This class provides a graduate-level introduction to the physical laws governing Earth’s climate system.  In this class, we’ll cover foundational knowledge about atmospheric radiative transfer, the general circulation of the atmosphere and ocean, and climate variability and change.  The class will also introduce you to a number of climate data sets, which can be used for a variety of research purposes.

At the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Describe in detail how Earth’s greenhouse effect works

• Explain climatological patterns of winds, weather systems, and ocean currents

• Understand modes of climate variability, such as the El Niño-Southern Oscillation

• Discuss what is certain and uncertain about 21^st century climate change

• Apply climate data sets to research problems in environmental sciences

This course provides fundamental knowledge of atmospheric science and climate that is appropriate for graduate students specializing in all areas of environmental sciences.

Who Should Take This Class?

• All graduate students in environmental sciences!

• Upper-level undergraduate students who are considering graduate school or a career in an atmospheric science or climate related field

Prerequisites

• For graduate students, contrary to what SIS says, no prior knowledge of atmospheric science is required.

• For undergraduate students, EVSC 3300 (Atmosphere and Weather)