Atmospheric, Oceanic and Space Sciences
Courses
AOSS 101 (ASTRO 103). Rocket Science
Prerequisite: none. I, II (3 credits)
An introduction to the science of space and space exploration. Topics covered include history of spaceflight, rockets, orbits, the space environment, satellites, remote sensing, and the future human presence in space. The mathematics will be at the level of algebra and trigonometry.
AOSS 102 (GEO SCI 122) (ENVIRON 102). Extreme Weather
Prerequisite: none. I, II (3 credits)
This course provides an introduction to the physics of extreme weather events. This course uses examples of thunderstorms, jet stream, floods, lake-effect snow storms, lightning, thunder, hail, hurricanes, and tornados to illustrate the physical laws governing the atmosphere. Participants apply these principles in hands-on storm forecasting and weather analysis assignments.
AOSS 105 (CHEM 105) (ENSCEN 105) (ENVIRON 105). Our Changing Atmosphere
Prerequisite: none. I, II (3 credits)
The science of the greenhouse effect, stratospheric ozone depletion, polar ozone holes, and urban smog. These phenomena and their possible consequences are discussed, along with the properties and behavior of the atmosphere and its interactions with other components of the environment.
AOSS 171 (BIOL 110) (Univ Course 110) (ENSCEN 171) (ENVIRON 110) (GEO SCI 171). Introduction to Global Change-Part I
Prerequisite: none. I (4 credits)
The course will consider the evolution of the universe, the Earth and its environments, and the evolution of living organisms. Consideration will be given to fundamental processes by which organisms grow and reproduce, how they interact with their environments, and the distribution of major groups of organisms on earth.
AOSS 172 (Univ Course 111) (GEO SCI 172) (ENSCEN 172) (ENVIRON 111) (SOC 111). Introduction to Global Change-Part II
Prerequisite: none. II (4 credits)
An introduction to the evolution of life and the human species on earth, with focus on problems of global change produced by recent human advances in technology and institutions.
AOSS 202. The Atmosphere
Prerequisite: none. I, II (3 credits)
Elementary description of the atmosphere: characteristics and behavior, changes over generations and hours, destructive capability, and response to human activity.
AOSS 204 (ASTRO 204) (GEO SCI 204). The Planets: Their Geology and Climates
Prerequisite: none. I (3 credits)
Structure, composition, and evolutionary history of the surfaces and atmospheres of the planets and their satellites, with special emphasis given to comparative aspects of geology and climatology. Intended for non-science majors with a background in high school math and science.
AOSS 280. Undergraduate Research Experience
Prerequisites: none. I, II, IIIa, IIIb. (1-4 credits)
Individual or group research experience in atmospheric and space sciences. The Individual or group research experience in atmospheric and space sciences. The program of work is arranged at the beginning of the semester by mutual agreement between the student and a faculty member . Written and/or oral reports will be required.
AOSS 300. Global Environmental Impact of Technological Change
Prerequisite: CHEM 130, MATH 116. I (3 credits)
This course provides a scientific exploration of the unexpected global environmental side effects of technological innovation. Case studies are presented and discussed illustrating how technological advances can sometimes produce unexpected and undesirable environmental results. Lessons learned from previous environmental crises including new tools for assessing risk are discussed and applied.
AOSS 320. (GEO SCI 320) Earth System Evolution
Prerequisite: MATH 116. I (4 credits)
Introduction to the physics and chemistry of Earth. Gravitational energy, radiative energy, Earth's energy budget, and Earth tectonics are discussed along with chemical evolution and biogeochemical cycles. The connections among the carbon cycle, silicate weathering, and the natural greenhouse effect are discussed. Required for AOSS/GS-321, which introduces Earth system dynamics.
AOSS 321 (GEO SCI 321). Earth System Dynamics
Prerequisite: Preceded or accompanied by MATH 215 and MATH 216. II (4 credits)
This course will describe the major wind systems and ocean currents that are important to climate studies. The primary equations will be developed and simple solutions derived that will explain many of these motions. The relations among the dynamics and other parameters in the climate system will be illustrated by examples from both paleo and present day systems.
AOSS 323. Earth System Analysis
Prerequisite: none. II (4 credits)
Introduction to the analysis of Earth and Atmospheric Science Systems. Topics include linear systems, harmonic analysis, sampling theory and statistical error analysis. Lectures emphasize underlying mathematical concepts. Labs emphasize application of mathematical methods to analysis of field data in a computer programming environment. Applications include turbulent air motion in the planetary boundary layer, cloud and precipitation microphysical composition, oceanic wave propagation, stratospheric ozone depletion and satellite remote sensing.
AOSS 350. Atmospheric Thermodynamics
Prerequisite: MATH 216 or equivalent. II (4 credits)
Fundamentals of thermodynamics are presented, including the First, Second and Third Laws, ideal gases, adiabatic processes, phase changes, vapor pressure, humidity, and atmospheric stability. The Kinetic Theory of Gases provides a molecular perspective on the various forms of atmospheric water substance and on macroscopic phenomenology in general.
AOSS 370. Solar Terrestrial Relations
Prerequisite: MATH 216, Physics 240. (4 credits)
Introduction to solar terrestrial relations with an overview of solar radiation and its variability on all time-scales. The effects of this variability on the near-Earth space environment and upper atmosphere are considered, as well as effects on the lower and middle atmosphere with connections to weather and climate. Subjects are approached through extensive data analysis, including weekly computer lab sessions.
AOSS 380. Introduction to Atmospheric Radiation
Prerequisite: MATH 216 or equivalent. I (4 credits)
Basic concepts and processes of radiative transfer including radiometric quantities, electromagnetic spectrum, absorption, emission, scattering. The physics laws governing these processes including the Planck Law and the Kirchhoff Law. Radiative properties of atmospheric constituents. Reflection and refraction. Introductory-level descriptions of relevant applications in atmospheric sciences and climate physics.
AOSS 381. Undergraduate Research Experience II
Prerequisites: AOSS 280 or junior/senior standing. I II (1-4 credits)
Individual or group research experience in atmospheric, space science, or space technology. The program of work is arranged at the beginning of the semester by mutual agreement between the student and a faculty member. Written and/or oral reports will be required.
AOSS 401. Geophysical Fluid Dynamics
Prerequisite: Physics 240, MATH 215, MATH 216, AOSS 323 I (4 credits)
Dynamics of the oceans and atmosphere. Equations of motion in spherical coordinates, beta-plane approximation, wave properties in the oceans and atmosphere.
AOSS 407. Mathematical Methods in Geophysics
Prerequisite: MATH 216. I (4 credits)
Vector calculus and Cartesian tensors; Sturm-Liouville systems, Green's Functions, and solution of boundary value problems; Fourier series,
Fourier and Laplace transforms, discrete Fourier transform, fast Fourier transforms, and energy spectra, and singular perturbation theory.
AOSS 410. Earth System Modeling
Prerequisite: none, I (4 credits)
Introduction to Earth System Modeling; discussion of energy balance models, carbon cycle models, and atmospheric chemistry models with multiple time scales; methods for numerical solution and practice building and analyzing results from models.
AOSS 411. Cloud and Precipitation Processes
Prerequisite: AOSS 350, MATH 216. I (3 credits)
The special nature of water substance; nucleation of phase changes in the free atmosphere; the structure and content of clouds; the development of physical characteristics of precipitation; and the dynamics of rain systems.
AOSS 414. Weather Systems
Prerequisite: AOSS 350, AOSS 401 or AOSS 551. II (3 credits)
Introduction to the basic characteristics, thermodynamics, and dynamics of atmospheric weather systems on Earth and other planets. The students are exposed to observations of weather systems while reviewing non-dimensional analysis, dynamics and thermodynamics. Weather systems on earth are compared to that of other planets and analytical tools are used to gain insights into their basic physics.
AOSS 420 (NAVARCH 420) (ENSCEN 420). Environmental Ocean Dynamics
Prerequisite: NAVARCH 320 or AOSS 305 or CEE 325. II (4 credits)
Physical conditions and physical processes of the oceans; integration of observations into comprehensive descriptions and explanations of oceanic phenomena. Emphasis on wave and current prediction, optical and acoustical properties of sea water, currents, tides, waves and pollutant transport.
AOSS 422. Boundary Layer Meteorology
Prerequisite: AOSS 350 or equivalent. II (4 credits)
Explores processes in the atmospheric boundary layer, which plays an important role in the exchange of energy, mass and momentum between land and atmosphere. Topics include applications of governing atmospheric equations, atmospheric turbulence, turbulent kinetic energy, the surface energy balance, and the collection and analysis of field flux tower data.
AOSS 431 (EEC 430). Radiowave Propagation and Link Design
Prerequisite: Physics 405 or EECS 330. II (4 credits)
Fundamentals of electromagnetic wave propagation in the ionosphere, the troposphere, and near the Earth. Student teams will develop practical radio link designs and demonstrate critical technologies. Simple antennas, noise, diffraction, refraction, absorption, multi-path interference, and scattering are studied.
AOSS 440. Meteorological Analysis Laboratory
Prerequisite: AOSS 350, AOSS 401. I (4 credits)
This course provides an introduction into the analysis of both surface-based and remotely-sensed meteorological data. The development and application of operational numerical forecast models will be discussed. Techniques for the prediction of both synoptic and mesoscale meteorological phenomena will also be presented.
AOSS 441. Meteorology and Climate of the Rockies
Prerequisite: AOSS 320, AOSS 321, AOSS 323. IIIb (3 credits)
This course introduces principles of atmospheric and environmental sciences using the Rocky Mountains as a field laboratory. Students will develop an understanding of meteorological processes to explain variations in microclimates, and the importance of mountainous regions on the earth's climate. Students will gain field-based knowledge of mountain climates and instrumentation.
AOSS 442 (ENSCEN 442). Oceanic Dynamics I
Prerequisite: AOSS 401. II (3 credits)
Wave motions; group velocity and dispersion. Gravity waves, wave statistics and prediction methods; long period waves; the tides. Steady state circulation, including theories of boundary currents and the thermocline.
AOSS 450. Geophysical Electromagnetics
Prerequisite: MATH 216. I (4 credits)
The fundamentals of electricity, magnetism, and electrodynamics in the context of the Earth. The first segment will cover electrostatics, the electric structure and circuit of the Earth, electricity in clouds, and lightning. The second segment will cover magnetostatics, currents, the magnetic field and magnetic dynamo of the Earth, and the Earth's magnetosphere. The third segment will cover electrodynamics, electromagnetic waves, radiation in the Earth environment, waveguides, and radiation from sources.
AOSS 451 (ENSCEN 451). Atmospheric Dynamics I
Prerequisites: AOSS 401 or MATH 450. I (4 credits)
Quasi-geostrophic energetics; fronts; the mean circulation; planetary and equatorial waves: overview of the dynamics of the middle atmosphere; wave-mean flow interaction; spectral methods; and tropical meteorology.
AOSS 462. Instrumentation for Atmospheric and Space Sciences
Prerequisite: AOSS 350. II (4 Credits)
Introduction to fundamentals of atmospheric, space-based, and meteorological instrumentation. Includes basics of electronic sensors, optics, lasers, radar, data acquisition/management, error analysis, and data presentation. Consists of two lectures and one lab each week, and a team-based term project.
AOSS 463 (ENSCEN 463). Air Pollution Meteorology
Prerequisite: MATH 215. I (3 credits)
Weather and motion systems of the atmosphere; topographic influences on winds, atmospheric stability and inversions; atmospheric diffusion; natural cleansing processes; meteorological factors in plant location, design, and operation.
AOSS 467 (CHEM 467) (GEO SCI 465) (ENSCEN 467) (Environ 467). Biogeochemical Cycles
Prerequisite: MATH 116, CHEM 210, Physics 240. II (3 credits)
The biogeochemical cycles of water, carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur; the atmosphere and oceans as reservoirs and reaction media; the fate of natural and man-made sources of carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur compounds; the interactions among the major biogeochemical cycles and resultant global change; greenhouse gases, acid rain and ozone depletion.
AOSS 475. (ENSCEN 475). Earth System Interactions
Prerequisite: Senior standing in science or engineering. II (4 Credits)
Students will work on open-ended research problems with mathematical models from Earth System Science. The models may include, for example, surface characteristics, hydrology, solar-land-ocean-atmosphere exchanges, and space-based observations. Numerical experiments will promote further understanding and interpretation of earth system interactions, team building, and scientific communication.
AOSS 476. Ocean Dynamics and Climate
Prerequisite: AOSS 401 or AOSS 551. (4 credits)
Large-scale physical oceanography and the role of the ocean in climate. Theory and observations in the wind-driven and thermohaline circulation, vortices and planetary waves.
AOSS 477. Space Weather Modeling
Prerequisite: AOSS 370. (4 credits)
An introduction to a variety of models of the space environment, including models of the sun, magnetosphere, ring current, ionosphere, thermosphere and ionospheric electrodynamics. Students will learn the origins of different models, what each represents, to run the models and become familiar with the output.
AOSS 479 (ENSCEN 479). Atmospheric Chemistry
Prerequisite: CHEM 130, MATH 216. I (4 credits)
Thermochemistry, photochemistry, and chemical kinetics of the atmosphere; geochemical cycles, generation of atmospheric layers and effects of pollutants are discussed.
AOSS 480 (NRE 480). Climate Change: The Move to Action
Prerequisite: Senior or graduate standing, MATH 216. II (3 credits)
All sectors of society are affected by climate change: science, policy, business, economics, public health, energy, ecosystems, environmental engineering, journalism, religion, etc. This course explores the intersections of these communities and exposes students the factual and contextual elements that will allow effective participation in the adaption to climate change.
AOSS 495 (ENSCEN 495). Upper Atmosphere and Ionosphere
Prerequisite: AOSS 464. I (4 credits)
Basic physical and chemical processes important in controlling the upper/middle atmosphere and ionosphere: photochemistry, convection, diffusion, wave activity, ionization, heating and cooling. The terrestrial, as well as planetary atmospheres and ionospheres are to be considered.
AOSS 498. Practicum in Atmospheric, Oceanic and Space Sciences
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. I, II, III, IIIa, IIIb (1 or 2 credits)
Course may be repeated to a maximum of 8 credit hours. Students taking this course will participate in research and/or engineering tasks. Supervision will be undertaken by faculty and engineers of the AOSS department. Reporting requirements include a final written summary. Diverse tasks include aircraft spacecraft and rocket payload design field campaign support calibration simulation test. Students will join an active research program of AOSS for a given semester.
AOSS 499. Directed Study for Undergraduate Students
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. I, II, III, IIIa, IIIb (to be arranged)
Directed reading, research, or special study for advanced undergraduate students.
AOSS 501. Seminars in Limnology and Oceanography
Prerequisite: graduate standing. I, II (1 credit)
Current research efforts will be presented by graduate students and faculty dealing with all phases of limnology and oceanography.
AOSS 524. General Circulation
Prerequisite: previous or concurrent with AOSS 401. I alternate years (3 credits)
Processes that maintain the general circulation of the Earth's atmosphere; the observed general circulation; energetics; balance requirements; comparison of observations with simple theories and results from general circulation model simulations.
AOSS 528 (NAVARCH 528) (ENSCEN 529). Remote Sensing of Ocean Dynamics
Prerequisite: AOSS 425 (NAVARCH 425) or permission of instructor. II (3 credits)
The dynamics of ocean wave motion, both surface and internal waves, and ocean circulation are explored utilizing active and passive remote sensing techniques. Emphasis is placed upon the synoptic perspective of ocean dynamics provided by remote sensing which is not obtainable by conventional means.
AOSS 532. Radiative Transfer
Prerequisite: graduate standing. II (3 credits)
Radiative transfer (thermal and scattering) applicable to planetary atmospheres. Macro and microscopic form of transfer equation. Line broadening mechanisms, band models, Rayleigh and Mie scattering. Discrete ordinate, successive order of scattering and adding and doubling methods of solution. Non LTE formulation. Applications to, and results from, climate studies.
AOSS 545. High Energy Density Physics
Prerequisite: MATH 450, Physics 405 & Physics 406. II (3 credits)
Introduces students to fundamental tools and discoveries of high-energy density physics, where pressures are above a million atmospheres. Discusses fundamental physical models, equations of state, hydrodynamics including shocks and instabilities, radiation transport, radiation hydrodynamics, experimental technique, inertial fusion, experimental astrophysics, and relativistic systems.
AOSS 550 (NA 550). Offshore Engineering I
Prerequisite: NAVARCH 420 (AOSS 420). II (3 credits)
Design and analysis requirements of off-shore engineering structures. Hydrodynamic loads on offshore platforms and slender bodies. Marine riser mechanics: dynamics and structural stability. Mooring mechanics: nonlinear stability and design. Vortex induced vibrations: analysis and model testing. Marine renewable energy. Hydrokinetic energy harnessing.
AOSS 551. Fluid Dynamics for Atmospheric and Space Sciences
Prerequisite: MATH 215, MATH 216, and MATH 450. I yearly (4 credits)
Covers fundamentals of fluid dynamics, Euler fluids, potential flow, viscous flow, waves and instabilities, turbulence, rotating flows, boundary layers, and compressible flow, using methods of partial differential vector calculus.
AOSS 555. Spectral Methods
Prerequisite: MATH 216. Knowledge of FORTRAN. II alternate odd years (4 credits)
An introduction to numerical methods based on Fourier Series, Chebyshev polynomials, and other orthogonal expansions. Although the necessary theory is developed, the emphasis is on algorithms and practical applications in geophysics and engineering, especially fluid mechanics. Many homework assignments will be actual problem-solving on the computer.
AOSS 563 (ENSCEN 563). Air Pollution Dispersion Modeling
Prerequisite: AOSS 463. II (3 credits)
Principles of modeling air pollution transport and dispersion. Discussion of models for line sources, area sources and point sources. Analysis of individual model data requirements, founding assumptions, and inherent limitations. Practical experience using currently operational models.
AOSS 564 (ENSCEN 564). The Stratosphere and Mesosphere
Prerequisite: AOSS 464. II odd years (3 credits)
The physical, chemical, and dynamical properties of the atmosphere between the tropopause and the turbopause. Among the topics covered are the heat and radiation budgets, atmospheric ozone, stratospheric warmings, the biennial stratospheric oscillation, airglow.
AOSS 565. Planetary Atmospheres
Prerequisite: graduate standing. II (4 credits)
Radiative, photochemical, thermodynamic, and aeronomical processes in the atmospheres of the planets and satellites, with the objective of understanding the composition, structure, origin, and evolution of the atmospheres; theoretical and empirical results, including planetary observations by space probes.
AOSS 567 (CHEM 567). Chemical Kinetics
Prerequisite: CHEM 461 or AOSS 479. I (3 credits)
A general course in chemical kinetics, useful for any branch of chemistry where reaction rates and mechanisms are important. Scope of subject matter: practical analysis of chemical reaction rates and mechanisms, theoretical concepts relating to gas and solution phase reactions.
AOSS 574 (AEROSP 574). Introduction to Space Physics
Prerequisite: Senior or Graduate Standing. (4 credits)
A graduate level introduction to physical and aeronomical processes in the space environment. Discussion of theoretical tools, the Sun, solar wind, heliosphere, magnetosphere, ionosphere, and the upper atmosphere. Spacecraft interaction with radiation, spacecraft-plasma interactions.
AOSS 575 (ENSCEN 575). Air Pollution Modeling
Prerequisite: AOSS 463, AOSS 578, NRE 538 (previously or concurrently). II (3 credits)
A practical introduction to the fundamentals of gas and aerosol measurements with a focus on ozone and acidic gases, their precursors, and aerosols; operation of the suite of instruments, detection and sampling techniques, and calibration practices. An important feature will be team-oriented tasks involving air quality monitoring.
AOSS 576 (ENSCEN 576). Air Quality Field Project
Prerequisite: AOSS 578, NRE 538, AOSS 575, or AOSS 563. IIIa (4 credits)
Practical experience in all aspects of air quality field measurements from the design and planning stage through implementation and data analysis and interpretation. Emphasis on research design, sampling, data management systems, sample tracking, computerized data acquisition and processing, error analysis and reporting; team-oriented practicum for modelers and experimenters.
AOSS 578 (EIH 666). Air Pollution Chemistry
Prerequisite: AOSS 479 or CHEM 365. I (3 credits)
Tropospheric and stratospheric air pollution are discussed following a review of thermo-chemistry, photo-chemistry, and chemical kinetics. Gaseous and particulate air pollutants are considered in terms of their origins and transformations.
AOSS 580. Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System Project Laboratory
Prerequisite: MATH 216, Physics 140. II (2 credits)
Lectures and hands-on demonstrations train students in acquiring and processing remote sensing and field data using computer based image processing and geographic information systems. Students apply this knowledge in individual and small team projects oriented toward student interests. Research project results are communicated in formal presentations and written reports.
AOSS 581 (AEROSP 581). Space Policy and Management
Prerequisite: Graduate Standing. I (3 credits)
The first part of the course will provide detailed information on how space policy is developed in the United States and the international space community, and how these policies result in specific missions. The second part will provide detailed information on modern management techniques and processes. Project managers from NASA centers and industry will lecture on the detailed management techniques and processes.
AOSS 582 (AEROSP 582). Spacecraft Technology
Prerequisite: graduate standing. I (4 credits)
Systematic and comprehensive review of spacecraft and space mission design and key technologies for space missions. Discussions on project management and the economic and political factors that affect space missions. Specific space mission designs are developed in teams. Students of AEROSP 483/583 choose their projects based on these designs.
AOSS 583 (AEROSP 583). Management of Space Systems Design
Prerequisite: AEROSP/AOSS 582. II (4 credits)
Meets with AEROSP 483 (Space System Design), or other senior design course when appropriate topic is chosen. Students in this course lead teams in high level project design of a space system. Modern methods of concurrent engineering manufacturing, marketing and finance, etc., are incorporated.
AOSS 584. Space Instrumentation
Prerequisite: senior or graduate standing. II (4 credits)
This class teaches students how to design, build, test and deploy a completely autonomous, sophisticated system that is designed to accomplish a specific task. The primary system is a small-satellite, deployed on a high-altitude balloon. This system involves communication, position tracking, microcontrollers, instruments, and a power system.
AOSS 585. Introduction to Remote Sensing and Inversion Theory
Prerequisite: graduate standing. II (3 credits)
Introduction to active (radar and lidar) and passive (thermal emission) visible, infrared and microwave remote sensing. Fundamentals of electromagnetic emission, absorption and scattering. Sensor performance characteristics. Mathematical methods for inversion of integral transforms and ill-conditioned systems of equations commonly encountered in remote sensing applications.
AOSS 590. Space Systems Projects
Prerequisite: graduate standing. I, II, IIIa, IIIb (4 credits)
Space science and application mission related team project. Student teams will participate in ongoing projects in the Space Physics Research Laboratory in conjunction with industry and government sponsors.
AOSS 595 (EECS 518). Magnetosphere and Solar Wind
Prerequisite: graduate standing. I even years (3 credits)
General principles of magnetohydrodynamics; theory of the expanding atmosphere; properties of solar wind, interaction of solar wind with the magnetosphere of the Earth and other planets; bow shock and magnetotail, trapped particles, auroras.
AOSS 596. Gaskinetic Theory
Prerequisite: graduate standing. II (3 credits)
Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution, kinetic determination of equation of state, specific heats of gases. Dynamics of two-particle collisions. Elementary transport theory, molecular effusion, hydrodynamic transport coefficients, mean free path method. Advanced transport theory, the Boltzmann equation, collision terms, Champman-Enskog transport theory. Aerodynamics of free-molecular flow. Shock waves.
AOSS 597 (AEROSP 597). Fundamentals of Space Plasma Physics
Prerequisite: senior-level statistical physics course. II (3 credits)
Basic plasma concepts, Boltzmann equation, higher order moments equations, MHD equations, double adiabatic theory. Plasma expansion to vacuum, transonic flows, solar wind, polar wind. Collisionless shocks, propagating and planetary shocks. Fokker-Planck equation, quasilinear theory, velocity diffusion, cosmic ray transport, shock acceleration. Spacecraft charging, mass loading.
AOSS 598. The Sun and the Heliosphere
Prerequisites: AOSS 464 & Physics 505 or equivalent. II odd years (3 credits)
A complete description of the physical processes that govern the behavior of the Sun and the heliosphere with emphasis on recent theoretical and observational results.
AOSS 605. (PHYS 600) Current Topics in Atmospheric, Oceanic and Space Sciences
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. I, II (1-4 credits)
Advances in specific fields of atmospheric and oceanic sciences, as revealed by recent research. Lectures, discussion, and assigned reading.
AOSS 606. Computer Applications to Geo-Fluid Problems
Prerequisite: AOSS 442 or AOSS 451, MATH 450. II (3-4 credits)
Solution of geo-fluid problems by numerical techniques using a digital computer. Lectures, laboratory, exercises using the digital computer.
AOSS 651. Dynamics of Planetary Atmospheres and the Upper Atmosphere
Prerequisite: AOSS 451. I alternate years (3 credits)
Dynamic meteorology of other planets (Mars, Venus, Jupiter, and Titan), the Earth's middle atmosphere, and thermosphere. Tides, solitary waves, quasi-geostrophic turbulence, and dynamics and chemistry are among the phenomena discussed.
AOSS 701. Special Problems in Meteorology and Oceanography
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. I, II (to be arranged)
Supervised analysis of selected problems in various areas of meteorology and oceanography.
AOSS 747. AOSS Student Seminar
Prerequisite: none. I, II (1 credit)
Students take turns presenting short research seminars (20 minutes) and/or short talks introducing upcoming speakers in AOSS 749. Some class time will also be devoted to discussions of effective oral and poster presentations and professional ethics.
AOSS 749. Atmospheric and Space Science Seminar
Prerequisite: none. I, II (1 credit)
Presentations from UM researchers and outside speakers about current research results, covering a broad range of topics in atmospheric and space science. In this class students take turns serving as seminar chair. Questions from students will be handled before those from faculty. Conditions for credit are participation in this seminar, and the completion of a short paper in which each student follows up on one talk given as part of this seminar series.
AOSS 990. Dissertation/Pre-Candidate
I, II, III (2-8 credits); IIIa, IIIb (1-4 credits)
Dissertation work by doctoral student not yet admitted to status as candidate. The defense of the dissertation, that is, the final oral examination, must be held under a full-term candidacy enrollment.
AOSS 995. Dissertation/Candidate Graduate School
Prerequisite: authorization for admission as a doctoral candidate. I, II, III (8 credits); IIIa, IIIb (4 credits)
Election for dissertation work by a doctoral student who has been admitted to candidate status. The defense of the dissertation, that is, the final oral examination, must be held under a full-term candidacy enrollment.
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Last edited on 11/18/2009
