Course Syllabus - Department of Geography - Texas A&M University

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will have a basic understanding of climatology (such as GEOG 324) and statistics (such as GEOG 652) prior to taking this class. Learning Objectives: As a result of taking this course you should know (knowledge objectives) and be able to do certain things (skill objectives). Knowledge objectives (Things you should know by the end of the course): • Define climatology and synoptic climatology and discuss its role in climate science • Summarize the current state of knowledge about synoptic climatology and selected sub-components thereof • Critique published research on synoptic climatology and be able to describe the strengths and weaknesses of the data and methodology utilized by the authors • Describe the limitations and biases of commonly used climatic data sets (e.g., station data, reanalysis data) • Describe the strengths and weaknesses of commonly used synoptic methods (e.g., weather typing, subjective & objective classifications, composites, self organized maps) Skill objectives (Things you should be able to do by the end of the course): • Interpret formulas, graphs, tables, and schematics, and draw inferences from them • Locate and analyze climate data sources (including NCDC climate division and station data, NCEP/NCAR renanalysis data, TRMM precipitation (or other satellite data), paleoclimate data (e.g., IODP, tree rings), GCM data from IPCC AR4 models, and teleconnection data) • Create graphics (line graphs, pie graphs, box plots, etc.) that effectively communicate information and support your arguments • Represent climate information symbolically, visually, numerically, and verbally • Import, summarize, and analyze climate data • Calculate and interpret statistics • Analyze variability and trends in climate data • Develop synoptic classifications and explain the results • Analyze climate data using a variety of tools/methods (for example: scientific programming, statistical methods (regression, multiple regression (including stepwise), data reduction (PCA, EOF), model evaluation and cross validation, compositing, clustering and self-organized maps, time series analysis, CCA, trend, bootstrapping and Monte Carlo simulation), and modeling (statistical models, dynamical models) • Perform library research • Write a literature review (synthesis of the literature) • Critically evaluate the published research • Proof-read and edit your own work • Critically evaluate your own writing and the writing of your peers 2
• Write a scientific research paper that conforms to the accepted standard for publication in a peer-reviewed journal • Deliver clear and concise oral presentations Course Outline: Tentative schedule of topics to be covered (subject to change). Part I: What is synoptic climatology? January 18 and January 20 Part II: Global climate and the general circulation January 25 to February 17 Basic controls of atmospheric circulation; global circulation; jetstreams; planetary waves; zonal flow and zonal index; blocking flow and blocking mechanisms; low-frequency circulation variability and persistence; global teleconnections Part III: Synoptic systems February 22 to March 3 Climatology of cyclones and anticyclones; development of cyclones; storm tracks Part IV: Synoptic climatology: methods March 8 to April 7 synoptic pattern classification (airmasses and circulation); subjective/manual classification; objective/automated classification Part V: Synoptic climatology: applications April 12 to April 26 Droughts and floods; air quality; human health; wildfire activity; other topics will be selected based on the interests of the students Part VI: Student presentations April 28 Grading: Participation: class discussions and paper presentations 30% Exams (2 x 15%; March 31 and May TBD) 30% Project presentation (April 28) 10% Research Paper (Tuesday, May 3) 30% The grading system follows the Texas A&M University grading system: A = Excellent B = Good C = Satisfactory D = Passing F = Failing Grades will be assigned based on the following cutoffs: A = > 90%, B = 80-89%, C = 70- 79%, D = 60-69%, F =
Page 1: Processes in Physical Geography (GE
Page 5: Required readings: The required rea

Course Syllabus - Department of Geography - Texas A&M University

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