UNCA Catalog: Courses of Instruction
UNCA Catalog: Table of Contents
UNCA Catalog: Courses of Instruction
UNCA Catalog: Table of Contents
Atmospheric Sciences (ATMS)
Associate Professor Huang (Chair); Professor Brotak; Lecturer Quinlan
The Atmospheric Sciences Department offers a B.S. degree in two concentrations that prepare students for employment immediately upon graduation or for further studies at the graduate level. Both concentrations fulfill federal Civil Service requirements for employment as a meteorologist. A Climatology concentration provides a strong preparation for graduate work with a specialization in climatology and mathematics. The National Climatic Data Center, located in Asheville, represents a unique resource for students. In the Weather Forecasting concentration, students learn the basics of weather analysis and forecasting and how to communicate meteorological information to the public. McIDAS, DIFAX, National Lightning Detection Network and DD+ are utilized in courses with a lab component. Students are encouraged to focus their career objectives through enrollment in cooperative education and on-the-job internship programs.
This concentration is designed to prepare a student for advanced work in Atmospheric Science with an emphasis on Climatology.
This concentration is designed for students seeking employment as meteorologists upon receiving the degree.
Declaring a major in Atmospheric Sciences requires the student to complete a Declaration of Major form that must be signed by the department chair. Before declaring a major, students must satisfy the LANG 102 and Library Research requirements.
Minor in Atmospheric Sciences
20-22 hours in Atmospheric Sciences of which at least six hours must be at the 100-200 levels, and at least six hours must be at the 300-400 levels.
103 Introduction to Meteorology (3)
A non-technical treatment of the fundamentals of weather and weather forecasting, geared
for the general student. This course can be used to satisfy the three-semester-hour
interdisciplinary natural sciences General Education requirement. ATMS 105 may be substituted for ATMS
103 by majors. (Students may not receive credit for both ATMS 103 and 105.) Fall and Spring.
105 Introduction to Atmospheric Sciences (5)
An introduction to meteorology and climatology with laboratory. Topics include
fundamentals of physical processes and weather systems, climatological principles, the historical role
of weather and climate, and the influence of weather and climate on modern society. This
course includes the General Education interdisciplinary science component. Lecture: 3 hours;
recitation: 1 hour; laboratory: 2 hours. Prerequisite: MATH 155 or equivalent. (Students may
not receive credit for both ATMS 103 and 105.) Fall.
106 Introductory Meteorology Lab (1)
Separate laboratory in instrumentation, data collection and weather map analysis. To be
taken concurrently or following ATMS 103. Corequisite: ATMS 103. Fall.
115 Introduction to Climatology (3)
A non-technical introduction to the climates of the earth. Topics include climatic
controls, climatic classification, climatic zones of the world, climatic change and people's
interaction with climate. On demand.
205 Weather Analysis (3)
Basic plotting of the various weather codes, fundamentals of map analysis, basic techniques
of weather forecasting. Prerequisite: ATMS 103 or 105, or permission of instructor. Fall.
214 General Meteorology (4)
Technical aspects of meteorology for Atmospheric Sciences majors. Introduction to
atmospheric kinematics and dynamics, mesoscale weather patterns, precipitation processes, causes of
seasonal trends and air pollution meteorology. Lab included. Prerequisites: ATMS 103 or 105;
MATH 191. Spring.
223 Physical Climatology (3)
Causes of spatial and temporal climate variation, with special emphasis on energy and
water balance regions of the earth and its atmosphere. Consequences of anthropogenic climate
change will be explored. Prerequisite: ATMS 103 or 105. On demand.
261 UNIX Applications in Meteorology (1)
This course familiarizes students with the department's UNIX-based computer equipment.
The basics of UNIX are presented, followed by instruction in the use of various data-processing
and analysis packages, including Mosiac, Netscape, McIDAS and LDM. Prerequisite: ATMS 103
or 105. On demand.
303 Agricultural Meteorology (3)
Physical processes of microclimates; application of basic statistical and climatological
principles to crop production, growing seasons, temperature and precipitation cycles. Prerequisite:
ATMS 214. On demand.
305 Atmospheric Thermodynamics and Statics (3)
A study of the gaseous composition of the earth's atmosphere, its modification by
radiative processes and the application of the gas laws to the atmospheric statics. Prerequisites:
ATMS 214; PHYS 221. Corequisite: MATH 192. Fall.
310 Atmospheric Kinematics and Dynamics (3)
The motion of the earth's atmosphere in relation to the forces acting upon the fluid.
Equations of motion, circulation, vorticity, divergence, viscosity, turbulence and atmospheric
energy. Prerequisite: ATMS 305. Spring.
315 Radar and Satellite Meteorology (3)
Theory and application of radar and satellite remote sensing to atmospheric sciences.
Weather analysis and forecasting, and climatological implications. Prerequisites: ATMS 214; PHYS
222. On demand.
316 Mesoscale Meteorology (3)
Atmospheric processes in the scale of 10 to 1000 km including tornadoes, thunderstorms
and tropical cyclones; application of current data to mesoscale analysis and forecasting.
Prerequisite: ATMS 214. On demand.
320 Meteorological Instruments (3)
The history, operation and use of instruments that monitor the atmosphere, with emphasis
on practical applications. Prerequisite: ATMS 103 or 105 or equivalent training.
Odd year spring.
331 Principles of Air Pollution (ENVR 331) (3)
Sources, sinks and controls of air pollution, legal aspects, meteorological factors which
influence air pollution, analytical techniques for quantifying air pollution. Prerequisites: CHEM
111,132 and one of the following: ATMS 103 or 105, or ENVR 130. On demand.
338 Hydrology (ENVR 338) (3)
Hydrologic cycle and component processes: precipitation, evaporation, transpiration,
snow melt, runoff, stream flow and ground water. Prerequisites: ATMS 103 or 105; MATH 191.
On demand.
340 General Climatology (3)
A technical study of the physical controls of climate and the applicability of climatology
to people's activities. Prerequisites: ATMS 103 or 105; MATH 191. See
department chair.
350 Weather Forecasting (3)
The science and techniques of weather forecasting, applications of map analysis and
numerical guidance. Prerequisite: ATMS 205. Spring.
381-3 Cooperative Education (1-3)
Majors with at least sophomore status may apply for part-time positions at local firms
dealing with meteorology. Prerequisite: permission of department chair. May be repeated for a total
of six hours of credit. Fall and Spring.
405 Meteorological Statistics (3)
Basic statistical method and tests of significance, probability, frequency distribution,
curve fitting, correlation, harmonic analysis (Fourier series), correllogram, periodogram and
spectrum analysis. Prerequisites: ATMS 214; MATH 291; STAT 225. See
departmnet chair.
410 Synoptic Meteorology I (4)
A synthesis of the mathematical and analytical aspects of meteorology designed to
explain fundamental weather processes and systems; practical application of the diagnostic and
predictive equations through the use of weather maps; topics include upper-level systems and
jet streams and surface pressure systems. Presentations in this course will prepare students for
demonstrating oral competency in the senior comprehensive examination. Corequisite: ATMS
305. Fall.
411 Synoptic Meteorology II (4)
A continuation of ATMS 410. Topics include frontal systems, mid-latitude convective
systems, tropical meteorology, numerical weather prediction and oral competency. Prerequisite:
ATMS 410. Corequisite: ATMS 310. Spring.
420 Applied Climatology (3)
Application of climatological and statistical principles to weather-sensitive fields such as
agriculture, construction, transportation and energy conservation. Prerequisite: ATMS 405
or permission of instructor. See department chair.
455 Physical Meteorology (3)
Physical processes of condensation, radiation and radiative transfer, atmospheric sound and
light propagation, atmospheric electrical phenomena and principals of weather modification.
Prerequisite: ATMS 305. Spring.
490 Professional and Technical Internship (6)
Majors with a GPA of 3.0 or better within the major and at least junior status may apply for
a semesterlong internship with a participating host agency. May not take ATMS 381, 382 or
383 and ATMS 490 concurrently. May not take more than 3 hours ATMS 381, 382, 383 in
addition to ATMS 490. Prerequisite: permission of department chair. Fall and Spring.
495 Atmospheric Sciences Research (1-6)
Research and/or development in atmospheric science as approved by the department leading
to a written thesis. Prerequisite: Permission of a department mentor. May be repeated up to a
total of six hours credit. Fall and Spring.
171-3, 271-3, 371-3, 471-3 Special Topics in Atmospheric Sciences (1-3)
Courses not otherwise included in the catalog listing but for which there may be special
needs. May be repeated as often as permitted and as subject matter changes. Prerequisite:
permission of instructor. On demand.
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