Understanding Weather Forecasting

Catalog description

Fundamental principles of synoptic and physical meteorology, satellite and radar imagery, and data analysis in the setting of mid-latitude weather forecasting. METEO 101 Introduction to Weather Forecasting (3) (BA) This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements. Never before has the quantity of available weather information so far exceeded the quality of the public's understanding of atmospheric science. Meteorology 101: Understanding Weather Forecasting aims to help correct this imbalance by helping students develop the knowledge and skills they need to become critical consumers of weather information. Students who successfully complete Meteorology 101 will be able to apply knowledge of fundamental concepts of atmospheric science to discriminate between reliable and unreliable weather forecasts, and to explain what makes one forecast better than another. To ensure that students develop the knowledge and skills required to critically assess public weather forecasts, Meteorology 101 will provide an apprentice-training environment that will encourage students to learn forecast mid-latitude weather themselves. They will discover that weather forecasting involves sophisticated data analysis techniques, a thorough understanding of atmospheric science, and strong verbal and graphic communication skills. As it develops these competencies, METEO 101 will fulfill the goals established for Penn State General Education courses in the Natural Science knowledge domain. The intended audience includes undergraduate students at University Park and other Penn State campuses, as well as adult learners in the weather information industry and weather hobbyists worldwide. To reach this diverse audience, METEO 101 will be offered through the University's World Campus in a Web-based, instructor-led format. Currently in development in collaboration between the Department of Meteorology, the EMS e-Education Institute, and the World Campus, METEO 101 will combine digital video, audio, simulation models, virtual field trips to on-line weather data resources, text, and interactive quizzes that provide instantaneous feedback. The course will provide unprecedented access to one of the world's most distinguished meteorology programs. METEO 101 will be offered three times each year during the spring, summer, and fall semesters to an expected audience of about 300 annually.