Meteorology and Atmospheric Science (AS-T, Track 2)

Meteorology is the study of earth’s atmosphere and weather, including the effects of long-term climate. Meteorologists study the nature of the air that makes up the atmosphere and the processes that produce weather events. About half of the career meteorologists today work in the fields of education and research, and the other half are involved with operational forecasting and public information careers. Meteorology 101, Introduction to the Atmosphere, is a five credit, natural science lecture course. The course investigates the nature of air and the driving forces that govern its behavior. The various weather components of air pressure and wind, temperature, humidity, and precipitation are then explored. Techniques of forecasting and major weather events like mid-latitude storms, thunderstorms, and hurricanes are described. Overviews of past global climate trends along with current climate change processes help complete the picture of a dynamic atmosphere for which change is the only constant. The course is largely descriptive in nature and is not math intensive, but a few simple formulas will be included in the course. Students will be expected to read and interpret graphs, and also to create a few graphs.

Students wanting to transfer should complete the Associate in Arts Degree or the Associate of Science (Track 2) requirements. Students should work closely with an advisor at the baccalaureate institution they plan to transfer to before analyzing their education plan.