METR 2023: Introduction to Meteorology II

START:
January 15, 2018
DURATION:
MWF 9:00-9:50
ID:
METR 2023

INSTRUCTORS:

Homeyer, Cameron
Interim Director; Associate Professor

Address

120 David L Boren Blvd., Room 1350, Norman, OK 73072   View map

Categories

Spring 2018

METR 2023: Introduction to Meteorology II
Spring 2018

Instructor: Dr. Cameron Homeyer

Office: NWC 5632 Email: chomeyer@ou.edu Phone: (405) 325-5303

Office Hours: Every Monday from 3 to 5 PM and by appointment

Learning Management System: https://learn.ou.edu

 

Teaching Assistant: Daniel Phoenix

Office: NWC 5700

Email: dphoenix@ou.edu

Office Hours: Every Thursday from 11 AM to 1 PM and by appointment

Course Meeting Time and Location:

Lecture: MWF 09:00-09:50 PM (NWC 1350)

Exam 1: Friday, February 16th, 09:00-09:50 AM (NWC 1350)

Exam 2: Friday, March 16th, 09:00-09:50 AM (NWC 1350)

Exam 3: Friday, April 20th, 09:00-09:50 AM (NWC 1350) Final Exam: Tuesday, May 8th, 08:00-10:00 AM (NWC 1350)

Course Prerequisites:

Grade of C or better in METR 2013 & 2011, CS 1313, MATH 2423 or 2924, and PHYS 2514 or 1205

Course Description:

This is the second course of the two-part Introductory sequence in Meteorology. This course introduces students to important concepts in atmospheric dynamics, including forces, scales of motion, fronts and mid-latitude cyclones, and the general circulation. Additional topics that will be addressed toward the end of the course include boundary layer meteorology, air pollution, and convection (thunderstorms).

Course Goals:

This course intends to provide a basic understanding of atmospheric phenomena and circulations across space and time scales. Advancing your understanding of atmospheric dynamics will require an introduction to the equations governing atmospheric flows and their use in meteorology. Topics will be covered as time permits.

Learning Outcomes:

The knowledge expectations for this course are available on the School’s website (http://meteorology. ou.edu/academics/courses/knowledge-expectations/). The expectations are broad and complex and aim to provide students (both METR majors and minors) with a grasp of some of the most important concepts in the atmospheric sciences, while preparing METR majors for their junior year courses in dynamical meteorology. These expected knowledge outcomes for the course will be assessed through problems requiring application of physics, calculus and technical writing.

Texts and Materials:

There is no required textbook for the course. Lecture materials will be developed, sourced, or accompanied by a wide variety of online and offline sources. Copies of lecture materials will be provided through the Canvas learning management system prior to being presented during class. For those interested in additional reading material to supplement the lectures, the FREE (to download, share, and copy) online textbook by Dr. Roland Stull, University of British Columbia, entitled “ Meteorology: An Algebra-based Survey of Atmospheric Science” is recommended:

https://www.eoas.ubc.ca/books/Practical_Meteorology/

Online short courses through the UCAR MetEd program may be recommended from time to time and are generally a good resource for all students interested in additional opportunities for learning:

https://www.meted.ucar.edu

Teaching Philosophy:

I will use a variety of teaching methods throughout the course, including hand-written notes, slide show presentations, open discussions, and hands-on activities and demonstrations. This approach aims to reach students across the learning spectrum and helps to introduce, reinforce, and assess learning in multiple ways.

Expectations:

My greatest priority is to increase the knowledge base of every single student enrolled in this course. You pay a large amount of money to take this course at OU and I intend to bring my best effort each day and to make attendance something you look forward to. Your job is to come to class prepared to learn and to actively participate in class activities. This relationship requires mutual respect between myself and each of you and between you and your fellow students. Do not be afraid to ask questions as they are often critical to developing a communicable knowledge of the material.

Final Grade:

Your final cumulative grade in this course will be a weighted average of the following assessments:

 

Homework20%
In-class Quizzes10%
Exam 110%
Exam 215%
Exam 320%
Comprehensive Final Exam25%

 

Percentage grades will correspond to letter grades as: A ( ≥90% ), B ( ≥80% and <90% ), C ( ≥70% and <80% ), D ( ≥60% and <70% ), and F ( <60% ). Final grades may be rounded and/or curved to benefit the students at the instructor’s discretion. For example, if there are natural breaks in the grade distribution that do not conform to the percentages listed above, the lower and/or upper bounds of the categories may be reduced, but this should not be expected.

Additional Support for Learning

If you are struggling to understand something, ask the Instructor or TA questions, discuss the topic with your fellow students, and visit the SoM student-run HelpDesk – open 7 to 9 PM Sunday and 5 to 7 PM Monday-Thursday (NWC 1100).

Course Policies

Absences & Make-up Policy

Students with excused absences (University/academic commitment, health/family issue, jury duty, etc.) may attain copies of offline lecture materials from me for the day of their absence. If an excused absence falls on an exam day or the due date for a homework assignment, please contact me as soon as possible to arrange acceptable accommodations for making up missed work.

Late Assignments

Late submission of homework assignments will result in the loss of one letter grade per day unless related to an excused absence. Unless otherwise noted, all assignments are due by the start of class on the provided date. Note that assignments will be considered one day late if turned in following the start of class (i.e., after 9 AM) on the designated date or before 9 AM on the following date, two days late if turned in after 9 AM on the following day or before 9 AM two days after class, etc.

University Policies

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is expected of all students enrolled at the University of Oklahoma and in this class. Please visit http://integrity.ou.edu for a student’s guide to academic integrity and the OU code. Violations of the code (defined as “any act that improperly affects the evaluation of a student’s academic performance or achievement”) will not be tolerated.

Cheating is strictly prohibited at the University of Oklahoma, because it devalues the degree you are working hard to get. As a member of the OU community it is your responsibility to protect your educational investment by knowing and following the rules. For specific definitions on what constitutes cheating, review the Student’s Guide to Academic Integrity at http://integrity.ou.edu/ students_guide.html

To be successful in this class, all work on exams and quizzes must be yours and yours alone. You may not receive outside help. On examinations and quizzes you will never be permitted to use your notes, textbooks, or any other study aids. Should you see someone else engaging in this behavior, I encourage you to report it to myself or directly to the Office of Academic Integrity Programs. That student is devaluing not only their degree, but yours, too. Be aware that it is my professional obligation to report academic misconduct, which I will not hesitate to do. Sanctions for academic misconduct can include expulsion from the University and an F in this course, so don’t cheat. It’s simply not worth it.

Religious Observance

It is the policy of the University to excuse the absences of students that result from religious observances and to reschedule examinations and additional required classwork that may fall on religious holidays, without penalty.

Reasonable Accommodation Policy

The University of Oklahoma is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for all students with disabilities. Students requiring academic accommodation should contact the Disability Resource Center for assistance at (405) 325-3852 or TDD: (405) 325-4173. For more information please see the Disability Resource Center website http://www.ou.edu/drc/home.html

Any student in this course who has a disability that may prevent him or her from fully demonstrating his or her abilities should contact me personally as soon as possible so we can discuss accommodations necessary to ensure full participation and facilitate your educational opportunities.

Title IX Resources and Reporting Requirement

For any concerns regarding gender-based discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, or stalking, the University offers a variety of resources. To learn more or to report an incident, please contact the Sexual Misconduct Office at 405/325-2215 (8 to 5, M-F) or smo@ou.edu. Incidents can also be reported confidentially to OU Advocates at 405/615-0013 (phones are answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week). Also, please be advised that a professor/GA/TA is required to report instances of sexual harassment, sexual assault, or

discrimination to the Sexual Misconduct Office. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to: Bobby J. Mason, University Equal Opportunity Officer and Title IX Coordinator at 405/325-3546 or bjm@ou.edu. For more information, visit http://www.ou.edu/ eoo.html.

Adjustments for Pregnancy/Childbirth Related Issues

Should you need modifications or adjustments to your course requirements because of documented pregnancy-related or childbirth-related issues, please contact your professor or the Disability Resource Center at 405/325-3852 as soon as possible. Also, see http://www.ou.edu/eoo/faqs/pregnancy-faqs.html for answers to commonly asked questions.

Final Exam Preparation Period

Pre-finals week will be defined as the seven calendar days before the first day of finals. Faculty may cover new course material throughout this week. For specific provisions of the policy please refer to OU’s Final Exam Preparation Period policy (https://apps.hr.ou.edu/FacultyHandbook#4.10).