ATMS 5013 - DataStreme Climate Studies

Credit Hours: 3

A collaborative learning course in conjunction with the American Meteorological Society (AMS) designed to focus on principles of climate analysis of digitally delivered near real-time environmental data and learning activities. The course utilizes the display and analysis of climatic data with applications designed to be modified for use in other instructional formats. In this course the elements and controls of climate are analyzed in a systematic fashion. The physical parameters controlling climate are reviewed, as they relate to physics and chemistry. Climate science is concerned not only with the most frequently occurring types, the average weather, but the infrequent and unusual types as well. Climates of the past and potential future states of climate will be discussed and the impacts thereof. The student will be able to make an informed decision in the framework of a Citizen Scientist given the nature of a changing climate through data analysis utilized in this course. Near the conclusion of the course, human energy needs, policy implications and political ramifications are discussed based upon our best understanding of the impacts of the quickly changing climate. The course relies on data and support of the American Meteorological Society.