METEO 3 - Introductory Meteorology
This is a sample syllabus.
This sample syllabus is a representative example of the information and materials included in this course. Information about course assignments, materials, and dates listed here is subject to change at any time. Definitive course details and materials will be available in the official course syllabus, in Canvas, when the course begins.
Overview
METEO 3 is a General Education course offered by the Department of Meteorology. The course is designed specifically for distance learners seeking general science credit. METEO 3 will introduce to you a wide variety of basic atmospheric concepts so that you can become a better "weather consumer" (better understand and evaluate weather information) and gain a better understanding of "how the weather works."
Objectives
When you successfully complete this course, you will be prepared to:
- describe the typical vertical variation of the basic variables used to quantify the atmospheric state, including temperature, pressure, humidity, winds, and natural and anthropogenic particles
- describe the basic techniques used by meteorologists (and other scientists) to gather and interpret atmospheric data
- discuss climate and climate change, together with the possible influences that humans have on diverse climate phenomena
- analyze the forces that drive three-dimensional atmospheric motions
- identify basic cloud types and discuss their formation mechanisms, together with the precipitation types and other materials that precipitation cleanses from the air
- describe a variety of large-scale atmospheric phenomena, including the extratropical cyclone, the jet stream, and the general circulation
- describe a variety of mesoscale and small-scale atmospheric phenomena, including tropical storms, severe thunderstorms, and tornadoes.
Required Materials
The materials listed here represent those that may be included in this course. Students will find a definitive list in the course syllabus, in Canvas, when the course begins.
Prerequisites
None
Expectations
On average, most successful students will likely spend roughly 8-10 hours each week completing assigned readings and other exercises, on par with what the university estimates for a typical 3-credit course. Your workload may be a bit more or less depending on your prior experience with computing and the Web, and with meteorology in particular.
It's important to log into the course at least three times a week (on different days) in order to check your course e-mail, the discussions, and any course announcements that I've posted. Falling out of touch with course happenings for weeks at a time is a big way to jeopardize your chances of success in an online course.
Major Assignments
Four components of assessment will comprise your final grade in METEO 3:.
| Assignment | Percentage of total grade |
|---|---|
| "Taking Your Temperature" Surveys | 5% |
| Lab Exercises | 40% |
| Lesson Quizzes | 30% |
| Final Exam | 25% |
Course Schedule
This course follows the Penn State Academic Calendar for the current term. Specific due dates are given in the Canvas course calendar.