Meteorology Course Offerings at the College of DuPage

ESAS 1110 Intro to Meteorology

A first look at various aspects of meteorology, including solar radiation, global circulation, environmental issues, winds, stability, precipitation processes, weather systems, and severe weather. Basic physical principles, meteorological terminology, societal impacts, and weather analysis will be explored.

Intro to Meteorology notes and syllabi: Paul Sirvatka

ESAS 1111 Climate and Global Change

Introduction to the earth's climate, climate change, and the interactions between climate and the global environment. Physical, chemical, biological, and social factors contributing to climate and global change are investigated. Topics explored are: climate classifications, global warming and greenhouse effect, acid rain, ozone depletion, regional drought, and cataclysmic climate change. Man-made climate change as opposed to natural variability, along with human responses to potential climate change are debated.

ESAS 1115 Severe and Unusual Weather

In depth study of meteorological phenomena relating to severe thunderstorms, El Nino/Southern Oscillation events, and tropical storms. Topics will include severe weather spotting, weather radar, atmospheric soundings, tornadogenesis, El Nino, tropical meteorology, hurricanes, and an introduction to numerical weather prediction. Basic physical principles, their relation to weather events, and weather's impact on society will also be explored

Severe and Unusual Weather notes and syllabi: Paul Sirvatka

ESAS 2110 Intermediate Meteorology

A quantitative first look at the science of meteorology. Physical concepts will be examined using algebraic methods to prepare students for material using higher mathematics. Operational, physical, and dynamical meteorology will be discussed to give students an overall understanding of atmospheric science. Equations of motion, thermodynamics, and the primitive equations will be among the topics covered.

ESAS 1116 Weather Analysis and Forecasting I

A study of day-to-day weather patterns with an emphasis on understanding the basics of meteorological processes and forecasting. Students read weather reports and weather maps needed to analyze current conditions and forecast weather. Taking advantage of a fully-operational weather laboratory, students monitor current weather conditions locally and across the nation.

Forecasting Class notes and syllabi: Paul Sirvatka

ESAS 1117 Weather Analysis and Forecasting II

A continuation of Weather Analysis and Forecasting I. Students continue investigating sources of data, learn to analyze raw images, and interpret numerical weather forecasts. Taking advantage of a fully-operational weather laboratory, students monitor current weather conditions locally and across the nation.

Forecasting Class notes and syllabi: Paul Sirvatka

ESAS 2116 Advanced Weather Analysis and Forecasting I

A continuation of Weather Analysis and Forecasting II. Emphasis is on independent analysis of weather events, forecast preparation, and mastery of hand data analysis. Taking advantage of a fully-operational weather laboratory, students monitor current weather conditions locally and across the nation.

Forecasting Class notes and syllabi: Paul Sirvatka

ESAS 2117 Advanced Weather Analysis and Forecasting II

A continuation of Advanced Weather Analysis and Forecasting I. Students prepare a weekly forecast for the Chicago metropolitan area generally and DuPage County specifically, and track and evaluate their forecasting accuracy. Taking advantage of a fully-operational weather laboratory, students monitor current weather conditions locally and across the nation.

Forecasting Class notes and syllabi: Paul Sirvatka

Thunderstorm Laboratory

A field study experience to study thunderstorms in their natural environment. Storm chasing combines knowledge and experience. Severe weather safety and spotting techniques will be explored.

COD/NEXLAB Storm Chasing Web Page: http://weather.cod.edu/chasing/chasing2

ESAS 2115 Mesoscale Meteorology

In depth study of meteorological phenomena with short temporal and small spatial scales. Topics will include tools for mesoscale analysis, mesoscale modeling, thermally-forced circulations, fog, mesoscale winter events, and the morphology of convective systems including squall lines, mesoscale convective systems and supercells and their associated threats including flash floods and tornadoes. Other topics of current research interest will also be covered.

ESAS 2118 Severe Weather Lab

An in-depth study of severe weather forecasting and analysis. An emphasis is placed on hand analysis of raw data, assessing short term numerical weather models, and nowcasting. Students monitor events prior to and during severe weather events using real time radar and other data sources. Students gain a better understanding of severe weather initiation and evolution. Local field trips to observe severe weather first-hand may be included. May be taken up to two times for credit. Prerequisite: Earth Science 1115 with a grade of C or better or consent of instructor.

Severe Weather Lab Syllabus and Rules: Paul Sirvatka