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ACS 103 Planet Earth 3 SH This team-taught course is designed to acquaint the student, and the study of Earth within the framework of the solar system, including introductions into the physical characteristics of Earth’s atmosphere and oceans; its surface activities and processes. This introduction provides a foundation for further study in planetary and atmospheric science, physical oceanography and earth science. Field trips may be required.
ACS 136 Energy 4 SH This course will investigate present and possible future energy sources, and discuss human use and misuse of the different forms of energy and the effects of these energy uses on society (3 hrs. lecture, 2 hrs. laboratory). This course may include field trips.
ACS 150 Introduction to Meteorology 4 SH This course is a general introduction to meteorology. Topics to be discussed include atmospheric vertical structure, radiation and heating, wind and atmospheric motion, moisture and stability, cloud formation and precipitation, planetary jet streams, the global circulation, air masses and fronts, mid-latitude cyclone structure and evolution, thunderstorms and tornadoes, hurricanes, and elements of physical and regional climatology (3 hrs lecture, 2 hrs laboratory). Prerequisite: MAT 100 or equivalent.
ACS 210 Physical Oceanography and Climate 4 SH This course describes the basic characteristics of the oceans such as the ocean basins and large-scale temperature and salinity distributions of seawater. Important physical processes are discussed including, interactions between the oceans and atmosphere, geostrophic and western boundary currents as well as the large-scale wind-driven and thermohaline circulations. Climate phenomena from El Nino events to the effects of the oceans on global climate are emphasized. The laboratory session includes hands-on use of instrumentation as well as numerical models and data available online to understand the oceans. Prerequisite: PHY 111 or PHY 121.
ACS 221 Quantitative Concepts in Atmospheric & Climate Science 4 SH This course is designed to introduce and reinforce key quantitative concepts and methods essential for upper-level meteorology and climate science courses. Students will develop a strong conceptual understanding of the relevant principles without the need for advanced mathematics. The course will focus on basic applied mathematical and physical concepts relevant to atmospheric and climate sciences, with a strong emphasis on graphical and conceptual understanding, along with problem solving. (3 hrs. lecture, 2 hrs. laboratory) Prerequisite: MAT 118 or MAT 133; Pre/Co-requisite PHY 121.
ACS 231 Weather Analysis & Forecasting 4 SH This is a quantitative approach that applies basic hydrodynamic and thermodynamic principles to the forecast problem with an emphasis on making the connection between theory and application. Fundamental topics in theoretical hydrodynamics and thermodynamics are introduced and expanded upon towards a derivation of quasi-geostrophic theory and an understanding of the structure and evolution of large-scale weather systems. Real-time weather maps and operational graphical output from numerical forecast models are integrated into the presentations. Lab work includes use of model output forecast data, forecast graphics, and satellite and radar imagery in daily operational forecasting. Prerequisite: ACS 150, ACS 221 or MAT 182, PHY 111 or 121
ACS 240 Climatology 3 SH This is an introductory course in climatology. Topics include solar and terrestrial radiation, and general circulation, global and local forcings of temperature and precipitation patterns, air-sea interaction, climate classification schemes, global warming, and climate change. A survey of anomalous local climate patterns will be included. Daily weather discussions of global weather patterns utilizing real-time weather data in the WCSU Weather Center/Lab will be used to reinforce course material. Prerequisite: ACS 150.
ACS 321 Acquisition and Analysis of Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Climate Data 3 SH This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the acquisition, processing and analysis of geophysical data through scientific computing methods. Students write computer programs to manipulate data, produce figures and animations as well as perform mathematical and statistical operations on data. The course is structured to assimilate concepts through hands-on examples and exercises. Competency is developed with an emphasis on practical applications. (1 hr. lecture — 4 hrs. laboratory).
ACS 370 Internship in Atmospheric & Climate Science 4 SH This course offers students the opportunity to engage in a full or part-time non-academic, departmentally approved, internship experience for a pre-determined period of time. Junior standing in Atmospheric and Climate Science is a minimum requirement. Students will be required to (i) obtain a qualified internship sponsor, and submit a detailed written proposal prior to undertaking the internship, (ii) attend regular weekly meetings with the instructor, and (iii) write a term paper and give an oral presentation/seminar focusing on the scientific aspects of atmospheric and/or climate science as outlined in their internship proposal and successfully demonstrate these aspects as applied to their internship experience. One SH credit will be granted per 50 internship hours for a total of 200 hours required. Prerequisite: ACS 231 and ACS 240, minimum GPA 2.0.
ACS 410 Atmospheric Thermodynamics 3 SH This course will develop the basic concepts of classical thermodynamics with an application toward the Earth’s atmosphere. Topics to be discussed include the first and second laws of thermodynamics, moisture variables, thermodynamic diagrams, atmospheric stability, the equation of state for a gaseous mixture, phase changes for water, adiabatic and diabatic processes for dry and saturated air. Prerequisites: Acceptance into the BS Accelerated ACS degree program and MAT 181, MAT 182, PHY 110, and PHY 111.
ACS 411 Atmospheric Dynamics 3 SH This course develops the basic concepts of atmospheric dynamics. Topics to be discussed include: meteorological applications of fluid kinematics and dynamics, divergence, the equations of motion on a rotating Earth, scale analysis, geostrophic, gradient, and thermal winds, vorticity and potential vorticity equations, ageostrophic flow, dynamics of synoptic-scale motions, quasi-geostrophic theory, atmospheric waves and instabilities. Prerequisites: Acceptance into the BS Accelerated ACS degree program and MAT 181, MAT 182, PHY 110, and PHY 111.
ACS 430 Meteorological Instrumentation and Remote Sensing 4 SH This course is an introduction to advanced meteorological instruments, platforms and observational systems. Sensor performance and sources of error are discussed. The laboratory session emphasizes hands-on outdoor learning and uses computer programming and numerical methods to collect, process, and analyze data from the atmosphere and ocean surface. Prerequisite: ACS 321 and PHY 121 or PHY 111.
ACS 450 Research in Atmospheric & Climate Science 4 SH This course will consist of the student collaborating closely with ACS faculty on an individual research project of mutual interest. Emphasis will be placed on introducing the student to ACS research, peer-reviewed journals, current research methods and topics, data analysis and interpretation, and effective communication of project results. Numerical weather prediction models, meteorological instruments, computers, and other facilities of the WCSU Meteorological Studies and Weather Center can be used by students in carrying out their research projects. Both written (research paper) and oral defense of the research is required. Prerequisite: ACS 221 or ACS 321.
