Undergraduate Catalog

Earth, Atmospheric, and Geographic Information Sciences

Chairperson: Dr. Samuel K. Thompson
Office: Currens Hall 400
Telephone: (309) 298-1648
Fax: (309) 298-3003
Email: eagis@wiu.edu
Website: wiu.edu/eagis

Program Offerings and Locations:

  • Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Science: Macomb, Online Δ
  • Bachelor of Science in Meteorology: Macomb
  • Minor in Geographic Information Systems: Macomb, Online
  • Minor in Geography: Macomb, Online
  • Minor in Geology: Macomb
  • Minor in Weather and Climate: Macomb

Δ See note in Degree Programs section.

Learning Outcomes

For student learning outcomes, please see wiu.edu/provost/learningoutcomes.

Faculty

Bennett, Choi, Deng, Finch, George, Mayborn, Merrett, Sutton, Thompson.

GradTrac

GradTrac is available to Geographic Information Science, and Meteorology majors. See more information about GradTrac.

Honors Curriculum

Academically qualified students in this department are encouraged to complete an honors curriculum in University Honors, Honors in the Major, or General Honors. All Honors students must complete the one-hour honors colloquium (G H 299). General Honors includes General Honors coursework. Honors in the Major includes honors work in the major. University Honors combines Honors in the Major and General Honors. For more information about honors curricula, visit the Centennial Honors College website at wiu.edu/Honors.

Integrated Baccalaureate and Master’s Degree Programs

An integrated baccalaureate and master’s degree program is available for the Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Science or the Bachelor of Science in Meteorology: Master of Science in GIScience and Geoenvironment. An integrated degree program provides the opportunity for outstanding undergraduates to earn both degrees in five years. Please refer to the Graduate Studies catalog for details about the integrated program.

Department Information

Geographic Information Science (GIS)

Geographic Information Science (GIS) is the study of spatial data and computer techniques used to capture, analyze, and display geographic information. Every undergraduate student is expected to acquire GIS skills in order to model scientifically the geospatial world and its components using GIS in a space-time framework. Our students are exposed to three perspectives of GIS learning: theoretical understanding, skill development, and real-world problem solving. Through hands-on training and practical applications, the students develop proficiency in using GIS techniques to address real-world problems, project design, implementation, and reporting. Our students may pursue an option in either Geospatial Science (Geographic Information Systems, Remote Sensing, and GPS) or Geoenvironment and Planning (physical-environment, human, urban planning, and regional planning).

Career opportunities are found in both public and private sectors. Most notables include disaster response companies, transportation firms, land use planning agencies, GIS-related professions, historic preservations firms, construction companies, real estate firms, international business, location analysis firms, architectural firms, and wind energy/sustainable energy companies.

Meteorology

Meteorology is the study of the physical characteristics of the lower atmosphere and the processes that are responsible for generating the weather. Students who complete the major are exposed to concepts, methodologies, and practical applications related to weather analysis and forecasting, as well as numerous environmental applications. Meteorology students use specialized equipment including instrumentation and computer applications associated with weather observations, weather radar, and remotely-sensed information.

Students who want to become professionals in meteorology-related fields should select the Applied Meteorology option. Students who want to pursue careers with the National Weather Service or want to go to graduate school should select the Operational Meteorology option.

Career opportunities are found in both public and private sectors, as well as in teaching. Among government agencies employing meteorologists are the Defense Mapping Agency, Environmental Protection Agency, Central Intelligence Agency, Bureau of the Census, National Weather Service, Army Corps of Engineers, and state, regional, and local planning agencies. Private employers include economic and environmental consulting firms, mapping and aerial survey companies, meteorological and climatological consulting firms, and environmental engineering firms.

Degree Programs

Bachelor of Science—Geographic Information ScienceΔ

All students seeking the Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Science must complete I, II, III.A or III.B, IV, and V below, and the Foreign Language/Global Issues requirement for the major#. The minimum semester hour requirement for the baccalaureate degree is 120 s.h.

Note : Students enrolled in this major may not minor in Geography.

Note : Students interested in Meteorology should see the Meteorology advisor about additional courses.

  1. University General Education and College of Arts and Sciences Curriculum: 55 s.h.
  2. Core Courses 15 s.h.
    GEOG 301, 405†; GIS 202, 309, 405
  3. Options of Study (select A or B): 31 s.h.
    1. Geospatial Science
      1. GIS 108, 402, 403, 404, 410: 16 s.h.
      2. GIS 407 or 408: 3 s.h.
      3. Choose two from the following courses: 6 s.h.
        GEOG 426, 430, 440, 445, 497, 499
      4. Choose two from the following courses: 6 s.h.
        CS 114, 214; GIS 201; GIS 407 or 408
    2. Geoenvironment and Planning
      1. Choose one of: GEOG 100 or 110: 3 s.h.
      2. Choose one of: GEOG 121 or METR 120: 4 s.h.
      3. Choose seven courses (200 level and above) from the Human Group and/or the Physical Group: 21 s.h.
      4. Choose one course from the Geospatial group: 3 s.h.
  4. Any Minor: 16 s.h.
  5. Open Electives: 3 s.h.

Note: Students interested in Meteorology should see the Meteorology advisor about additional courses.

Δ This major is available online with the selection of designated courses. Please contact advisor for details.

# The Foreign Language/Global Issues graduation requirement (see Multicultural Perspectives Requirement) may be fulfilled by successfully completing one of the following: 1) a designated foreign language requirement; 2) a General Education Global Issues (GEGI) course; 3) any major’s Discipline-Specific Global Issues (DSGI) course; or 4) an approved Study Abroad program.

† GEOG 405 fulfills the Writing Instruction in the Disciplines (WID) graduation requirement.

Bachelor of Science—Meteorology

All students seeking the Bachelor of Science in Meteorology must complete I, II, III.A or III.B, and IV below, and the Foreign Language/Global Issues requirement for the major#. The minimum semester hour requirement for the baccalaureate degree is 120 s.h.

Note : Students enrolled in this major may not minor in Weather and Climate.

  1. University General Education and College of Arts and Sciences Curriculum Requirements: 55 s.h.
    (To include MATH 133, MATH 134, METR 120, and PHYS 211 for Operational Meteorology option; to include MATH 133, METR 120, and either PHYS 124 or PHYS 211 for Applied Meteorology option)
  2. Core Courses: 15 s.h.
    GEOG 301, 405†; METR 322, 327, 329
  3. Options of Study (select A or B)
    1. Operational Meteorology: 34 s.h.
      1. Special Courses: 21 s.h.
        MATH 231, 333; METR 422, 429, 432; PHYS 212
      2. Directed Electives
        1. Select one of the following courses: 3 s.h.
          GIS 403; METR 300, 425
        2. Select two of the following courses: 6–8 s.h.
          CHEM 201; CS 114; GEOG 430; GEOL 115, 380; GIS 403; METR 220, 300, 333, 337, 425; PHYS 354
        3. Open Electives: 2–4 s.h.
    2. Applied Meteorology: 34 s.h.
      1. Special Courses: 12 s.h.
        GEOG 430; METR 220, 337, 425
      2. Directed Electives
        1. Select 3 s.h. from the following courses: 3 s.h.
          GEOG 497, 499
        2. Select 17 s.h. from the following courses: 17 s.h.
          AGEC 447; BC&J 201, 340, 410, 430; CHEM 201; CS 114, 214; EM 251, 252, 276; FIN 311; GEOG 251; GEOL 115, 380; GIS 202, 405; HE 251; MATH 134, 231, 333; METR 300, 333, 422, 429, 432; PHYS 212, 354; POLS 300, 302, 393
      3. Open Electives: 2 s.h.
  4. Any Minor: 16 s.h.

# The Foreign Language/Global Issues graduation requirement (see Multicultural Perspectives Requirement) may be fulfilled by successfully completing one of the following: 1) a designated foreign language requirement; 2) a General Education Global Issues (GEGI) course; 3) any major’s Discipline-Specific Global Issues (DSGI) course; or 4) an approved Study Abroad program.

† GEOG 405 fulfills the Writing Instruction in the Disciplines (WID) graduation requirement.

Minors

Minor in Geography: 18–21 s.h.

Note: This minor is not open to students majoring in Geographic Information Science.

  1. Any three courses selected from: GEOG 100, 110, 121; GIS 108; METR 120: 10–12 s.h.
  2. Upper division electives to be approved by the advisor: 8–9 s.h.
Minor in Geographic Information Systems: 19–20 s.h.

Note: This minor is not open to students majoring in Geographic Information Science.

  1. GIS 202, 309, and 405: 10 s.h.
  2. Choose one of the following courses: GIS 402, 407, 408: 3 s.h.
  3. Choose two of the following courses: GIS 108, 201, 302, 402, 403, 404, 407, 408, 410: 6–7 s.h.
Minor in Geology: 17–18 s.h.
  1. GEOL 110: 4 s.h.
  2. Choose 1 of the following courses: GEOL 112, 113, 115: 3–4 s.h.
  3. Departmental Electives chosen from among: 10 s.h.
    GEOL 200, 301, 310, 320, 330, 340, 375, 380, 420
Minor in Weather and Climate: 16–17 s.h.

Note : This minor is not open to students majoring in Meteorology.

  1. METR 120, 220, 327, 337: 13 s.h.
  2. Choose one of the following:
    GEOG 301, 430; METR 300, 322, 329, 333, 432: 3–4 s.h.

Course Descriptions

GEOGRAPHY (GEOG)
(Physical)

121 Planet Earth: Surface Processes and Interactions. (4) (General Education/Natural Sciences) The interplay between landforms, soils, water, climate, and life forms (including humans) on Earth’s surface, and how these interact to shape the surface of Planet Earth. It also covers the distribution of landforms in the U.S. and other countries. Laboratory. 3 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab. IAI: P1 905L.

182 (Cross-listed with PHYS 182) Integrated Science II. (4) A laboratory course in interdisciplinary science with an emphasis on the Earth’s place in the physical universe. Topics address the nature of matter and energy and their impact on the Earth’s weather and climate. (Integrated Science I is BIOL/GEOL 181) Not open to students with credit in PHYS 182. Prerequisite: MATH 100 or 110. 3 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab.

423 River Water Resources. (3) An examination of river water resources at the global scale. Case studies of river basins from different countries will be used to understand past and present issues related to their management, ecological problems, and restoration initiatives. Prerequisite: Lower division natural science course with a lab, or consent of instructor.

426 (Cross-listed with BIOL 426) Conservation and Management of Natural Resources. (3) Problems in the conservation and management of natural resources including soil, water, rangeland, forest, wildlife, air, and energy resources. Special attention to resource problems of the United States. Not open to students with credit in BIOL 426. Prerequisites: GEOG 121 and METR 120, or consent of instructor.

430 Natural Hazards. (3) Examination of the causes, development, and impact of different natural hazards around the world. Hazards range from volcanoes and earthquakes to hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and fires. Understanding community responses to particular disasters, including planning, first responses, and lessons learned.

459 (Cross-listed with BIOL 459) Biogeography. (3) Study of the geographical distributions of organisms, the evolutionary and ecological processes underlying the patterns of distribution, and the role of biogeography in biological conservation. Not open to students with credit in BIOL 459. Prerequisites: BOT 200 (C grade or better) and ZOOL 200 (C grade or better), or consent of instructor.

(Human)

100 Introduction to Human Geography. (3) (General Education/Social Sciences) (Multicultural) Analysis of the spatial patterns of population, population trends, human migrations, ecological processes, and the impact of people on the natural environment. IAI: S4 900N.

251 Principles of Urban and Regional Planning. (3) Examines contemporary planning processes with an emphasis upon utopian planning precedents, frameworks and mechanisms for planning, and comprehensive planning and implementation.

341 Economic Geography. (3) The production and distribution of the world’s commodities and their regional aspects. The reproductive, extractive, and manufacturing industries and their natural and cultural relationships. Prerequisite: GEOG 100 or consent of instructor.

440 Connections: A Geography of Transportation. (3) Introduction to transport systems at various geographic scales in society, and the concepts, methods, and application areas of Transport Geography. Prerequisite: GEOG 301 and GIS 202; or consent of instructor.

443 Population Geography. (3) Description and spatial analysis of population data and of fertility, mortality, and migration of the human population. Some emphasis given to migration; some to the United States. Prerequisites: two courses in Geography or consent of instructor.

448 Introduction to Urban and Regional Planning. (3) An examination of contemporary planning processes. Emphasis upon utopian planning precedents, frameworks and mechanisms for planning, and comprehensive planning and implementation. Prerequisite: POLS 470, or its equivalent, or consent of instructor.

458 Planning Methods. (3) Introduces commonly used analytic techniques in the practice of urban and regional planning. Consideration is given to techniques and data sources to support urban development. Prerequisite: GEOG 251 or consent of instructor.

(Regional)

110 World Regional Geography. (3) (General Education/Social Sciences or Multicultural Studies) (Multicultural) A survey of the world’s regions emphasizing the spatial arrangements of resources, population, institutions, economic activities, and cultural landscapes, and their significance for distinctive regional problems.  IAI: S4 906.

466 (GEOG 466—Africa is cross-listed with AAS 466) World Regions. (3, repeatable to 9 for different regional subtitles) (Multicultural) Analysis of the physical and cultural geography of a major world region chosen from the following: Latin America, Russia, Monsoon Asia, Europe, Africa, Middle America, South America, and Asia. Not open to students with credit in AAS 466. Prerequisite: two courses in Geography or consent of instructor.

(Theory, Methods and Research)

301 Introduction to Quantitative Geography. (3) An introduction to quantitative methods used by geographers to analyze and interpret geographic data and to solve geographic problems. Topics include hypothesis formulation and testing, sampling strategies, correlation, regression, and spatial patterns. Prerequisite: two courses in Geography, MATH 128 or high school algebra, or consent of instructor. 2 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab.

405 Senior Thesis Capstone Course. (2) Writing Instruction in the Disciplines (WID) course. Prerequisites: ENG 280, Geography or Meteorology major, and senior status.

450 Geography Workshop. (1) General workshop of a variety of geographic topics. Discussions and creative activities are emphasized in a supportive environment. Not open to students with credit in GEOG 322 or METR 322. Prerequisite: elementary algebra or equivalent. Graded S/U only.

495 Honors Thesis. (3) Prerequisite: consent of department chair.

497 Internship in Applied Geography. (1–3, repeatable to 3) Assignment as an undergraduate assistant in public, private, 
or university agencies engaged in planning, meteorology, environmental assessments, cartography, etc. Only 3 s.h. may be applied to minimum degree requirements. Prerequisite: consent of department chair. Graded S/U only.

498 Individualized Studies. (1–3) This course is available to students who are interested in the study of topics which are not currently a part of the curriculum. The students should consult their advisor or the department chair about the procedure which is to be followed. Prerequisite: consent of department chair.

499 Special Problems in Geography (Research). (1–6, repeatable to 6) Prerequisites: senior standing and consent of instructor.

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SCIENCE (GIS)

108 Digital Earth. (4) An introduction to various applications of mapping and navigational technology (Google Earth, photography, GIS, and GPS) used in daily life. This course involves student presentations and projects focused on basic principles and applications of this technology. 3 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab.

201 GIS Data Acquisition. (3) This course covers principles of geospatial data concepts. These concepts include field and office data collection using applications of GPS and common GIS software, digitizing, and coordinate geometry (COGO). This course also includes internet download techniques and basic map making. 2 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab.

202 Principles of GIS. (4) Introduction to the principles of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), including GIS representation of the real world; GIS concepts, data, methods, tools, and their integration for location-related decision making; and GIS procedure for representation, analysis, and presentation. 3 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab.

302 GIS Software and Scripting. (3) Explores fundamental GIS scripting skills to create or customize tools in ArcGIS for GIS representation, analysis, and presentation. Prerequisites: CS 114 and GIS 202. 2 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab.

309 GIS Data Integration. (3) This course covers core principles of geographic information, GIS data manipulation skills, common GIS data sets together with lab/project experiences, and GIS data evaluation. It strengthens the GIS “data” foundation for future GIS specialists. Prerequisite: GIS 202 or consent of instructor. 2 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab.

402 Advanced Cartography and Visualization. (3) Advanced map compilation; theory and practice of cartographic design emphasizing thematic mapping, geovisualization, and map communication using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Prerequisite: GIS 309 or consent of instructor. 2 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab.

403 Advanced Remote Sensing. (3) Digital image processing techniques for thematic information extraction from remotely-sensed data for environmental applications. Laboratory. Prerequisites: GIS 309 or consent of instructor. 2 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab.

404 Advanced Quantitative Methods and Applications in GIS. (3) Students will learn, examine, and review how advanced GIS quantitative methods are used to measure spatial distribution patterns of geographical features, and analyze relationships between geographical phenomena. Prerequisites: GEOG 301 and GIS 309; or consent of instructor. 2 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab.

405 Advanced GIS Spatial Analysis. (3) Thorough and systematic examination of GIS analytical/modeling methods. Students will be trained to translate real-world problems into GIS data, tools, maps, new findings, and reports. Laboratory. Prerequisites: GIS 309 or consent of instructor. 2 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab.

407 Social Applications of GIS. (3) Examination of GIS concepts and skills in studying the geospatial characteristics of social phenomena, such as population geography, geographic segregation of neighborhoods, and spatial patterns of crimes. Practice of GIS applications in sociodemographic issues through lab exercises and course project. Prerequisite: GIS 309 or consent of instructor. 2 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab.

408 Environmental Applications of GIS. (3) GIS modeling of the biophysical environment, including water flow simulation, mapping of soils and climates, habitat delineation, and soil erosion modeling. Review of GIS methods, literature, and practice of environmental analysis in labs and project. Prerequisites: GIS 405; GEOG 301 or STAT 171 or equivalent; or consent of instructor. 2 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab.

410 Applied GIScience. (3) Examination of real-world applications of GIS, remote sensing, and GPS, including issues in the associated literature and principles. Fostering ideas and practicing skills of designing and completing GIScience projects scientifically. Prerequisite: GIS 309 and 405; or consent of instructor. 2 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab.

GEOLOGY (GEOL)

110 Our Changing Earth. (4) (General Education/Natural Sciences) The study of the earth, its composition, structure, landscape development, internal processes, origin, and evolution. Laboratory includes introduction to minerals, rocks, and maps. No prerequisites. 3 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab. IAI: P1 907L.

112 History of the Earth. (4) (General Education/Natural Sciences) Physical and biological history of the earth (North America emphasis). Origin of continents, mountains, oceans, etc.; evolution of plants and animals. No prerequisites. 3 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab. IAI: P1 907L.

113 Energy and Earth Resources. (3) (General Education/Natural Sciences) Introduction to energy, water, soil, and mineral resources and the impact of their use on the environment. Does not count toward minor in Geology. No prerequisite.

115 Oceanography. (3) History of ocean exploration, origin and nature of ocean basins, composition and circulation of ocean water, modern developments in oceanography, man and the oceans. Does not count toward minor in Geology. No prerequisite.

181 (Cross-listed with BIOL 181) Integrated Science I. (4) A laboratory course in interdisciplinary science with an emphasis on the nature and evolution of life and Earth. Topics include ecology, natural resources, formation of Earth materials, Earth processes, nutrient cycling, cell biology, genetics, and evolution. (Integrated Science II is PHYS/GEOG 182) Not open to students with credit in BIOL 181.

200 Mineralogy. (4) Introduction to crystallography, origin, classification, identification, and occurrence of common minerals. Prerequisite: GEOL 110 or GEOG 121. Student should have basic knowledge of high school or introductory college chemistry. 3 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab.

301 Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology. (3) Origin, texture, mineralogy, mode of emplacement, and alteration of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Phase rule and phase diagrams. Prerequisite: GEOL 200. 2 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab.

310 Geologic Field Methods. (2) Topographic and geologic mapping methods; measurement and description of stratigraphic sections; field identification of rocks and soils; use of Brunton compass, laser transit, GPS, and GIS software. Prerequisite: GEOL 110 or 112. 1 hr. lect.; 4 hrs. lab. First 10 weeks.

320 Structural Geology. (4) Physical properties of rocks, theories of flow and fracture, description of structural features, and origin of rock deformation. Geometric and stereographic diagrams. Interpretation of patterns. Writing Instruction in the Disciplines (WID) course. Prerequisites: GEOL 110 and high school or college trigonometry; ENG 280. Possible field trip. 3 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab.

330 Paleontology. (4) Survey of major groups of fossil-forming organisms, emphasizing invertebrates, their preservation, morphology, ecology, taxonomy, and methods used in their study. Prerequisite: GEOL 112 or a course in basic Biology or consent of instructor. 3 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab.

340 Stratigraphy and Sedimentology. (4) Origin and identification of sedimentary rocks, depositional environments, sedimentary processes, principles of stratigraphy. Writing Instruction in the Disciplines (WID) course. Prerequisites: GEOL 110, GEOL 112, and ENG 280, or consent of instructor. Required field trip. 3 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab.

361, 362 Summer Field Camp. (3–6 each, not repeatable) Measurement of stratigraphic and structural sections, geological field mapping, and preparation of reports. Prerequisites: GEOL 200, 301, 310, 320, 340, or consent of instructor. At field station in South Dakota.

375 Environmental Geology. (3) Application of geology to environmental problems. Land resource planning, solid and liquid waste disposal, mining, foundations structures, geologic hazards, mineral and energy resources. Prerequisite: GEOL 110.

380 Hydrogeology. (4) Study of water’s interaction with geologic materials; principles of groundwater flow; aquifer testing; groundwater flow modeling programs; water chemistry and pollutants. Many labs are conducted in the field. Prerequisite: GEOL 110 or GEOG 121. 3 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab.

381 (Cross-listed with BIOL/CHEM/MATH/ METR/PHYS 381) Introduction to STEM Teaching. (1) Introduction to the science of how students learn, with special emphasis on applications in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) disciplines. Students will connect principles of cognitive psychology and theories of learning to the practice of teaching in STEM classrooms. To be taken concurrently with a field or student work placement approved by the instructor. Not open to students with credit in BIOL/CHEM/MATH/METR/PHYS 381. Prerequisites: at least one introductory level science or math course with a grade of B or higher, AND permission of the instructor.

418 (Cross-listed with BIOL/CHEM/PHYS 418) Introduction to Scanning Electron Microscopy. (4) The course focuses on capabilities and operation of scanning electron microscopes with emphasis on beam-material interactions, sample preparation, image acquisition and analysis, and X-ray measurements with applications in Biology, Chemistry, Geology, and Physics. Not open to students with credit in BIOL/CHEM/PHYS 418. Prerequisites: BOT 200 (C grade or better), or CHEM 202, or MICR 200 (C grade or better), or PHYS 125, or PHYS 212, or ZOOL 200 (C grade or better); or consent of instructor. 3 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab.

420 Geomorphology. (3) Advanced study of the landscape involving processes, geologic structure, and time. Map and air photo interpretation. Prerequisite: GEOL 110 or GEOG 121. Field trips. 2 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab.

460 Special Problems in Geology and Geophysics. (1–5, repeatable to 5) Research problems. Does not count toward minor in Geology. Prerequisite: consent of instructor prior to registration.

461 Geologic Field Trips. (1–4, repeatable to 4) Field trips in geology or geophysics. Does not fulfill requirement for a minor in Geology. Prerequisite: GEOL 110, or GEOL 112, or concurrent registration in these courses and consent of instructor.

462 Honors Research Thesis. (2–3, repeatable to 3 to complete project) Research problems by agreement of student and advisory committee. Required: written proposal, final written report, and oral report. Prerequisites: GPA of 3.40 overall and 3.20 in Geology, completed 26 s.h. in Geology, junior or senior standing, and approval of advisory committee.

481 (Cross-listed with BIOL/CHEM/METR/ PHYS 481) Techniques and Issues in Science Teaching. (3) An interdisciplinary course wherein preservice middle and high school science teachers develop techniques and resources appropriate for their instructional program, deepen understanding of scientific concepts, and examine lab safety. Requires involvement in several professional development activities outside of class time. Not open to students with credit in BIOL/CHEM/METR/PHYS 481. Prerequisites: EDUC 439 and ENG 280 or equivalent. Corequisite: BIOL/CHEM/GEOL/METR/PHYS 482.

482 (Cross-listed with BIOL/CHEM/METR/PHYS 482) Science in Context. (3) Interdisciplinary course for science majors in which students explore science through inquiry, the unifying principles of science, and the role of social contexts and ethics in science. Writing Instruction in the Disciplines (WID) course. Not open to students with credit in BIOL/CHEM/METR/PHYS 482. Prerequisites: senior standing in one of the following science majors—Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Meteorology; ENG 280; or permission of instructor.

495 Geology Internship. (1–6, repeatable to 6) Credit for geologic work experience in a business, governmental, or research organization. Internship project report required. Prerequisites: 20 s.h. of Geology courses, junior or senior standing in Geology, and approval of department chairperson. Graded S/U only.

METEOROLOGY (METR)

120 Introduction to Weather and Climate. (4) (General Education/Natural Sciences) Concepts and processes that govern weather and climate systems: solar energy distribution and seasons, world climates, temperature, humidity, wind and force balances, clouds and precipitation, stability, fronts, cyclones, and severe weather (including tornadoes, hurricanes, etc.). Laboratory. Laboratory charge for course. 3 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab. IAI: P1 905L.

220 Severe and Unusual Weather. (3) Study of severe weather causes and impacts on local communities. Apply current technologies and data sources to analyze winter weather events (blizzards, ice storms, etc.) and warm season events (thunderstorms, tornadoes, hail, lightning, floods, hurricanes). Prerequisite: METR 120.

300 Weather Instruments. (3) A survey of the instruments and reporting techniques associated with standard weather observations, which will enable students to identify meteorological phenomena and report their occurrences in an understandable format. Prerequisite: METR 120. 2 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab.

322 Synoptic Meteorology I. (4) Study of large-scale (synoptic) atmospheric circulations and the relationship between upper air circulation, vertical motion, and surface development, particularly cyclogenesis. Emphasis on weather analysis through observational data and computer models. Prerequisite: METR 120 and MATH 133. 2 hrs. lect.; 4 hrs. lab.

327 Environmental Climatology. (3) This course deals with the mechanisms of heat flow, radiation exchanges, and water vapor flux and with the effects of climate on organisms, ecosystems, and human societies as well as changes in global environment. Prerequisite: METR 120 or consent of instructor.

329 Dynamic Meteorology I. (3) Examination of atmospheric thermodynamics and cloud processes, including hydrostatic equilibrium, equation of state, atmospheric moisture, adiabatic processes, the use of thermodynamic charts, precipitation development, and lightning mechanisms. Prerequisites: METR 120 and MATH 133. 2 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab.

333 Meteorological Data Analysis. (3) Various meteorological data analysis software packages will be used to enhance synoptic/dynamics concepts learned in concurrent courses. These tools will be used to produce and present 
an analysis of a meteorological case study. Prerequisite or Corequisite: METR 322 or consent of instructor. 2 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab.

337 Understanding Climate Change. (3) This course introduces basic physical principles underlying climate change, time scales of climate change, the nature and the role of technology and computer models in the context of climate change research, and social and political dimensions of climate change. Prerequisite: METR 120 or consent of instructor.

381 (Cross-listed with BIOL/CHEM/GEOL/ MATH/PHYS 381) Introduction to STEM Teaching. (1) )  Introduction to the science of how students learn, with special emphasis on applications in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) disciplines. Students will connect principles of cognitive psychology and theories of learning to the practice of teaching in STEM classrooms. To be taken concurrently with a field or student work placement approved by the instructor. Not open to students with credit in BIOL/CHEM/GEOL/MATH/PHYS 381. Prerequisites: at least one introductory level science or math course with a grade of B or higher, AND permission of the instructor.

422 Synoptic Meteorology II. (4) Quantitative treatment of dynamical and thermodynamical processes involved in synoptic meteorology. Evolution of fronts and cyclones, isentropic analysis, vertical cross sections, interpretation of satellite imagery and numerical model data, all in the context of theory and case studies. Prerequisite: METR 322 and MATH 133. 2 hrs. lect.; 4 hrs. lab.

425 Satellite and Radar Meteorology. (3) The theoretical principles and application of satellites and radar in synoptic meteorology and climatology. Applications of satellite and radar imageries include clouds, wind, atmospheric water vapor, precipitation, and storm prediction. The course includes operational procedures fundamental to weather radar. Prerequisite: METR 322 or consent of instructor. 2 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab.

429 Dynamic Meteorology II. (3) Examination of atmospheric fluid motion, including atmospheric kinematics, real and apparent forces, geostrophic and gradient winds, thermal winds, vorticity, quasi-geostrophy, and their application to numerical weather prediction. Prerequisites: METR 329 and MATH 133. 2 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab.

432 Physical Meteorology. (3) Examination of atmospheric radiation and chemistry, including optical effects, acoustical phenomena, tropospheric and stratospheric chemical processes, and how these disciplines combine 
to determine Earth’s radiative equilibrium. Prerequisite: METR 120 and MATH 133, or consent of instructor. 2 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab.

481 (Cross-listed with BIOL/CHEM/GEOL/ PHYS 481) Techniques and Issues in Science Teaching. (3) An interdisciplinary course wherein preservice middle and high school science teachers develop techniques and resources appropriate for their instructional program, deepen understanding of scientific concepts, and examine lab safety. Requires involvement in several professional development activities outside of class time. Not open to students with credit in BIOL/CHEM/GEOL/PHYS 481. Prerequisites: EDUC 439 and ENG 280 or equivalent. Corequisite: BIOL/CHEM/GEOL/METR/PHYS 482.

482 (Cross-listed with BIOL/CHEM/GEOL/PHYS 482) Science in Context. (3) Interdisciplinary course for science majors in which students explore science through inquiry, the unifying principles of science, and the role of social contexts and ethics in science. Writing Instruction in the Disciplines (WID) course. Not open to students with credit in BIOL/CHEM/GEOL/PHYS 482. Prerequisites: senior standing in one of the following science majors—Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Meteorology; ENG 280; or permission of instructor.