ATMOS 5000
Introduction to Atmospheric Science
Fall 2024, Prof. Zhaoxia Pu

Lecture schedule: MWF 10:45-11:35am
Classroom: GC 4700

Instructor: Prof. Zhaoxia Pu, Office: (801)585-3864, Zhaoxia.Pu@utah.edu, http://home.chpc.utah.edu/~pu/
Office hour: TBD

Course Objectives: This course offers an intermediate-level introduction to atmospheric sciences for both atmospheric science majors and other science and engineering majors. Topics include the structure of the atmosphere, atmospheric thermodynamics, cloud physics, radiative transfer, and atmospheric dynamics. This course serves as the first in a series of theoretical and practical courses required to qualify as a meteorologist or atmospheric scientist. Students in related majors, such as Earth Environmental Sciences, chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics, and engineering, will also gain a comprehensive background in atmospheric sciences from this class.

Main Topics:

  • Atmospheric basics
  • Atmospheric thermodynamics
  • Cloud microphysics
  • Radiative transfer
  • Atmospheric dynamics

    Recommend Books/References:
    (1) Stull, R., 2017: "Practical Meteorology: An Algebra-based Survey of Atmospheric Science" -version 1.02b. Univ. of British Columbia. 940 pages. isbn 978-0-88865-283-6. Online Access
    (2) Wallace, J. M., and P. V. Hobbs, Atmospheric Science: An Introductory Survey (Second Edition), Academic Press, 2006. Library Access

    Grading Policy:
    Grades will be based on your performance on the homework exercises, exams, and the class participation. The weighted contribution of each of these items to your final grade is given below:
    30% Homework
    30% Weekly quizes (open book)
    10% Exam 1: Atmospheric thermodynamics
    10% Exam 2: Cloud microphysics
    10% Exam 3: Radiative transfer
    10% Exam 4: Atmospheric dynamics

    Final grades are based on the following scale:
    >90 % guarantees an A or A-
    >80 % guarantees a B+, B, or B-
    >70 % guarantees a C+, C, or C-
    >60 % guarantees a D+, D, or D-
    <60% results in an E

    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 in the class, reasonable prior notice needs to be given to the Center for Disability Services, 162 Olpin Union Building, 581-5020 (V/TDD). CDS will work with you and the instructor to make arrangements for accommodations.


    Last update: August 17, 2024