BC3 Academic Catalog: 2023-2024 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
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PHSC 114 - Weather Phenomena 3 Credits: (2 lecture, 2 lab)
Course Description
This course is an introduction to meteorology for non-science students. Topics included are atmosphere composition, processes causing weather phenomena, elements of weather forecasting, short and long term conditions causing weather/climate change, optical phenomena of the atmosphere and interpretation of weather maps. Conditions permitting, a field trip is included showing the methods used to collect weather data. This course meets the General Education competency of Scientific Reasoning (SR).
Text
Lutgens, F. K., Tarbuck, E. J., & Herman, R. L. (2019). The atmosphere: An introduction to meteorology with Access (14th ed.). Pearson.
Objectives
The student will be able to:
A. Explain the extent, composition, and layering of the atmosphere.
B. Describe solar energy as it interacts with the atmosphere.
C. Explain the idealized energy circulation patterns in the earth’s atmosphere and the reasons for their existence.
D. Describe the changes in phase of water and its role in the formation of precipitation.
E. Identify the information needed for weather forecasting and the instruments used.
F. Utilize basic laboratory equipment appropriate to the discipline. (SR)
G. Define air masses, fronts, cyclonic movement and the reason for their effect on the weather.
H. Explain the energy sources for severe weather and current methods used to predict their formation and motion.
I. Track high- and low-pressure areas and fronts on weather maps.
J. Explain the causes of atmospheric phenomena.
K. Apply the scientific method. (SR)
Content
A. The atmosphere, its extent, composition, and structure
B. Solar energy, its characteristics and effect on the atmosphere
C. Temperature, moisture, and atmospheric stability
D. Forms of condensation and precipitation
E. Air pressure, winds and circulation of the atmosphere
F. Air masses, weather patterns and their representation on maps
G. Severe weather including thunderstorms, tornadoes and hurricanes
H. Elements of forecasting and weather instruments
I. World climates including long and shorter term patterns
J. Optical phenomena of the atmosphere
Student Evaluation
Objective A. Laboratory exercises, hour examinations, and final examination.
Objective B. Quizzes, hour examinations, and final examination.
Objective C. Laboratory exercises, hour examinations, and final examination.
Objective D. Quizzes, hour examinations, and final examination.
Objective E. Quizzes, hour examinations, and final examination.
Objective F. Laboratory exercises, hour examinations, and final examination.
Objective G. Quizzes, hour examinations, and final examination.
Objective H. Quizzes, hour examinations, and final examination.
Objective I. Laboratory exercises.
Objective J. Quizzes, hour examinations, and final examination.
Objective K. Laboratory exercises.
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