Course goals and learning outcomes support the Foundational Component Areas defined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Course goals are linked to the respective Core Curriculum Competencies: Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, Empirical and Quantitative Skills, and Teamwork. Specific competencies are identified in designated course goals and learning outcomes.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

Describe the use of the scientific method by
1. explaining the steps of the scientific method;
2. summarizing the development and evolution of a modern scientific theory;
3. evaluating a scientific theory based upon current data.
Discuss and describe the differences between weather and climate by
1. describing a variety of weather phenomena and how they are formed;
2. identifying the major global climate regions, their locations with respect to continents, and their effects on weather;
3. discussing the relationship of climate and society.
Discuss the effects of circulation in the atmosphere and oceans by
1. describing the factors that influence circulation;
2. identifying a variety of characteristics, processes, and effects of ocean circulation;
3. identifying a variety of characteristics, processes, and effects of atmospheric circulation.
Explain weather phenomena and systems by
1. identifying a variety of weather phenomena;
2. identifying a variety of weather systems;
3. discussing the formation of a variety of weather phenomena, weather systems, and their characteristics.
Discuss weather hazards and their effects on society by
1. examining the various weather processes that constitute hazards to people and property;
2. explaining why increasing population and changing land use increase the threat of loss of life and property from weather hazards;
3. contrasting the conditions that make some weather processes hazardous as well as beneficial to people;
4. discussing the geological history and processes of weather and how they affect climate.
Discuss weather monitoring and forecasting and their importance to society by
1. identifying different monitoring methods;
2. discussing a variety of tools used to forecast weather and the difficulties associated with each;
3. discussing society’s need for accurate forecasting.
Discuss global climate change by
1. describing the relationships between climate, weather, and the environment;
2. examining the aspects of climate that are indicators of change;
3. discussing the effects of a general warming of the global climate;
4. discussing the effects of a general cooling of the global climate.
Communication Skills: Communicate effectively the results of scientific investigations and demonstrate an understanding of selected atmospheric science terminology and development of effective written, oral, and visual communication focused on atmospheric systems by
1. identifying specific terms relating to atmospheric science and geology;
2. identifying tools used in atmospheric investigation;
3. identifying techniques used in atmospheric investigations;
4. analyzing skills through written reports, oral presentations, and group activities.
Critical Thinking Skills: Use critical thinking and scientific problem solving to make informed decisions in lecture and laboratory courses and demonstrate the ability to research, analyze, and evaluate atmospheric systems by
1. quantifying and analyzing atmospheric impacts;
2. categorizing pertinent and relevant topics in the news related to atmospheric systems;
3. relating contributions made by individuals that helped shape knowledge of the atmospheric system;
4. assessing through multiple choice tests, critical response essays, and group activities.
Empirical and Quantitative Skills: Use empirical and quantitative skills to manipulate and analyze numerical data or observable facts resulting in informed conclusions about the atmosphere and atmospheric processes by
1. examining weather monitoring techniques and applying the data to forecasting;
2. researching and describing known global climate change indicators and applying data to determine trends;
3. charting and assessing the effects of circulation on the atmosphere and ocean;
4. employing established methods to estimate and predict atmospheric changes and circulation.
Teamwork: Apply small group communication skills when applicable by
1. presenting viable solutions to problems placed before the group;
2. practicing appropriate social skills in group discussions;
3. recognizing and supporting other leadership styles that may not be one’s own;
4. demonstrating the ability to contribute positively to the group when asked, regardless of one’s personal views.

GEOL 1447

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GEOL 1447 - Meteorology (Lecture Lab)