Course Syllabus
Blower pow in the Avenues Foothills near the University of Utah campus. © Jim Steenburgh.
Course Information
Instructor
Jim Steenburgh
Department of Atmospheric Sciences
University of Utah
480/488 INSCC
jim.steenburgh@utah.edu
801-581-8727
Twitter: @ProfessorPowder
Blog: https://wasatchweatherweenies.blogspot.com
Teaching Assistants
Micheal Wasserstein (michael.wasserstein@utah.edu)
Clinton Alden (clinton.alden@utah.edu)
Gerardo Carrillo-Cardenas (u1375376@utah.edu)
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. Our virtual help hours are:
Wednesday: 7-8 PM Mountain Time
Thursday: 2:30-3:30 PM Mountain Time
Friday: 2:00-3:00 PM Mountain Time
Sunday: 6-7 PM Mountain Time
Use the zoom link and passcode at https://utah.instructure.com/courses/828633/pages/zoom-link to join the virtual help hours. You may be placed temporarily in a waiting room if we are assisting other students. We are also available by appointment using the e-mail addresses above.
Textbook
Secrets of the Greatest Snow on Earth by Jim Steenburgh. This book has a suggested retail price of $21.95, may be purchased through the Campus bookstore, and is also freely available online through the Marriott Library. Online access should be available if you are on the University of Utah network and is also possible off campus if you follow these directions (https://lib.utah.edu/help/off-campus.php). Downloads, however, may be limited and images are not high resolution. Please note that we cannot debug 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. 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/Life Science Exploration (SF) requirement and addresses the learning framework intersection: Persist in addressing complex problems,
Credits
3
Meeting Times and Locations
Online via Canvas. Work at your own schedule and pace, completing assignments prior to deadlines.
Helpful Tips
- Have questions? Join our virtual help hours using the zoom link and passcode above. We are here for you! Or, send Jim a message through Canvas or an e-mail 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.
Outcomes & Methods
Learning Outcomes
At the end of this course, you will be able to:
- 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
Teaching and Learning Methods
Weekly modules involving 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%.
Schedule
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
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:
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.
Expectations
Expectations
University policies and online expectations are described in depth below and apply to this class. 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 assistant 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.
(Links to an external site.)
Inclusivity
My intent for this class is to create a space where students feel included, heard, and respected and that student's 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 inclusive and equitable learning environment. If you have a conflict with an assignment for a religious/cultural/spiritual event, please notify me beforehand and we will make arrangement.
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.
COUNSELING SERVICES
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.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.
CMES Guidelines
College of Mines and Earth Sciences (CMES) semester guidelines are available here. Included is information concerning health and counseling, student support services, adding and withdrawing from classes, repeating classes, appealing grades, and academic advising within the college.