Attendance
Regular attendance is strongly advised. If you miss a lecture, get notes from another student. Do not miss a scheduled exam or lab without a valid excuse. You must notify Mr. Mellott before the exam or you will receive a score of ZERO! No exceptions!
Grades:
90 - 100 = A
80 - 89 = B
70 - 79 = C
60 - 69
Below 60 = F
Scope
The purpose of this course is to enable students to describe the earth's atmosphere and many of the phenomena most important to weather and climate. Topics include environmental processes responsible for heating and cooling, clouds, rain, snow, thunderstorms, tornadoes, flash floods, and tropical storms/hurricanes. Emphasis will be on real world weather. Important principles and concepts will be emphasized and expanded during class discussions.
Students with disabilities:
Students with a disability who request reasonable accommodations must make an appointment in Student Services with Dawn Kahlden or call 817-598-6350.
Electronic Devices in Class:
Cell phones, CD players, IPODs, and similar devices are prohibited in the classroom (if you disturb anyone you will be asked to leave the classroom). Laptop computers may be used in lecture for the purpose of taking notes only. No exceptions… that means no Internet surfing, no emailing, no playing!
Worksheets and tests are available on the Internet at https://www.wcinstruction.net/onlinecourses
Username – WC username
Password – WC password
Exams and Laboratory Projects
There will be five multiple choice exams, open book, open notes, 45 minute time limit. At least ten homework/lab projects will be graded and count for 30% of your course grade.
During the course, the student will, to the satisfaction of the instructor;
- Describe atmospheric processes that generate temperature, pressure and wind patterns from the surface to jet stream altitudes.
- Explain the development of fog, clouds, and precipitation.
- Identify weather events associated with stable and unstable atmospheric conditions.
- Explain the changes of temperature, pressure, and humidity that occur in regions of rising and sinking atmospheric motions.
- Understand weather hazards including mid-latitude storms and associated fronts.
- Describe the structure and effects of thunderstorms, severe local storms, and tropical cyclones.
- Articulate an informed opinion regarding global warming and related topics relevant to human health and human activites.
Learning styles assessment: http://www.wc.edu/distance-education/self-assessment
Lecture Text
Understanding Weather and Climate 7th edition, by Aquado & Burt
Lab Text
Exercises for Weather & Climate 9th edition, by Carbone
Your course grade will come from 5 exams (60%),
5 chapter summary quizzes (10%),
15 labs/homework (30%.).
Participation in class and review sessions MAY affect the grade as much as 20%.
Communication (COM), Critical Thinking (CT), Empirical & Quantitative Reasoning (EQR), Teamwork (TW)
ADA Statement:
Any student with a documented disability (e.g. learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) may contact the Office on the Weatherford College Weatherford Campus to request reasonable accommodations. Phone: 817-598-6350 Office Location: Office Number 118 in the Student Services Building, upper floor. Physical Address: Weatherford College 225 College Park Drive Weatherford, TX.