Fall 2007 Course Descriptions
All courses below are approved to be taught in Fall 2007; however, some (or all) may not be offered this term. The
course numbers that are offered this term link to the Schedule of Classes.
Class with alternative
delivery modes (Web based, cable TV, correspondence, etc) are noted in the Schedule at the
section level. The complete list below is a good indicator of what may be offered over the next few years (contact
department about offerings). For explanations of course elements see the Key to Course Descriptions.
Atmospheric Sciences (ATMO) Department Info
ATMO 171
-- Introduction to Meteorology and Climatology
(3 units) Description: An introduction to weather processes and climate, including discussions of fronts and cyclones, precipitation processes, the wind systems of the world, severe storms, and weather modification. Grading: Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E. Available to qualified students for Pass/Fail Option. Prerequisite(s): MATH 110. Identical to: GEOG 171. Usually offered: Fall, Spring.
ATMO 325
-- Understanding and Forecasting the Weather
(3 units) Description: This course is designed to teach students the basics of weather and weather forecasting. Grading: Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E. Prerequisite(s): NATS 101. Approved as: General Education Tier Two - Natural Sciences. Usually offered: Fall, Spring.
ATMO 336
-- Weather, Climate and Society
(3 units) Description: The course examines basic weather phenomena, climate and climate change, and the associated effects on individuals and societies in the past and present. The possibility and effects of human-caused changes in the climate system are also discussed. Grading: Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E. Prerequisite(s): two courses from Tier One, Natural Sciences (NATS 101, 102, 104). Approved as: General Education Tier Two - Natural Sciences. Usually offered: Fall, Spring.
ATMO 350
-- Atmospheric Measurements
(3 units) Description: Theory and use of meteorological instruments; laboratory and field demonstrations and practices. This is a Writing Emphasis Course. Grading: Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E. Course includes 1 or more field trips. Prerequisite(s): satisfaction of the Mid-Career Writing Assessment (MCWA) or the former upper-division writing proficiency requirement (UDWPE); PHYS 142, PHYS 241, MATH 254. Usually offered: Spring.
ATMO 412A
-- Ocean Sciences
(4 units) Description: Course covers ocean science from broad geological, biological, chemical and physical perspectives. Topics include seafloor geology, wave phenomena, ocean circulation and climate, marine ecosystems, and environmental issues. Grading: Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E. Special course fee required: $50. Course includes 1 or more field trips. Prerequisite(s): One year of science or consent of instructor. Creit will be given for GEOS 212 or GEOS 412A, but not both. Typical structure: 3 hours laboratory, 3 hours lecture. Identical to: GEOS 412A; GEOS is home department. Usually offered: Spring.
ATMO 441A
-- Dynamic Meteorology
(3 units) Description: Thermodynamics and its application to planetary atmospheres, hydrostatics, fundamental concepts and laws of dynamic meteorology. Grading: Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E. Prerequisite(s): ATMO 300A and ATMO 300B or PHYS 325 or consent of instructor. Identical to: PTYS 441A. May be convened with: ATMO 541A. Usually offered: Fall.
ATMO 441B
-- Dynamic Meteorology
(3 units) Description: Thermodynamics and its application to planetary atmospheres, hydrostatics, fundamental concepts and laws of dynamic meteorology. Grading: Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E. Prerequisite(s): ATMO 300A and ATMO 300B or PHYS 325 or consent of instructor. Identical to: PTYS 441B. May be convened with: ATMO 541B. Usually offered: Spring.
ATMO 451A
-- Introduction to Physical Meteorology
(3 units) Description: Introduction to atmospheric physics that includes the composition and chemistry of the atmosphere, kinetic theory, the mechanics of ideal and real fluids, aerosol mechanics, atmospheric acoustics, atmospheric radiation, scattering, radiative transfer, atmospheric optics, cloud physics, and atmospheric electricity. Grading: Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E. Prerequisite(s): ATMO 300A and ATMO 300B or PHYS 325 or consent of instructor. May be convened with: ATMO 551A. Usually offered: Fall.
ATMO 451B
-- Introduction to Physical Meteorology
(3 units) Description: Introduction to atmospheric physics that includes the composition and chemistry of the atmosphere, kinetic theory, the mechanics of ideal and real fluids, aerosol mechanics, atmospheric acoustics, atmospheric radiation, scattering, radiative transfer, atmospheric optics, cloud physics, and atmospheric electricity. Grading: Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E. Prerequisite(s): ATMO 300A and ATMO 300B or PHYS 325 or consent of instructor. May be convened with: ATMO 551B. Usually offered: Spring.
ATMO 469A
-- Air Pollution I:Gases
(3 units) Description: An introduction to the chemistry and physics of the troposphere and stratosphere. Topics include natural biogeochemical cycles; atmospheric photochemistry; stratospheric ozone; urban ozone and particulate matter; atmospheric visibility; acid deposition; air pollution meteorology; Gaussian plume model; photochemical model; air quality regulations. Grading: Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E. Prerequisite(s): MATH 223. ATMO 469A is not prerequisite to ATMO 469B but is recommended. Identical to: CHEE 469A. May be convened with: ATMO 569A. Usually offered: Fall.
ATMO 469B
-- Air Pollution II:Aerosols
(3 units) Description: An introduction to the chemistry and physics of atmospheric aerosols. Topics include aerosol sources and sinks; basic aerosol properties; single aerosol mechanics; aerosol population dynamics; atmospheric aerosol optics; aerosols and climate; aerosols and health; regional haze; aerosol measurement techniques. Grading: Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E. Prerequisite(s): MATH 223. ATMO 469A is not prerequisite to ATMO 469B but is recommended. Identical to: CHEE 469B. May be convened with: ATMO 569B. Usually offered: Spring.
ATMO 470
-- Advanced Weather Analysis Laboratory
(2 units) Description: Exploration of dynamic and thermodynamic principles that govern the atmosphere. Use of computerized weather analysis and visualization software; interpretation of output from operational numerical weather prediction models; daily forecasting practice. Grading: Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E. Prerequisite(s): ENGR 170; Concurrent registration ATMO 471 or ATMO 472. Open to majors only. May be repeated: for credit 1 time (maximum 2 enrollments). May be convened with: ATMO 570. Usually offered: Spring.
ATMO 471
-- Synoptic Meteorology
(1 unit) Description: Principles of meteorological analysis; fundamental concepts of dynamic meteorology. Structure and dynamics of midlatitude cyclones and fronts. Use of computer driven graphical displays. Grading: Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E. Prerequisite(s): ATMO 441A; Prerequisite or Concurrent registration, ATMO 350, ATMO 441B, and ATMO 470. May be convened with: ATMO 571. Usually offered: Spring.
ATMO 472
-- Weather Analysis and Forecasting
(1 unit) Description: Advanced analysis techniques. Principles of weather forecasting and actual forecasting experience. Grading: Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E. Prerequisite(s): ATMO 430; ATM0 471; Concurrent registration, ATM0 470. May be convened with: ATMO 572. Usually offered: Spring.
ATMO 489
-- Atmospheric Electricity
(3 units) Description: Introduction to sources and chemistry of atmospheric ions, fair weather electricity, the global circuit, electrical structure of clouds, thunderstorm electrification, lightning, lightning electromagnetic fields, mechanisms of lightning damage and lightning protection. Grading: Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 241, MATH 322, or consent of instructor. Identical to: ECE 489. May be convened with: ATMO 589. Usually offered: Spring.
ATMO 490
-- Remote Sensing for the Study of Planet Earth
(3 units) Description: A multidisciplinary course delineating the physical basis of electromagnetic remote sensing, the concepts of information extraction, and applications pertinent to earth systems science. Grading: Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E. Identical to: REM 490; REM is home department. May be convened with: ATMO 590. Usually offered: Spring.
ATMO 493
-- Internship
(1-6 units) Description: Specialized work on an individual basis, consisting of training and practice in actual service in a technical, business, or governmental establishment. Grading: Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P C D E. May be repeated: for a total of 6 units of credit. Usually offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
ATMO 499
-- Independent Study (1-5 units) Description: Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work. Grading: Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P C D E. May be repeated: an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions. Usually offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
ATMO 499H
-- Honors Independent Study
(1-5 units) Description: Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work. Grading: Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E. May be repeated: an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions. Usually offered: Fall.
ATMO 513
-- ENSO: Past, Present, Future
(2-3 units) Description: ENSO stands for: El Nino/Southern Oscillation. Overview of the tropical ocean-atmosphere system, ENSO theory, observations, predictive modeling and impacts; paleoclimatology; and evolution of ENSO in a greenhouse world. Grading: Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E. Prerequisite(s): prior coursework in oceanography, meteorology and climatology will be helpful. Typical structure: 2 hours lecture, 1 hour discussion. Identical to: GEOS 513; GEOS is home department. Usually offered: Spring.
ATMO 521
-- Physical Climatology
(3 units) Description: The global and surface energy balance; the hydrologic cycle; the influence on climate of the atmospheric and oceanic circulation; climate history, sensitivity, modeling, and natural and anthropogenic change. Graduate-level requirements include a more quantitative and thorough understanding of the subject matter. Grading: Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E. Identical to: ARL 521. Usually offered: Spring.
ATMO 524
-- Hydroclimatology
(3 units) Description: Precipitation formation processes, the surface and atmospheric branch of the hydrologic cycle, land surface-atmosphere interaction, surface energy balance, evapotranspiration, heat and moisture fluxes into the soil and atmospheric boundary layer. Grading: Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E. Identical to: HWR 524; HWR is home department. Usually offered: Fall.
ATMO 529
-- Objective Analysis in the Atmospheric and Related Sciences
(3 units) Description: This graduate course provides an overview of statistical methods used to interpret datasets in the atmospheric and related sciences. The objective is to provide a working knowledge of the statistical tools most commonly used. Topics include application of basic statistics (composite analysis; significance testing; curve fitting; regression analysis; correlation; and non-normal distributions), non-parametric statistical significance testing (e.g. Monte-Carlo methods and field significance), matrix methods (principal component analysis; SVD analysis; CCA), and time series analysis (harmonic analysis; power spectra; data filtering; cross-spectrum analysis; singular spectrum analysis; and wavelet analysis). Grading: Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E. Prerequisite(s): Undergraduate level statistics course and linear algebra required. Computer programming skills (C, Fortran, Matlab) and knowledge of graphical display packages needed or consent of instructor. Identical to: GEOG 529, GEOS 529, HWR 529. Usually offered: Fall.
ATMO 530
-- Micrometeorology
(3 units) Description: Theoretical aspects of atmospheric turbulence, including discussions of laminar flow, turbulent flow, the mechanical energy equations, and the shearing stress and the wind profile. Grading: Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E. Prerequisite(s): ATMO 541B. Usually offered: Fall.
ATMO 537
-- The Physics of the Sun
(3 units) Description: The purpose of this course is to present an introduction to the
physics of the Sun. The course begins with a discussion of
the standard solar model, the solar-neutrino problem, and
observational techniques. Long-term variability in the total
irradiance, sunspot number, and diameter, and its effect on
Earth's climate will be addressed in some detail. Other topics include the physics of the solar interior, solar oscillations, and solar composition. This course will also introduce the equations of magnetohydrodynamics and apply them to important solar-physics problems, such as: the solar magnetic dynamo, stability of prominences, physics of sunspots and flares, and heating of the solar atmosphere. The emphasis throughout will be on basic physical processes and the various approximations used in their application to concrete problems.
Grading: Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E. Identical to: PTYS 537; PTYS is home department. Usually offered: Fall.
ATMO 541A
-- Dynamic Meteorology
(3 units) Description: Thermodynamics and its application to planetary atmospheres, hydrostatics, fundamental concepts and laws of dynamic meteorology. Graduate-level requirements include a more quantitative and thorough understanding of the subject matter. Grading: Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E. Identical to: PTYS 541A. May be convened with: ATMO 441A. Usually offered: Fall.
ATMO 541B
-- Dynamic Meteorology
(3 units) Description: Thermodynamics and its application to planetary atmospheres, hydrostatics, fundamental concepts and laws of dynamic meteorology. Graduate-level requirements include a more quantitative and thorough understanding of the subject matter. Grading: Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E. Identical to: PTYS 541B. May be convened with: ATMO 441B. Usually offered: Spring.
ATMO 544
-- Physics of High Atmospheres
(3 units) Description: Physical properties of upper atmospheres, including gaseous composition, temperature and density, ozonosphere, and ionospheres, with emphasis on chemical transformations and eddy transport. Grading: Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E. Identical to: PTYS 544; PTYS is home department. Usually offered: Spring.
ATMO 551A
-- Introduction into Physical Meteorology
(3 units) Description: Introduction to atmospheric physics that includes the composition and chemistry of the atmosphere, kinetic theory, the mechanics of ideal and real fluids, aerosol mechanics, atmospheric acoustics, atmospheric radiation, scattering, radiative transfer, atmospheric optics, cloud physics, and atmospheric electricity. Graduate-level requirements include a more quantitative and thorough understanding of the subject matter. Grading: Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E. May be convened with: ATMO 451A. Usually offered: Fall.
ATMO 551B
-- Introduction into Physical Meteorology
(3 units) Description: Introduction to atmospheric physics that includes the composition and chemistry of the atmosphere, kinetic theory, the mechanics of ideal and real fluids, aerosol mechanics, atmospheric acoustics, atmospheric radiation, scattering, radiative transfer, atmospheric optics, cloud physics, and atmospheric electricity. Graduate-level requirements include a more quantitative and thorough understanding of the subject matter. Grading: Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E. May be convened with: ATMO 451B. Usually offered: Spring.
ATMO 567
-- Inverse Problems in Geophysics
(3 units) Description: [Taught alternate years beginning Fall 2005]. Linear and nonlinear inverse theory, including least squares, generalized and maximum likelihood methods. Grading: Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E. Prerequisite(s): experience with linear algebra recommended. Identical to: GEOS 567; GEOS is home department. Usually offered: Fall, Spring.
ATMO 569A
-- Air Pollution I:Gases
(3 units) Description: An introduction to the chemistry and physics of the troposphere and stratosphere. Topics include natural biogeochemical cycles; atmospheric photochemistry; stratospheric ozone; urban ozone and particulate matter; atmospheric visibility; acid deposition; air pollution meteorology; Gaussian plume model; photochemical model; air quality regulations. Graduate-level requirements include additional homework and other exercises. Grading: Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E. Identical to: CHEE 569A. May be convened with: ATMO 469A. Usually offered: Fall.
ATMO 569B
-- Air Pollution II:Aerosols
(3 units) Description: An introduction to the chemistry and physics of atmospheric aerosols. Topics include aerosol sources and sinks; basic aerosol properties; single aerosol mechanics; aerosol population dynamics; atmospheric aerosol optics; aerosols and climate; aerosols and health; regional haze; aerosol measurement techniques. Graduate-level requirements include additional homework and other exercises. Grading: Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E. Identical to: CHEE 569B. May be convened with: ATMO 469B. Usually offered: Spring.
ATMO 570
-- Advanced Weather Analysis Laboratory
(2 units) Description: Exploration of dynamic and thermodynamic principles that govern the atmosphere. Use of computerized weather analysis and visualization software; interpretation of output from operational numerical weather prediction models; daily forecasting practice. Graduate-level requirements include additional quantitative material and a term paper Grading: Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E. May be repeated: for credit 1 time (maximum 2 enrollments). May be convened with: ATMO 470. Usually offered: Spring.
ATMO 571
-- Synoptic Meteorology
(1 unit) Description: Principles of meteorological analysis; fundamental concepts of dynamic meteorology. Structure and dynamics of midlatitude cyclones and fronts. Use of computer driven graphical displays. Graduate-level requirements include a more quantitative and thorough understanding of the subject matter. Grading: Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E. Prerequisite(s): ATMO 541A; Concurrent registration, ATMO 541B, ATMO 570. May be convened with: ATMO 471. Usually offered: Spring.
ATMO 572
-- Weather Analysis and Forecasting
(1 unit) Description: Advanced analysis techniques. Principles of weather forecasting and actual forecasting experience. Graduate-level requirements include a survey paper on some aspect of weather prediction. Grading: Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E. Prerequisite(s): ATMO 471; Concurrent registration, ATMO 570. May be convened with: ATMO 472. Usually offered: Spring.
ATMO 577
-- Topics in Applied Mathematics
(3 units) Description: Advanced topics in asymptotics, numerical analysis, approximation theory, mathematical theory of mechanics, dynamical systems, differential equations and inequalities, mathematical theory of statistics; content varies. Grading: Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E. Identical to: MATH 577; MATH is home department. Usually offered: Fall, Spring.
ATMO 580
-- Tropical Meteorology
(3 units) Description: An introduction to fundamentals of meteorology in the tropics. Topics include atmospheric processes in the tropics; mass, heat, energy, momentum, and water vapor budgets, cumulus convection, hurricanes and other disturbances. Grading: Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E. Prerequisite(s): ATMO 541B, ATMO 551B or consent of instructor. Usually offered: Spring.
ATMO 583
-- Remote Sensing Instrumentation and Techniques
(3 units) Description: Development of instrumentation, measurement and signal processing techniques required for electromagnetic remote sensing applications with emphasis on atmospheric remote sensing. Grading: Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E. Prerequisite(s): ECE 482. Identical to: ECE 583; ECE is home department. Usually offered: Spring.
ATMO 589
-- Atmospheric Electricity
(3 units) Description: Introduction to sources and chemistry of atmospheric ions, fair weather electricity, the global circuit, electrical structure of clouds, thunderstorm electrification, lightning, lightning electromagnetic fields, mechanisms of lightning damage and lightning protection. Graduate-level requirements include different homework assignments and tests. Grading: Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E. Identical to: ECE 589. May be convened with: ATMO 489. Usually offered: Spring.
ATMO 590
-- Remote Sensing for the Study of Planet Earth
(3 units) Description: A multidisciplinary course delineating the physical basis of electromagnetic remote sensing, the concepts of information extraction, and applications pertinent to earth systems science. Graduate-level requirements include an additional term paper. Grading: Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E. Identical to: REM 590; REM is home department. May be convened with: ATMO 490. Usually offered: Spring.
ATMO 595B
-- Global Climate Change
(3 units) Description: The exchange of scholarly information and/or secondary research, usually in a small group setting. Instruction often includes lectures by several different persons. Research projects may or may not be required of course
registrants. Grading: Regular or alternative grades can be awarded for this course: A B C D E or S P C D E. Prerequisite(s): strong quantitative background in HWR, ATMO, GEOS, or RNR. May be repeated: for credit 1 time (maximum 2 enrollments). Identical to: GEOS 595B, HWR 595B. Usually offered: Fall, Summer.
ATMO 595C
-- General Circulation Observations and Modeling
(1-3 units) Description: The exchange of scholarly information and/or secondary research, usually in a
small group setting. Instruction often includes lectures by several different persons. Research projects may or may not be required of course
registrants. Grading: Regular or alternative grades can be awarded for this course: A B C D E or S P C D E. Prerequisite(s): ATMO 541A, ATMO 551A, ENGR 170. Identical to: GEOS 595C, HWR 595C. Usually offered: Spring, Summer.
ATMO 596A
-- Progress in Atmospheric Sciences
(1 unit) Description: This is a seminar course that all graduate students are required to take each academic semester. The course consists of invited speakers that will overview progress in different subdisciplines. Grading: Regular or alternative grades can be awarded for this course: A B C D E or S P C D E. May be repeated: for a total of 10 units of credit. Usually offered: Fall, Spring.
ATMO 597E
-- Spatiotemporal Data Analysis Workshop
(3 units) Description: [Taught alternate years beginning Fall 2004]. Students will learn to analyze and interpret principal features resolvable in historical climate data sets using two commonly-applied empirical techniques. In parallel we will critically assess similar analyses published in the climate dynamics' literature. Grading: Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E. Prerequisite(s): linear algebra or consent of instructor. Identical to: GEOS 597E; GEOS is home department. Usually offered: Fall.
ATMO 599
-- Independent Study (1-6 units) Description: Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work. Graduate students doing independent work which cannot be classified as actual research will register for credit under course number 599, 699, or 799. Grading: Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P C D E. May be repeated: an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions. Usually offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
ATMO 656A
-- Atmospheric Radiation and Remote Sensing
(3 units) Description: Theory of atmospheric radiative transfer processes; specific methods for solving the relevant equations; applications to problems in radiative transfer; theoretical basis for remote sensing from the ground and from space; solutions to the "inverse" problem. Grading: Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E. Prerequisite(s): MATH 254. Identical to: OPTI 656A, PTYS 656A. Usually offered: Fall.
ATMO 656B
-- Atmospheric Radiation and Remote Sensing
(3 units) Description: Theory of atmospheric radiative transfer processes; specific methods for solving the relevant equations; applications to problems in radiative transfer; theoretical basis for remote sensing from the ground and from space; solutions to the "inverse" problem. Grading: Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E. Prerequisite(s): MATH 254. Identical to: OPTI 656B. Usually offered: Spring.
ATMO 900
-- Research
(1-6 units) Description: Individual research, not related to thesis or dissertation preparation, by graduate students. Grading: Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P C D E K. May be repeated: an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions. Usually offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
ATMO 910
-- Thesis
(1-6 units) Description: Research for the master's thesis (whether library research, laboratory or field observation or research, artistic creation, or thesis writing). Maximum total credit permitted varies with the major department. Grading: Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P E K. May be repeated: an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions. Usually offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
ATMO 920
-- Dissertation
(1-9 units) Description: Research for the doctoral dissertation (whether library research, laboratory or field observation or research, artistic creation, or dissertation writing). Grading: Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P E K. May be repeated: an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions. Usually offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
ATMO 930
-- Supplementary Registration
(1-9 units) Description: For students who have completed all course requirements for their advanced degree programs. May be used concurrently with other enrollments to bring to total number of units to the required minimum. Grading: a Grade of K is awarded for this course except for the final term. May be repeated: an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions. Usually offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
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