Course Syllabus

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Jim in the snow

Instructor
Jim Steenburgh
Professor
Department of Atmospheric Sciences
jim.steenburgh@utah.edu

Teaching Assistant
Ashley Evans
Graduate Student
Department of Atmospheric Sciences
evans.ashley@utah.edu

Course Description
Atmos 5120/6120 is an active learning course in which students prepare and present discussions examining the past, present, and future weather.  

Learning Objective
At the end of this course, you will be able to effectively use meteorological observations, analyses, and numerical forecasts to describe and forecast the past, present, and future weather at a level appropriate for professional meteorologists.   

Credits
1

Co-Requisite
Students must be co-enrolled in Atmos 5110/6110 to receive a credit/no-credit grade.  

Meeting Times and Locations
1:00-1:30 T/Th in 711 WBB
The official start time for this class is 12:25.  This is to allow presenters time to prepare their weather discussions.  

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.  

Textbook
None.

Teaching and Learning Methods
Discussions involve an in-depth analysis of the past, current, and future weather with the assistance of the Professor and TA.  The previous discussion leader first reviews and evaluates the forecast from the previous discussion.  Then the discussion leader examines the recent, current, and future weather and forecast scenarios and challenges, providing a quantified forecast of the following for the Salt Lake City International Airport (KSLC):

  • Today's Maximum Temperature (˚F, 12–06 UTC)
  • Today's Mixed Layer Top (mb, 00 UTC)
  • This Afternoon's Cloud Cover (Few, Sct, Bkn, or Ovc; 00 UTC)
  • This Afternoon's Probability of Measurable Precipitation (%, 18-00 UTC)
  • This Afternoon's 10th/50th/90th Percentile PQPF (Hundredths of an inch, 18-00 UTC)
  • This Afternoon's 10th/50th/90th Percentile PQSF (Inches, 18-00 UTC)
  • Tonight's Minimum Temperature (˚F, 00-18 UTC)
  • Tomorrows Maximum Temperature (˚F, 12-06 UTC)
  • Tonights/Tomorrows Probability of Measurable Precipitation (%, 00-00 UTC)
  • Tonights/Tomorrows 10th/50th/90th Percentile PQPF (Hundredths of an inch, 00-00 UTC)
  • Tonights/Tomorrows 10th/50th/90th Percentile PQSF (Inches, 00-00 UTC)

PQPF and PQSF denote the probabilistic quantitative precipitation forecast and probabilistic snowfall forecast, respectively.  For each, you will forecast an amount that will be greater than 10% of the possible outcomes (i.e., the 10th percentile), an amount that will be greater than 50% of the possible outcomes (i.e., the 50th percentile), and an amount that will exceed 90% of the possible outcomes (i.e., the 90th percentile). Forecasts and validation data must be entered into the weather discussion spreadsheet.  To be able to edit the spreadsheet, you may need to login to box.utah.edu with your unid, click on your icon/avatar, go to app center, and install Box for Office for Web.  Then you should be able to select it to edit the spreadsheet online.

Grading
Credit/no credit based on attendance, participation, and your ability to apply and discuss the processes that may be contributing to recent, current, and future weather events. 15% of your Atmos 5110/6110 grade is based on attendance and participation in the weather discussion. 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. Missing 3 will reduce the maximum points that can be achieved for the 5110/6110 grade by 50%. Missing 4 will result in no credit being given for the course.

Expectations and Punctuality
Students are expected to be on time for each discussion.  Discussion leaders are expected to conduct an in-depth investigation of the weather the day prior to their discussion, meet with the TA or professor to discuss their discussion plans the day prior to the discussion, and then be prepared to give their discussion on the discussion day.  

Preparation
This is an active learning class led by students. Being the discussion leader takes preparation. Nevertheless, you should skip no morning classes to prepare for map discussions. Instead begin to prepare the day before your briefing to get a handle on what you will be talking about (ideally, you should get in the habit of examining the weather on a daily basis even if you are not leading a briefing in the near future) and take advantage of scheduled preparation time between the official start of class (12:25) and the beginning of the discussion (1:00).

Computer and Networking Resources
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 hotspot. Information is available at https://lib.utah.edu/services/knowledge-commons/checkout-equipment-faq.phpLinks to an external site..  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.  

How to Succeed in this Class
By far, the most important thing to do for this class is to regularly examine the weather, prepare in the days leading up to your discussion, and to have a good game plan.  For advice on how to prepare for and deliver a weather discussion, see our Words of Wisdom and Weather Discussion Template pages.

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 prepare for your discussions by taking an in-depth dive into the weather and meeting with the instructor/TA the day prior and day of your discussion.  Respectfully contribute to discussions you are not leading by asking questions and providing insightful comments.   

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 Undergraduate Advisor for Atmospheric Sciences is Jeremy Thompson.  You can contact him at https://atmos.utah.edu/undergraduate/academics/academic-advising.phpLinks to an external site.. 

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.

University Policies

COVID-19 Information

 
 
COVID-19 Central @ The U

 801-213-2874
 coronavirus.utah.edu

Drop/Withdrawal Policies

Students may drop a course within the first two weeks of a given semester without any penalties.

Students may officially withdraw (W) from a class or all classes after the drop deadline through the midpoint of a course. A “W” grade is recorded on the transcript and appropriate tuition/fees are assessed. The grade “W” is not used in calculating the student’s GPA.

For deadlines to withdraw from full-term, first, and second session classes, see the U's Academic Calendar.

Academic Honesty, Plagiarism and Cheating

It is assumed that all work submitted to your instructor is your own work. When you have used the ideas of others, you must properly indicate that you have done so.

It is expected that students adhere to 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: https://regulations.utah.edu/academics/6-410.php

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.

Course Materials Copyright

The Content is made available only for your personal, noncommercial educational, and scholarly use. You may not use the Content for any other purpose, or distribute, post or make the Content available to others unless you obtain any required permission from the copyright holder. Some Content may be provided via streaming or other means that restrict copying; you may not circumvent those restrictions. You may not alter or remove any copyright or other proprietary notices included in the Content.
 
Please see the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities, Section III.A.5 regarding the use and distribution of class Content and materials. Section III.A.5. prohibits the following:
Sale or distribution of information representing the work product of a faculty member to a commercial entity for financial gain without the express written permission of the faculty member responsible for the course. (“Work product” means original works of authorship that have been fixed in a tangible medium and any works based upon and derived from the original work of authorship.)

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 (Links to an external site.).

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

Wellness at the U

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 and counseling options, contact:

Center for Student Wellness
801-581-7776
wellness.utah.edu
2100 Eccles Student Life Center
     1836 Student Life Way
     Salt Lake City, UT 84112

Women's Resource Center
801-581-8030
womenscenter.utah.edu
411 Union Building
     200 S. Central 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 Student Wellness
801-581-7776
wellness.utah.edu
328 Student Services Building
    201 S. 1460 E.
     Salt Lake City, UT 84112

Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)

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.

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
162 Union Building
    200 S. Central Campus Dr.
     Salt Lake City, UT 84112

Diverse Student Support

Your success at the University of Utah is important to all of us here! If you feel like you need extra support in academics, overcoming personal difficulties, or finding community, the U is here for you.

Student Support Services (TRIO)

TRIO federal programs are targeted to serve and assist low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities.

Student Support Services (SSS) is a TRIO program for current or incoming undergraduate university students who are seeking their first bachelor's degree and need academic assistance and other services to be successful at the University of Utah.

For more information about what support they provide, a list of ongoing events, and links to other resources, view their website or contact:

Student Support Services (TRIO)
801-581-7188
trio.utah.edu
 Room 2075 
     1901 E. S. Campus Dr.
     Salt Lake City, UT 84112

American Indian Students

The AIRC works to increase American Indian student visibility and success on campus by advocating for and providing student-centered programs and tools to enhance academic success, cultural events to promote personal well-being, and a supportive “home-away-from-home” space for students to grow and develop leadership skills. 

For more information about what support they provide, a list of ongoing events, and links to other resources, view their website or contact:

American Indian Resource Center
 801-581-7019
diversity.utah.edu/centers/airc
Fort Douglas Building 622
     1925 De Trobriand St.
     Salt Lake City, UT 84113

Black Students

Using a pan-African lens, the Black Cultural Center seeks to counteract persistent campus-wide and global anti-blackness. The Black Cultural Center works to holistically enrich, educate, and advocate for students, faculty, and staff through Black-centered programming, culturally affirming educational initiatives, and retention strategies.

For more information about what support they provide, a list of ongoing events, and links to other resources, view their website or contact:

Black Cultural Center
801-213-1441
diversity.utah.edu/centers/bcc
Fort Douglas Building 603
     95 Fort Douglas Blvd.
     Salt Lake City, UT 84113

Students with Children

Our mission is to support and coordinate information, program development, and services that enhance family resources as well as the availability, affordability, and quality of child care for University students, faculty, and staff.

For more information about what support they provide, a list of ongoing events, and links to other resources, view their website or contact:

Center for Childcare & Family Resources
801-585-5897
childcare.utah.edu
408 Union Building
    200 S. Central Campus Dr.
     Salt Lake City, UT 84112

Students With Disabilities

The Center for Disability and Access is dedicated to serving students with disabilities by providing the opportunity for success and equal access at the University of Utah. They also strive to create an inclusive, safe, and respectful environment.

For more information about what support they provide and links to other resources, view their website or contact:

Center for Disability and Access
801-581-5020
disability.utah.edu
162 Union Building
    200 S. Central Campus Dr.
     Salt Lake City, UT 84112

Students of Ethnic Descent

The Center for Ethnic Student Affairs offers several programs dedicated to the success of students with varied cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Its mission is to create an inclusive, safe campus community that values the experiences of all students.

For more information about what support they provide, a list of ongoing events, and links to other resources, view their website or contact:

Center for Ethnic Student Affairs
801-581-8151
diversity.utah.edu/centers/cesa/
 235 Union Building
    200 S. Central Campus Dr.
     Salt Lake City, UT 84112

English as a Second/Additional Language (ESL) Students

If you are an English language learner, there are several resources on campus available to help you develop your English writing and language skills. Feel free to contact:

Writing Center
 801-587-9122
writingcenter.utah.edu

 (Links to an external site.)
2701 Marriott Library
     295 S 1500 E
     Salt Lake City, UT 84112

English for Academic Success (EAS) Program
 801-581-8047
 linguistics.utah.edu
 2300 LNCO
     255 S. Central Campus Dr.
     Salt Lake City, UT 84112

English Language Institute
 801-581-4600
continue.utah.edu/eli (Links to an external site.)
540 Arapeen Dr.
     Salt Lake City, UT 84108

Undocumented Students

Immigration is a complex phenomenon with broad impact—those who are directly affected by it and those who are indirectly affected by their relationships with family members, friends, and loved ones. If your immigration status presents obstacles that prevent you from engaging in specific activities or fulfilling specific course criteria, confidential arrangements may be requested from the Dream Center.

Arrangements with the Dream Center will not jeopardize your student status, your financial aid, or any other part of your residence. The Dream Center offers a wide range of resources to support undocumented students (with and without DACA) as well as students from mixed-status families.

For more information about what support they provide and links to other resources, view their website or contact:

Dream Center
 801-213-3697
dream.utah.edu (Links to an external site.)
200 S. CENTRAL CAMPUS DRIVE
UNION, ROOM 80 
SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84112

LGBTQ+ Students

The LGBTQ+ Resource Center acts in accountability with the campus community by identifying the needs of people with a queer range of [a]gender and [a]sexual experiences and responding with university-wide services.

For more information about what support they provide, a list of ongoing events, and links to other resources, view their website or contact:

LGBTQ+ Resource Center
801-587-7973
lgbt.utah.edu (Links to an external site.)
409 Union Building
    200 S. Central Campus Dr.
     Salt Lake City, UT 84112

Veterans & Military Students

The mission of the Veterans Support Center is to improve and enhance the individual and academic success of veterans, service members, and their family members who attend the university; to help them receive the benefits they earned, and to serve as a liaison between the student veteran community and the university.

For more information about what support they provide, a list of ongoing events, and links to other resources, view their website or contact:

Veterans Support Center
801-587-7722
veteranscenter.utah.edu  (Links to an external site.)
418 Union Building
    200 S. Central Campus Dr.
     Salt Lake City, UT 84112

Women

The Women’s Resource Center (WRC) at the University of Utah serves as the central resource for educational and support services for women. Honoring the complexities of women’s identities, the WRC facilitates choices and changes through programs, counseling, and training grounded in a commitment to advance social justice and equality.

For more information about what support they provide, a list of ongoing events, and links to other resources, view their website or contact:

Women's Resource Center
801-581-8030
womenscenter.utah.edu
411 Union Building
     200 S. Central Campus Dr.
     Salt Lake City, UT 84112

Inclusivity at the U

The Office for Inclusive Excellence is here to engage, support, and advance an environment fostering the values of respect, diversity, equity, inclusivity, and academic excellence for students in our increasingly global campus community. They also handle reports of bias in the classroom as outlined below:

Bias or hate incidents consist of speech, conduct, or some other form of expression or action that is motivated wholly or in part by prejudice or bias whose impact discriminates, demeans, embarrasses, assigns stereotypes, harasses, or excludes individuals because of their race, color, ethnicity, national origin, language, sex, size, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, or religion.

For more information about what support they provide and links to other resources, or to report a bias incident, view their website or contact:

Office for Inclusive Excellence
 801-581-4600
inclusive-excellence.utah.edu (Links to an external site.)
200 S. CENTRAL CAMPUS DRIVE
UNION, ROOM 70
SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84112

Other Student Groups at the U

To learn more about some of the other resource groups available at the U, check out:

getinvolved.utah.edu/

https://ssc.utah.edu/tools-for-success.php

Course Summary:

Date Details Due