the semester for either in class or online instruction.
1:00-1:30 PM T/Th. Weather discussion via Zoom: https://utah.zoom.us/j/98938345215.
Sept. 28 and 30 Zoom link: https://utah.zoom.us/j/9377046558 Passcode: dallas
Office Hours
Last year, I had few people visit during scheduled office hours. Thus, I'm going to hold them this semester by appointment. Contact me by e-mail and we can set something up. The Zoom URL for office hours is https://utah.zoom.us/j/8015818727 (no passcode required).
Teams
The Synoptic Meteorology 2021 Team in Microsoft Teams can be used for general questions or discussions of the weather. Feel free to post on exciting weather or to comment further or as questions on the application of class concepts to the atmosphere.
Textbook
Midlatitude Synoptic Meteorology: Dynamics, Analysis, and Forecasting by Gary Lackmann
Introduction to Dynamic Meteorology by James R. Holton and Gregory J. Hakim is also useful but not required.
Grading
Grading is based on Canvas-based assignments (40%, approximately weekly), three quizzes (15% each), and Atmos 5120/6120: Weather Discussion attendance and participation (15%). The three quizzes must be completed during the scheduled class period. For the Atmos 5120/6120: Weather Discussion portion of the grade, students are not allowed to miss a discussion they are leading (reschedule if there is a conflict or you are ill) and are allowed to miss no more than 2 weather discussions given by others. Missing 3 will reduce the maximum points that can be achieved for the 5110/6110 grade by 50%. Missing 4 will result in no points being given for 5110/6110 and no credit being given for 5120/6120.
Computer, Networking, and Software Resources
Students need to develop proficiency in the use of IDV early in the course, which will pay dividends during the semester. IDV will be run either in person, remotely on computers in 711 WBB, or through Open OnDemand, but if you have concerns about the networking and software resources available to you to do this or access the class online, the Marriott Library has Windows and Mac laptops available for checkout and can provide a mobile T-mobile hotspot. Information is available at https://lib.utah.edu/coronavirus/checkout-equipment.php. If you still need assistance, please contact us. It is essential that you contact us at the beginning of the semester to make these arrangements.
Running IDV
IDV is a visualization and analysis tool for atmospheric and geophysical data. You will be able to run it on an assigned computer in 711 WBB, either in person or remotely using TeamViewer, or through Open OnDemand. Click here for information on how to setup TeamViewer on your personal computer and how to remotely access a lab computer and configure and run IDV. Click here for information on how to run with Open OnDemand.
How to Succeed in this Class
Stay on top of the material and apply it to real-world weather analysis and forecasting daily.
Our Pledge
We have designed this course to provide the best learning experience possible and pledge to provide the assistance you need to succeed. We are available to meet with you whenever you have questions or want help.
Our Expectations
University policies and online expectations are described in depth below and apply to this class. We expect you to be engaged during class meetings, participate in learning activities, collaborate with your fellow students, and turn in assignments on time. Discussions should be civilized and respectful. Plagiarism, cheating, harassment, or other forms of misconduct will not be tolerated.
COVID-19 Campus Guidelines
University leadership has urged all faculty, students, and staff to model the vaccination, testing, and masking behaviors we want to see in our campus community. These include: vaccination, masking indoors, and, if unvaccinated, getting weekly asymptomatic coronavirus testing. For more information, please see the COVID-19 Campus Guidelines tab below.
CMES Student Guidelines
Additional information concerning heath services, counseling, student support, adding/dropping classes, academic advising, etc., is available in this College of Mines and Earth Sciences (CMES) Fall Semester 2021 Guidelines document.
Your Well Being
Please feel welcome to reach out to Jim or Dallas with issues regarding your coursework and education. For helpful resources for managing your personal wellness and counseling options see the Wellness at the U tab below.
Academic Advisors
Academic advisors are educators and problem solvers who advocate for students as they navigate their personal journeys through higher education and attain their academic goals. Through inclusion and connection, academic advisors open doors to new opportunities for self-awareness and growth, empowering students to define their roles as citizens within local and global communities.
The Director of Student Success for the College of Mines and Earth Sciences is Michelle Tuitupou. She can be found in the Student Epicenter in 104 FASB or she can be reached at 801-581-6553 or at Michelle.Tuitupou@utah.edu.
The academic advisor for the Department of Atmospheric Sciences is Holly Moreno. She can be reached at 801-581-6136 or at atmos-advising@lists.utah.edu.
Americans with 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 for the class, please see the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) information below and make arrangements for accommodations.
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.