PHYC 5520

Intro to Atmospheric Science

Lec 01 selected

This general overview of the atmosphere provides the student with an understanding of the composition and thermal structure of the atmosphere, air mass and frontal theory and weather generating physical processes and their consequences. Other topics include atmospheric radiation, dynamic meteorology, climatology and the physics of clouds and storms.

Sections

Lecture

From the syllabus

From the Fall 2025 syllabus by Jeff Langille. Open the PDF

Grading

20%Assignments (4)Throughout the term
30%Quizzes (3)10% each
10%Project presentationIn class
10%ParticipationThroughout the term
30%Final examDuring exam period

Textbooks

  • Atmospheric Science: An Introductory Survey, 2nd Edition, John Wallace and Peter Hobbs
  • Practical Meteorology, Roland Stull (optional, free)
  • Atmosphere, Clouds, and Climate, David Randall (optional)

Course rules

Late assignments
Assignments lose 10% of their value for each day they are late.
Missed quizzes
No makeup quiz is offered; the higher grade is calculated with either the usual quiz and exam weights or the final exam at 60%.
Collaboration
Students may discuss assignments but may not share written work; tests and quizzes must be completed individually.
Presentations
In-class presentations are prepared and given in teams of two to three students.
Generative AI
Generative AI is not allowed for assignments unless the instructor specifies otherwise; permitted use must be documented in an appendix.

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