MTR 1400-3 Introduction to Meteorology (3 + 0)

Prerequisite: minimum performance standard scores on reading, writing, and mathematics preassessment placement tests

This course is an introductory course in the composition, structure and behavior of the atmosphere of the earth. Material covered includes high and low pressure systems, air masses, fronts, clouds, precipitation, stability, thunderstorms, tornadoes and hurricanes, as well as solar radiation, the greenhouse effect and seasons. (General Studies-Level II, Natural Science)

MTR 2400-4 Introduction to Atmospheric Science (3 + 2)

Prerequisite: successful completion of Level I mathematics requirement

This course provides a quantitative approach to understanding fundamental concepts in meteorology. Topics include radiation, heat balance of the atmosphere, thermodynamics, cloud formation, horizontal motion, general circulation of the atmosphere, and weather systems. In the laboratory sessions, students are introduced to surface and upper-air charts, thermodynamic diagrams, weather codes, and weather imagery. This is the introductory course designed for majors and minors in meteorology. Students receiving credit for MTR 2400 may not subsequently receive credit for MTR 1400.

MTR 2410-3 Weather Observing Systems (2 +2)

Prerequisite: MTR 2400

This course provides a survey of the instruments and instrument systems used in operational and research meteorology. The theory of instrument measurement and error, operating principles, and method of operation of surface and upper air sensors, as well as radar and satellites, will be presented. The lab component of the course will involve the theory, use, calibration, and maintenance of instruments and the analysis and interpretation of the observations.

MTR 3100-3 Air Pollution (3 + 0)

Prerequisite: GEG 1200 or MTR 2400

This course examines the causes and control of air pollution. Topics include pollutant sources and sinks, regional and global-scale pollution problems, monitoring and sampling techniques, regulatory control, meteorological influences, and indoor air quality.

MTR 3400-4 Synoptic Meteorology (3 + 2)

Prerequisite: MTR 2400

This course presents a descriptive approach to the structure and behavior of mid-latitude, synoptic-scale weather systems. Primary topics include the physics of synoptic-scale air motion, the role of synoptic weather systems in the general circulation, jet streams, airmasses, fronts, and the application of these to cyclones and anticyclones. Elementary quasi-geostrophic theory and weather forecasting are introduced.

MTR 3410-2 Weather Analysis Techniques (1 + 2)

Prerequisite: MTR 3400

This is a course in interpretation, understanding, and analysis of weather data, focusing on conventional surface and upper-air data and use of these data in current weather diagnostics. Topics include traditional hand analysis of surface and upper-air weather maps, spatial and temporal cross-sections, thermodynamic diagrams, meso-analyses, and prognostic charts. These topics form the foundation for correct and efficient use of modern computer analysis. This is an essential course for operational and applied research meteorologists.

MTR 3420-3 Radar and Satellite Meteorology (3 + 0)

Prerequisites: MTR 2410 and MTH 1120 or MTH 1400

This course provides a physically based and theoretically grounded study of the uses of radar and satellites and their application to various meteorological problems. Basic theories of radar and satellites will be applied to the interpretation and analysis of various radar and satellite products.

MTR 3430-3 Atmospheric Thermodynamics (3 + 0)

Prerequisites: MTH 2410, PHY 2311, PHY 2321 and MTR 3400

This course is the first in the sequence of calculus-based, theoretical meteorology courses. Emphasis is on classical thermodynamics and its application to atmospheric processes. Main topics include the equation of state, first law of thermodynamics, adiabatic processes of dry and moist air, stability, thermodynamic diagrams, thermodynamic variables, and convection.

MTR 3440-3 Physical Meteorology (3 + 0)

Prerequisites: MTR 3430 and CHE 1800

This course is the second in the sequence of calculus-based, theoretical meteorology courses. Emphasis in on the application of classical physics to common processes in the atmosphere. Main topics include cloud and precipitation physics, atmospheric radiation, radiative transfer, lightning, optical phenomena and weather modification.

MTR 3450-3 Dynamic Meteorology (3 + 0)

Prerequisites: PHY 2331, PHY 2341, MTH 2420, and MTR 3430

Corequisite: MTH 3420

This course covers the fundamentals of fluid dynamics necessary for understanding large-scale atmospheric motions. The focus of the course is the development, derivation, and analysis of the laws of conservation of mass, momentum, and energy, as they apply to middle latitude, synoptic scale weather systems.

MTR 3500-3 Hazardous Weather (3 + 0)

Prerequisites: MTR 1400 or MTR 2400 and satisfaction of Level I General Studies course requirements

This course considers the nature and causes of hazardous weather, the predictability of hazardous weather events, and the economic, sociological, and psychological impact of these events. The strategies for the protection of life and property from hazardous weather are also considered. (General Studies-Level II, Natural Science)

MTR 3710-3-6 Meteorological Cooperative Education I (0 + 9-18)

Prerequisite: employment in a meteorological cooperative education position

This course involves educational work experience with a consulting meteorologist, meteorological firm, or government agency. The learning process is under supervision of meteorology faculty and the meteorologist at the firm or agency.

MTR 3720-3-6 Meteorological Cooperative Education II (0 + 9-18)

Prerequisites: employment in a meteorological cooperative education position, and MTR 3710

This course involves educational work experience with a consulting meteorologist, meteorological firm, or government agency. The learning process is under supervision of meteorology faculty and the meteorologist at the firm or agency.

MTR 3730-3 Meteorological Cooperative Education III (0 + 9)

Prerequisites: employment in a meteorological cooperative education position, and MTR 3720

This course involves educational work experience with a consulting meteorologist, meteorological firm or government agency. The learning process is under supervision of meteorology faculty and the meteorologist at the firm or agency.

MTR 4210-1 Forecasting Laboratory I (0 + 2)

Prerequisite: MTR 3410

This is a laboratory course in which the principles of synoptic meteorology and weather computer technology are used in developing a weather forecast. Students are introduced to computerized weather data access, display, and analysis using meteorological software applications. Students learn to use surface and upper-air data, satellite and radar imagery, numerical model output, and other weather data in the preparation of weather forecasts. Principles of weather briefing and forecast decision making are also introduced.

MTR 4220-1 Forecasting Laboratory II (0 + 2)

Prerequisite: MTR 4210

This course follows MTR 4210, Forecasting Laboratory I. Students practice the skills learned in MTR 4210 in a more independent setting, gaining experience in computerized data analysis, diagnosis, and weather forecasting.

MTR 4230-1 Forecasting Laboratory III (0 + 2)

Prerequisite: MTR 4220

This lab allows students to continue to develop skills learned in MTR 4220, Forecasting Laboratory II, in an independent setting, gaining experience in computerized data analysis, diagnosis, and weather forecasting. Forecast format is that of the National Collegiate Weather Forecasting Contest, allowing students to participate in the national contest, if desired.

MTR 4240-1 Forecasting Laboratory IV (0 + 2)

Prerequisite: MTR 4230

This lab allows students to continue to develop skills learned in MTR 4230, Forecasting Laboratory III, in an independent setting, using advanced computerized data analysis and diagnosis to generate a weather forecast. Forecasts format is that of the.National Collegiate Weather Forecasting Contest, so students may participate in the national contest, if desired. Students may also lead weekly departmental weather briefings.

MTR 4400-3 Advanced Synoptic Meteorology (2 + 2)

Prerequisites: MTR 3450, MTH 3420 and PHY 2331

This course is a calculus-based examination of the three-dimensional structure of mid-latitude, synoptic-scale weather systems, emphasizing the application of kinematic and thermodynamic principles. Main topics include quasi-geostrophic theory, cyclone structure and evolution, diagnosis of vertical motion, jet streams, and frontogenesis. The lab component involves examples and exercises using computer-based analysis programs (e.g., GEMPAK and McIDAS) to diagnose current weather and case studies.

MTR 4410-3 Numerical Weather Prediction (3 + 0)

Prerequisites: MTR 3450, MTH 3420, and MTH 1510 or an equivalent course in an approved programming language

This course presents the theoretical background to numerically modeling the atmosphere using the primitive equations. Current numerical models will be analyzed and finite-difference techniques will be applied to a simple computer model of the atmosphere developed during the course.

MTR 4440-3 Climatology (3 + 0)

Prerequisite: MTR 3400

Climatology examines the characteristics, distributions, and causes of global and regional climate. Physical and dynamic mechanisms of climate are introduced. Spatial and temporal distributions of the main climate elements are studied, as are theories of past and future climates. A research paper involving climate data, statistical analysis and scientific method is required.

MTR 4500-3 Mesometeorology (2 + 2)

Prerequisite: MTR 3410

This is an advanced course in recognizing, understanding, and forecasting mesoscale weather events (severe thunderstorms, hailstorms, tornadoes, downslope windstorms, flash floods, snowstorms, etc.) with emphasis on theory, analysis of weather data, and forecast decision making.
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MTR 4600-3 Senior Research Seminar (3 + 0)

Prerequisites: MTR 3450 and MTR 4440

This is a senior-level capstone course required of all meteorology majors. Students will engage in a research project that involves the application of scientific methodology to meteorological or climatological data and problem solving. Experience will be gained in literature searches, problem statement, data handling, statistical analysis, data presentation, and presentation of results. Technical writing and oral presentation skills are emphasized. (Senior Experience)