active courses
GR 4943/6943: Tropical Meteorology (fall; split level -- NOT OFFERED FALL 2022)Prerequisites: Synoptic Meteorology (GR 4733/6733), Physical Meteorology and Climatology I (GR 4643/6643)
Designed for upper-level undergraduate and graduate students, this course introduces the unique features of the tropics and contrasts them to the mid-latitudes. It includes basic applications of the equations of motion to the tropics, tropical climatology, and tropical variability. It also covers real-time assessment of tropical conditions, particularly tropical cyclones (TCs), in all basins. TC climatology, structure, and evolution are discussed as well.
GR 4783/6783: Satellite Meteorology (spring; split level)
Prerequisites: Synoptic Meteorology (GR 4733/6733), Physical Meteorology and Climatology I (GR 4643/6643)
Originally combined with radar meteorology, this course now provides a comprehensive overview of the usefulness and limitations of satellite data as a weather analysis and forecasting tool for upper-level undergraduate and graduate students. It includes a lab component for hands-on experience with satellite data for a wide variety of meteorological conditions and applications.
GR 4693/6693: Physical Meteorology and Climatology II (spring; split level)
Prerequisites: Calculus I (MA 1713), Physical Meteorology and Climatology I (GR 4643/6643)
This course investigates key physical meteorology concepts, including introductory atmospheric thermodynamics, the planetary boundary layer, and cloud and moisture physics with an emphasis on meteorological theory and real-world applications. I apply my Python experience to create numerous graphics and relevant diagrams for in-class worked examples and related quizzes and assignments.
GR 8553: Research Methods in Geoscience (fall; graduate only)
This course introduces first-year graduate students to the research process. Held in a discussion format, students are exposed to how research is done, how to assess published research, and some of the challenges associated with doing research and communicating research results to the public. Written and oral presentation of original research is required.
past courses
GR 8990: Interpreting Numerical Weather PredictionThis special topics course dives into the inner workings of computer models used to forecast the weather. We discuss the physics of the atmosphere, the assumptions required to enable a computer to generate forecasts, the challenges inherent in such computations, and ways to interpret and validate model output.
GR 4553/6553: Computer Methods in Meteorology
Catalog description: (Prerequisite: GR 1603 or graduate status.) Two hours lecture, two hours lab. Overview of computational methods and techniques commonly used in operational meteorology, focusing on scientific visualization and analysis and numerical weather prediction.
GR 8990: Tropical Dynamics
This special topics course tackles the complex dynamics and thermodynamics that drive tropical circulations, tropical systems such as easterly waves, and tropical cyclones. Derivation and application of physical equations is a key component of this class. Written and oral presentation of original research related to the tropics is required. (Students will do best in this course by taking dynamic meteorology first or concurrently.)
GG 8913: Research, Readings, and Techniques in Geosciences
Catalog description: (Prerequisite: consent of instructor). Three hours seminar. Writing and discussion of topics related to the conduct of research in the Geosciences with a focus on faculty research areas.
GR 4753/6753: Satellite and Radar Meteorology
Catalog description: (Prerequisite: GR 1603.) Three hours lecture. Study of the history, the operations, and the applications of satellites and radar in weather analysis. Theory of meteorological measurements in determinations of atmospheric structure.
(page last updated 16 May 2022)