Syllabus for AGRON 540X
Numerical Weather and Climate Prediction
Fall 2016

3 Credits

11:00 a.m. - 12:20 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays

G541 Agronomy Hall

Instructor
Raymond W. Arritt  
email: wxpred@gmail.com
3009 Agronomy Hall
phone: 515-294-9870
Office Hours: By appointment (usually you can just drop by)
 

Learning outcomes

This course will give students a basic familiarity with numerical models including numerical solution methods for the atmospheric govening equations, parameterizations for physical processes that cannot be represented explicitly, and the design of modeling experiments.

The goal of this course is to enable students to:

• Understand capabilities and limitations of numerical models for weather and climate.
• Be aware of the different modeling approaches and make sound choices for a given problem.
• Be able to critically and quantitatively evaluate model performance.
• Demonstrate ability to design a numerical experiment, carry it through to completion, interpret the results, and report their findings to colleagues.

The class will be informal and will include many in-class exercises. Since class meetings often will include problems that apply principles learned in the course, it is important to read the assigned material for each date before the start of class so that you are prepared to solve any in-class problems for that day.

We can modify the course to fit student needs and interests. If there are any specific topics you would like to cover please let me know as soon as possible. You are not limited to topics in the textbook. I will try to find a way to fit these topics into the course where appropriate.

Course materials

Textbook: T.T. Warner, Numerical Weather and Climate Prediction. Cambridge University Press, ISBN: 978-0521513890. This textbook is available from various online booksellers.

You should also have access to a textbook on atmospheric dynamics, such as the widely used textbook by Holton.

The texbook will be supplemented with online reading and journal articles. Be sure you know how to log in to the ISU Library web site so that you can get access to articles that require subscriptions.

Some other important issues

I want you to be able to do your best. If you have a disability and need accommodations in this course, please contact me within the first two weeks of the semester or as soon as you become aware of your need. Before meeting with me, you will need to obtain a SAAR form with recommendations for accommodations from the Disability Resources Office. Their telephone number is 515-294-7220 or email disabilityresources@iastate.edu. Retroactive requests for accommodations will not be honored.

This class will follow standard ISU policies on topics such as academic dishonesty, harassment and discrimination, and religious accommodations. See below for details.

Grading

15% - Mid-term exam

30% - Assignments (homework, class presentations, other assignments).

35% - Semester project. Each student will design and complete a project in which they develop or modify a numerical model. That is, the project must be hands-on and may not be a literature review or similar. You will present results from your project in a written manuscript, and in an oral presentation in a format similar to an American Meteorological Society or American Geophysical Union conference.

20% - Final exam

Schedule of Topics

The course schedule will be adjusted as needed in light of student interests and time needed to cover each topic. It will be revised to keep track of what we have done during the term.

University policies

Academic Dishonesty

The class will follow Iowa State University’s policy on academic dishonesty. Anyone suspected of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Students Office: http://www.dso.iastate.edu/ja/academic/misconduct.html

Disability Accommodation

Iowa State University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Sect 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. If you have a disability and anticipate needing accommodations in this course, please contact (instructor name) to set up a meeting within the first two weeks of the semester or as soon as you become aware of your need. Before meeting with (instructor name), you will need to obtain a SAAR form with recommendations for accommodations from the Disability Resources Office, located in Room 1076 on the main floor of the Student Services Building. Their telephone number is 515-294-7220 or email disabilityresources@iastate.edu . Retroactive requests for accommodations will not be honored.

Dead Week

This class follows the Iowa State University Dead Week policy as noted in section 10.6.4 of the Faculty Handbook: http://www.provost.iastate.edu/resources/faculty-handbook

Harassment and Discrimination

Iowa State University strives to maintain our campus as a place of work and study for faculty, staff, and students that is free of all forms of prohibited discrimination and harassment based upon race, ethnicity, sex (including sexual assault), pregnancy, color, religion, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or status as a U.S. veteran. Any student who has concerns about such behavior should contact his/her instructor, Student Assistance at 515-294-1020 or email dso-sas@iastate.edu, or the Office of Equal Opportunity and Compliance at 515-294-7612.

Religious Accommodation

If an academic or work requirement conflicts with your religious practices and/or observances, you may request reasonable accommodations. Your request must be in writing, and your instructor or supervisor will review the request. You or your instructor may also seek assistance from the Dean of Students Office or the Office of Equal Opportunity and Compliance.

Contact Information

If you are experiencing, or have experienced, a problem with any of the above issues, email academicissues@iastate.edu.