METEO

or METEO 201 Introduction to Weather Analysis Select one of the following: 3

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Atmospheric Environment: Growing in the Wind is for students who are interested in learning about the dynamic effects of weather on plants and animals. It is about how processes at the ground surface and in the air govern weather conditions on Earth. Growing in the Wind focuses on five major weather elements: energy, temperature, moisture, pressure and wind and how these factors influence ecosystems and habitation of our planet. Emphasis is also given to human impacts on weather and climate, and current environmental issues involving the atmosphere. The lectures are organized around the central theme that the unequal distribution of incoming solar energy (both spatially and temporally) produce temperature and pressure contrasts at the Earth's surface and in the atmosphere that in turn cause storms and control the weather and climate. Cross-listed with: AGECO 122 General Education: Natural Sciences (GN) GenEd Learning Objective: Effective Communication GenEd Learning Objective: Crit and Analytical Think GenEd Learning Objective: Soc Resp and Ethic Reason

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Climate change is not only a political, economic, and social crisis, it presents one of the great moral problems of our time. This course will cover the science, policy, and ethics of climate change. It fulfills general science requirements by giving an overview of the role played by such diverse scientific disciplines as chemistry, earth systems, ecology, and geology in understanding our changing climate while also exploring mitigation and adaptation strategies being developed in the fields of engineering, forestry, agriculture, and others. It fulfills humanities requirements by delving into the ethical dimensions of climate change, including religious and humanistic theories of human flourishing, deontological and teleological theories of ethics, and analysi of specific choices addressed by international negotiators. A hallmark of this course is using Penn State as a 'living laboratory' by taking advantage of both faculty expertise and the realworld activities of the Office of Physical Plant. Every week, students will interact with experts from various quarters of the University in order to see how climate change is being approached in a multi-disciplinary fashion. The first third of the course will feature guest lectures by EMS faculty working Undergraduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 4563 on paleoclimate, modeling, carbon sinks, ocean acidification and other aspects of climate science. The second portion will engage humanists, economists, historians, and artists at Penn State. The third will include tours of Penn State facilities, such as the East Campus Power Plant, and interviews with researchers developing new energy and sequestration technologies. In addition to exams and papers, students will prepare for a mock negotiation by learning about the energy profile and history of assigned countries. They will then have to set specific CO2 and temperature goals and come up with solutions to achieve these. The goal is to understand the role placed by ethical ideals in the pragmatic process of producing an equitable solution. In short, this course will give students the tools to understand the basic science of climate change and its ethical implications. Students will come away with a better sense of the moral dimensions of this phenomenon and the implications for human civilization and for the biosphere. Cross-listed with: PHIL 133N, RLST 133N General Education: Humanities (GH) General Education: Natural Sciences (GN) General Education - Integrative: Interdomain GenEd Learning Objective: Effective Communication GenEd Learning Objective: Crit and Analytical Think GenEd Learning Objective: Integrative Thinking GenEd Learning Objective: Soc Resp and Ethic Reason

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Introduction to the collection, display, and application of weather observations and numerical forecasts used by the operational meteorologists. Students who have passed both METEO 200A and 200B may not schedule this course for credit.

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 4 Forecast methods/data discussed prior to nightly weather forecast entry. Satisfactory performance will be determined by attendance and forecast accuracy. METEO 215 Weather Forecast Preparation Laboratory (0.5 per semester/maximum of 4) Students will learn basic weather forecasting techniques and identify appropriate sources of weather information that will assist them in weather forecast preparation. Forecast accuracy will be judged against peer groups at Penn State and several other institutions of higher learning across the U.S. and Canada through WxChallenge (or a similarly run program), a national weather forecasting contest. The bulk of the class time will be spent preparing weather forecasts for five different U.S. cities, each for two consecutive weeks. Cities from different climate regimes will help familiarize students with forecasting challenges from across the country. In addition, the previous day's weather forecast difficulties and ways to improve forecast accuracy will be discussed. The remaining weeks of the semester will be devoted to in-depth analysis of forecast errors and ways to keep improving forecast quality. Satisfactory performance is determined s through attendance records and weather forecast contest results. The course should be taken in BOTH the fall and spring semesters each year for maximum learning potential. METEO 215 may be repeated up to 8 times. Concurrent: METEO101, METEO200A and METEO200B , or METEO201

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

0.5

Credits (max)

0.5

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Repeatable

may be repeated up to 8 times.

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Applying atmospheric principles to the tropics, with an emphasis on the development, structure, prediction and destructive impact of hurricanes.

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 3 Algorithm design and implementation for meteorological analysis and forecasting. Algorithm design and implementation for meteorological analysis and forecasting, including access to datasets in meteorological common data formats. The objectives of this course are to introduce the student to fundamental programming concepts, such as variables, flow control, and syntax, to apply those concepts to solve meteorological problems couched in the analysis of datasets in meteorologically-relevant common data formats, and to familiarize students with appropriate programming languages and their application to meteorological analysis or forecasting problems on regional and/or global scales.

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Prerequisite

METEO 101 or 201

/Maximum of 18 Creative projects, including research and design, which are supervised on an individual basis and which fall outside the scope of formal courses.

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

18

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 9 Formal courses given infrequently to explore, in depth, a comparatively narrow subject which may be topical or of special interest.

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

9

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

An introduction to the fundamentals of atmospheric dynamics, physics, and chemistry. METEO 300 Fundamentals of Atmospheric Science (4)This course prepares students for their 400-level meteorology courses by laying a solid foundation in the application of physical, chemical, and mathematical principles to a broad range of atmospheric phenomena. Students are introduced to fundamental concepts and applications of atmospheric thermodynamics, radiative transfer, atmospheric chemistry, cloud microphysics, atmospheric dynamics, and the atmospheric boundary layer. These topics are covered broadly but in enough depth to introduce students to the methods atmospheric scientists use to describe and predict atmospheric phenomena. The course is designed to be taken by sophomore meteorology students as well as by students in related disciplines who have an adequate mathematical and physical background. MATH 231

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

4

Credits (max)

4

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Prerequisite

CHEM 110, MATH 141, PHYS 211; Concurrent: MATH 230 or

and management This interdomain course introduces students to the science and policy of greenhouse gas emissions. The course focuses on emissions from natural sources, energy production and food production. Policy components will introduce students to the fundamentals of environmental policy and examine key policy options for mitigating and managing emissions. Global in scope, the course will also address how emissions and policy options differ in developed and developing countries. Topics will include overviews of the global carbon cycle, agriculture and land use change emissions, history of global energy use and production, overview of global climate change policy, frontiers in climate, energy and agriculture policy, amongst others. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: ENGL 15 Cross-listed with: ANSC 332N, GEOG 332N General Education: Natural Sciences (GN) General Education: Social and Behavioral Scien (GS) General Education - Integrative: Interdomain GenEd Learning Objective: Global Learning GenEd Learning Objective: Integrative Thinking GenEd Learning Objective: Soc Resp and Ethic Reason

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Applying atmospheric principles to small-scale weather systems, with an emphasis on the conceptual modeling and short-range prediction of severe thunderstorms. METEO 361 Fundamentals of Mesoscale Weather Forecasting (3) When outbreaks of severe weather occur, dire warnings for tornadoes, large hail or damaging straight-line winds urgently scroll across the bottoms of television screens. Simultaneously, television weathercasters warn viewers to "take cover immediately". Yet, because of the limited spatial and time scales of severe thunderstorms, the areas affected by tornadoes, large hail and damaging straight-line winds often turns out to be relatively small (sometimes as small a tenth of one percent of the original "watch area"). There is no doubt that people should be prepared to take definitive action to protect their lives and the lives of their families when outbreaks of severe weather occur. But the overall impression that entire counties or cities will be destroyed by severe weather can be, and frequently is, misleading. One of the primary goals of METEO 361: Fundamentals of Mesoscale Weather Forecasting is to give students a scientifically grounded perspective of the spatial and time scales of typical outbreaks of severe weather. In the process, students will become better weather consumers. To gain such insights, students will learn conceptual models of the life cycles of severe thunderstorms and will then apply them in real-time outbreaks of severe weather. In the final analysis, students will be able to more accurately weigh the information being disseminated by the media and the Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma.To ensure that students develop the knowledge and skills required to critically assess public weather forecasts, METEO 361 will provide, like METEO 101, an apprentice-training environment that will guide students, under the tutelage of professional weather forecasters, to actively learn how to create their own mesoscale-weather forecasts. In the process, METEO 361 will reinforce the notion that weather forecasting involves sophisticated techniques of data analysis and a thorough understanding of atmospheric science. METEO 361 will also stress that the clear communication of the forecast requires strong verbal and Undergraduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 4565 graphic communication skills.Using conceptual models and real-time radar and satellite imagery in concert with output from numerical models designed specifically for mesoscale forecasting, students will predict severe weather on time scales of a few hours to one day. For example, students will be given a litany of web-based tools and asked to place their own "watch box" for severe weather. Students will then be asked to verify and discuss the outcomes of their forecasts. For more general outlooks of severe weather (time scales of one to two days), students will use output from the numerical models that were introduced in METEO 101 to identify the areas likely to be at risk for severe weather. It should be noted here that METEO 361 will be one of four courses required for students to earn a Certificate of Achievement in Weather Forecasting, a unique online program offered through Penn State's World Campus. The three other courses that will comprise this online program are METEO 101: Understanding Weather Forecasting, METEO 241: Fundamentals of Tropical Forecasting and METEO 410: Advanced Topics in Weather Forecasting.To facilitate the learning objectives, METEO 361 will include the use of digital video, audio, simulation models, virtual field trips to on- line resources for weather data, text, and interactive quizzes that provide timely feedback.To demonstrate their mastery of the learning objectives, students will complete automated online quizzes, actively engage in online discussion groups focusing on real-time weather, and publish, to a personal 'e-portfolio', four comprehensive projects that will explore timely case studies related to weather forecasting. The e-portfolio will take the form of a Web site that students initially create during the second course of the program (METEO 241 or METEO 361). Students will augment their e-portfolio as part of the requirements for METEO 241, METEO 361 and

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 6

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 6

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 6

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 6

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 6

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 6

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

No Prerequisites Required. Certificate Learning Objectives • Forecaster: Student will be able to produce value-added (an improvement on guidance) point forecast including high/low temperature, wind speed, and precipitation. Undergraduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 507 • Global Awareness: Student will demonstrate awareness of significant global weather events and seasonal climate features. • WX Analyst: Student will be able to analyze synoptic and mesoscale weather events of varying complexity by referencing proper terminology and processes. • WX Communicator: Student will be able to demonstrate knowledge of current weather either generally or at a specific location via verbal or written communication. • WX Consumer: Student will improve their skill at using and interpreting publicly available weather data.

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Meteo 411 focuses on the description, analysis, evolution, and prediction of large-scale weather systems such as extratropical cyclones, jet streams, and fronts, with an emphasis on techniques for analyzing synoptic-scale weather situations in three dimensions. Students will develop an understanding of the fundamental underlying processes that lead to the large-scale motions that modulate weather on synoptic scales. Though not intended as a course in weather forecasting, Meteo 411 provides a solid foundation for future forecasting courses. A fundamental goal of Meteo 411 is to provide students with a framework for visualizing the vertical motion field in the atmosphere, both qualitatively and quantitatively. The vertical motion field ultimately determines, depending on the availability of water vapor, where clouds and precipitation form. To that end, students become familiar with the Norwegian cyclone model as a conceptual framework for understanding synoptic-scale weather systems, as well as the role of the upper-level flow in the development and evolution of extratropical cyclones. The principles of conservation of mass, energy, and momentum are also applied as instruments for assessing synoptic-scale motions. Finally, students will develop an understanding of quasi-geostrophy and how this framework can be used to explain the evolution of synoptic-scale Undergraduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 4567 weather systems. The course begins with a review of the fundamental assumptions that are commonly invoked on the synoptic scale, including the hydrostatic and geostrophic approximations. The topic of numerical weather prediction is revisited from both the theoretical and the operational standpoints, comparing and contrasting the deterministic and ensemble frameworks. To visualize the structure of synoptic- scale weather systems, a variety of analysis techniques are employed, including cross sections, plan views, three-dimensional models, and satellite and radar imagery. Pattern recognition techniques for identifying synoptic-scale regimes are explored and quantified using various zonal indices and global teleconnection patterns. These techniques are employed in each lab period where students lead a daily weather briefing that includes both an analysis of the current weather situation and a forecast of its future. Students will be able to link the mathematical descriptions of atmospheric motion with a qualitative understanding of physical processes, and apply them to the analysis and prediction of the atmosphere. Within the course framework, the following topics are also covered: thickness and its applications, thermal wind balance, potential temperature, pressure tendency equation, frontogenesis equation, ageostrophic processes, gradient wind, jet streaks, vorticity and vorticity advection, conveyor belts, self-development, quasi-geostrophic theory, potential vorticity and its applications, and the synoptic setup for severe weather. METEO 431

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

4

Credits (max)

4

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Prerequisite

METEO 101 or METEO 201; Concurrent: METEO 421 and

Analysis of actual surface weather observations, with emphasis on the Norwegian cyclone model, missing or bad data, and mesoscale phenomena. METEO 413 Map Analysis (3) METEO 413, Map Analysis, is designed as a professional elective for Meteorology majors and as such it is primarily taken by fourth-year students. Third-year students who have completed METEO 411 may also register for Map Analysis. The course encourages students to tie together concepts learned in prior meteorology courses through analysis of numerous weather maps from across the northern hemisphere both at the surface and above. This is accomplished by improving the student's understanding of the cyclone model and applying that knowledge to 'real-life' analyses where data quality may be compromised and topographic and other mesoscale factors may be important. Grades are based upon the best 13 of 14 lab assignments, 2 or more quizzes, and in-class assignments. Class participation is rewarded on an extra-credit basis. METEO 413 is offered each spring; enrollment is limited to 15 students.

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Prerequisite

METEO411

A survey of conceptual models and analysis techniques for mesoscale atmospheric features.

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

4

Credits (max)

4

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Prerequisite

METEO411

General Education 3 Professional Elective

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

4

Credits (max)

4

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Competitive, simulated, operational, real-time forecasting is covered.

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Prerequisite

METEO 415; Concurrent METEO 414

Issues relating to the prediction and dispersion of air pollutants are discussed. METEO 419 Air Quality Forecasting (3) Prediction of air quality is discussed from the perspective of operational weather forecasting. The chemical properties of pollutants for which public forecasts are currently made, fine-scale particulate matter and ozone, are summarized to provide the physical background for making forecasts. The impacts of weather on pollutant concentrations are discussed. Current techniques for forecasting air quality are presented and used by the students to create their own air quality forecasts. Students present air quality weather briefings and post-analysis of significant historical air quality events. To take this course, students must have the background provided in a basic course in chemistry and a basic course in meteorology that covers weather systems governing the transport of air pollution. and METEO 200B , or METEO 201

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Prerequisite

CHEM 110 and METEO 003 , or METEO101 , or METEO 200A

Balanced and unbalanced flows, vorticity, circulation and potential vorticity, an introduction to wave dynamics and stability analysis, and a quantitative discussion of the general circulation. Meteo 421 Atmospheric Dynamics (4) This course builds on the foundation laid in METEO 300, Fundamentals of Atmospheric Science, by presenting applications of the equations of motion to the description of a variety of atmospheric motions. The intrinsically rotational aspects of large- scale atmospheric motions are presented through a discussion of vorticity dynamics (including both relative and planetary vorticity) and the related circulation theorems of Kelvin and Bjerknes that culminate in potential vorticity thinking. The contrast between oscillating and unstable atmospheric systems is highlighted using the examples of gravitational, inertial, and shear instability, and the parcel and perturbation methods are introduced for studying these systems. An introduction to wave dynamics presents the concepts of phase and group velocity with applications to gravity, inertial, and Rossby waves, and to geostrophic adjustment. Finally, the general circulation, including the major zonal wind systems (e.g., the mid-latitude westerlies) and the major overturning cells (Hadley and Ferrel cells) is discussed quantitatively to provide a description of planetary-scale motions. MATH 232; Concurrent: METEO 431, MATH 251

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

4

Credits (max)

4

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Prerequisite

METEO 300, PHYS 212, MATH 230 or MATH 231 and

METEO 436, 437, or 454 3 Professional Elective 3 General Education 3 Professional Elective 3

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

METEO 426 will provide students with a practical understanding of the structure of numerical weather prediction (NWP) models in the context of their application to real world precipitation forecasting. The course combines lecture material on the inner workings of NWP models with a forecasting module that applies the lecture material to daily precipitation forecasts. The course begins with a full description of the mathematical backbone of NWP models - the primitive, or governing, equations. The primitive equations that describe the future state of the atmosphere, given some initial state, are a set of non-linear, partial differential equations that are only solvable by numerical methods. The sophistication of numerical methods, in turn, depends on available computing capacity. A discussion of the historical development of simplified NWP models in the context of limited computing resources follows. While the advent of modern computers allowed for the explicit computation of the primitive equations, their use in operational forecast settings uncovered additional important theoretical limitations on forecast skill. In particular, the future state of the atmosphere is extremely sensitive to initial conditions yet there are insufficient observations to fully initialize an NWP model. Techniques for initializing NWP models - called data assimilation - were and continue to be a key source of model error. As a result, we cover these methods in detail. Beyond initial condition uncertainty, there are fundamental limits on the predictive skill of NWP models. These limits, a consequence of the fundamentally non-linear dynamics of the atmosphere, were first described by Edward Lorenz and usually referred to as "chaos theory." For operational weather forecasting, the implication is that single, deterministic models are necessarily limited in skill, even with near- perfect initial conditions. As a result, operational forecast centers have moved towards ensemble-based forecasting. The development and use of ensemble models are discussed in detail in this class. Next, the model must be moved forward in time. Basic numerical methods used to advance the model in time, typically using finite difference techniques, are described and the recent shift to finite volume methods are introduced and discussed in the context of the latest NWP models. We then describe parameterization schemes that NWP models use to account for phenomena not directly resolved by the model. We discuss several important schemes relevant to precipitation, including convective parameterizations and microphysics, and the planetary boundary layer. The course concludes with a review of one of the latest operational NWP models.

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Prerequisite

METEO 411, METEO 421

Classical thermodynamics applied to both the dry and the moist atmosphere.

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

In METEO 434, students will learn the basic operating principles and applications of weather radar, a primary observing platform for both operational and research meteorologists. In particular, students will learn the fundamentals of radar data acquisition, signal processing, and interpretation for measurements of weather phenomena. In order to successfully achieve these skills, students will master the following concepts: the basics of radar engineering, design, and operation; the physics of electromagnetic radiation, its propagation through the stratified atmosphere, polarization and phase shifts, and scattering from various hydrometeors; the physical properties of atmospheric scatterers, and how the physical properties of hydrometeors (e.g., size, shape, dielectric constant, orientation) affect the scattering signal. Lectures wil frequently involve real-world data examples, theoretical considerations, and practice problems. In addition, several lectures will be devoted to recent technological or scientific advances published within the last 1-2 years, in order to provide students with an updated and working knowledge of the field. When practical, the course will include a field trip to a National Weather Service Doppler radar facility, most likely the system in Moshannon State Forest in central Pennsylvania. With this knowledge and these tools in hand, the remainder of the class will heavily focus on the interpretation of radar signals in weather phenomena, with particular emphasis on the interpretation and applications of dual- polarization weather radar data. To this end, one class per week will involve the discussion and interpretation of student-provided radar images. As the semester progresses, the students are expected to incorporate additional depth of understanding and newly discussed radar variables into these discussions. Students will actively participate in the course through bringing real-world examples of radar observations to class for presentation and discussion. They will be required to access data from the internet or smart phone app, organize it for a computer-based presentation, write a brief description, give the in- class presentation, and lead the subsequent discussion. In addition, the students will work towards a term project that is a case study of a high-impact weather event of their choosing. This project provides students the opportunity to master ordering data from the internet, downloading it, processing it, reading it into common coding languages, and creating graphics for display. In addition, part of the project will involve quantitative data analysis or manipulation, emphasizing computer coding and data handling skills. The semester-long project will culminate in a final presentation and report synthesizing their newly acquired knowledge and skillsets. Concurrent: MATH 251 and METEO 414

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

3 or METEO 437 Atmospheric Chemistry and Cloud Physics Select 3-6 credits from the following: 3-6

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Properties of aerosols and clouds, cloud nucleation and precipitation processes, atmospheric electricity, cloud and precipitation chemistry, biogeochemical cycles. METEO 437 Atmospheric Chemistry and Cloud Physics (3)This course develops an understanding of how the physical and chemical properties of the atmosphere influence cloud and precipitation formation, as well as how clouds in turn affect the properties of the atmosphere. The roles that chemistry and clouds play in modulating weather, climate, and atmospheric electricity are also treated. l

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Prerequisite

METEO300 and METEO431

Up to 9 of these credits in relevant courses in Acoustics, Chemistry, Engineering, Mathematics, and Physics may be substituted with the approval of the student's adviser. Climate Science Option (27-28 credits) Code Title Credits

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Air-sea interaction, wind-driven and thermohaline circulations, upwelling, El Nino, waves, and tides. METEO 451 Elements of Physical Oceanography (3) The primary objective of this course is to describe the circulation of the ocean and present a theoretical basis for understanding it. The focus is on the large-scale, basin-wide features of the ocean circulation, such as: 1) the subtropical ocean gyres that contain the wind-driven western boundary currents like the Gulf Stream, 2) the equatorial oceans that respond rapidly to external forcing to produce phenomena like El Nino, and 3) the thermohaline circulation that acts as a slow regulator of the earth's climate. A main goal is to demonstrate to meteorology students that the ocean is not a static, passive lower boundary to the atmosphere but a dynamic, evolving entity that is intimately coupled to the atmosphere through the exchange of heat, momentum, and water. Thus the oceans affect weather and climate. Students are evaluated on their comprehension of the relevant physical processes (as determined by written examinations) and by term papers and laboratory reports or a combination of the two. This course will be

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Atmospheric processes in the tropics; mass, heat, energy, momentum, and water vapor budgets, cumulus convection, hurricanes and other disturbances.

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Prerequisite

METEO411 , METEO421

Supporting Courses and Related Areas Select 21 credits in consultation with adviser from 400-level METE courses and/or 300-, or 400-level courses from the Colleges of Agricultural Sciences, Earth and Mineral Sciences, Engineering, and/

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

The basic principles of atmospheric flow, introduction to the modeling of turbulent diffusion, and the use of EPA dispersion models. METEO 455 Atmospheric Dispersion (3) Students will learn both the theory and current practice of numerical modeling of the turbulent dispersion of effluents from sources in the atmospheric boundary layer. Lab sessions involve hands-on experience with the numerical models used in the applied dispersion community. Classroom sessions cover the boundary- layer meteorology and dispersion theory on which these models are based. In laboratory sessions, students become acquainted with the present practice of short-range atmospheric dispersion modeling through: * exploring the air-quality resources available on the World Wide Web * examining the design of the air-quality models used today in permitting and hazardous-release applications *discussing the input data needed by the models, the nature and reliability of their predictions and the advantages of improved models including AERMOD * running the models SCREEN3 and ISC (the U.S. EPA's Industrial Source Complex model). Lectures on boundary-layer meteorology include: * the atmospheric boundary layer, turbulence, and the surface energy budget * buoyancy, stability and their influence on the atmospheric boundary layer * mass conservation in fluid motion, turbulent and molecular fluxes and their roles in atmospheric dispersion * the contrast between instantaneous and average properties of turbulent flow, the convergence of averages and implications for dispersion models.

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Prerequisite

EME 301 , C E 360 , M E 320 , METEO454 or EGEE 470

This course will introduce the role that weather plays as a source of financial and operational risk for businesses, market and other institutions. METEO 460 Weather Risk and Financial Markets (3)The course introduces students to the role that weather plays as a source of financial and operational risk for business, markets, and other institutions. It also introduces the tools and concepts for weather risk management-the insurance products, financial instruments, and decision tools that organizations use to manage, reduce, and transfer their weather-related risks. Major topics include: (i) The concept of risk and the role of weather as a driver of economic risk; (ii) Probabilistic approaches to weather forecasting; (iii) Techniques for valuation of weather derivatives; (iv) Links between weather and markets for energy and agricultural commodities; and (v) Management of catastrophic hurricane risks. Weekly assignments culminate in a major student project on weather risk management. or E B F473

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Prerequisite

METEO411 ; E B F472 or STAT 301 or STAT 401 ; E B F301

A topical survey of physical, chemical, and dynamical processes at work in the stratosphere and mesosphere (middle atmosphere).

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Prerequisite

METEO421 , METEO431

A survey of planetary atmospheres and the chemical and physical processes by which they form and evolve.

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Prerequisite

MATH 141 , PHYS 211

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

METEO 473 or 474 3 Professional Elective METEO 436, 437, or 454 3 Professional Elective Professional Elective 3 Professional Elective Professional Elective 3 Elective 15 Total Credits 121 * Course requires a grade of C or better for the major ‡ Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education # Course is an Entrance to Major requirement † Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement Students who begin their studies at non-UP locations and/or join the college after their first year should substitute CAS 100 (GWS), CAS 100A, CAS 100B, or CAS 100C; or ENGL 202C (GWS) for EMSC 100S (GWS). EMSC 100S Earth and Mineral Sciences First year Seminar (3) is a required course only for students who begin their studies at UP in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences. Students may also complete this requirement by taking MATH 231 and MATH 232. MATH 231 is a prerequisites for MATH 232, so students should plan to take MATH 231 before MATH 232. Students taking Credits MATH 231 and 232 should work with their adviser on other appropriate schedule adjustments. METEO 300 can be taken 2nd year spring, if offered online. Professional elective: Select 21 credits, in consultation with adviser, 3 from 400-level METEO courses and/or 300-, or 400-level courses from 3 the Colleges of Agricultural Sciences, Earth and Mineral Sciences, Engineering, and/or Science. With the approval of a meteorology adviser, some 200-level courses from those Colleges may also be used. 14 University Requirements and General Education Notes: US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

4

Credits (max)

4

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

This upper-level undergraduate course will cover the fundamental physics of light and scattering of light by atmospheric particles. Knowledge of these processes will be applied to understand how they result in optical displays in the sky, including colors in the sky, phenomena associated with refraction of light, scattering by liquid drops and ice crystals, and electrification. The course will guide students to observe, document, and understand these beautiful and sometimes bizarre atmospheric optical phenomena. Students will make their own observations using their eyes, optical cameras, and polarization filters. The students will document their observations through regular written sky journal entries to hone their writing skills. By working together through hands-on activities and discussions, students will unlock the mysteries of these phenomena through applying the fundamental physical principles that underly all topics covered in the course. Throughout the semester, students will research a phenomenon of interest to them, culminating in a final paper on this topic. Students who have completed this course will understand the physical concepts associated with atmospheric optical phenomena and where/how to look for them, observe them, and document them. METEO 437; METEO 454 Writing Across the Curriculum Undergraduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 4571

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Prerequisite

METEO 411 Recommended Preparation: METEO 436;

Application of statistical and numerical methods to practical problems in meteorology.

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Prerequisite

CMPSC 101, CMPSC 201, CMPSC 202 or METEO 273

Subject

METEO

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

The review of fundamental physical properties leads into discussions of various techniques, including imaging, spectroscopy, radiometry, and active sensing. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: (C or better in EE 330) or METEO 436 Cross-listed with: EE 477

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Multi-instructor weather communications survey including forecasting, science teaching and writing, television and radio broadcasting, climate studies, forensics, industrial applications.

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Prerequisite

METEO201 or METEO101

Multi-instructor workshop designed to mimic real-life applications of weather communications in industry, broadcasting, the courtroom, and the classroom.

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Prerequisite

METEO481

Individualized course designed for in-depth study of weather communications in industry, broadcasting, the courtroom and/or the classroom.

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Prerequisite

METEO411 , METEO482

toward degree))

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Geared towards rising juniors and seniors, this one-credit course will offer practical advice and ample opportunities for reflection about one's future career within Meteorology and Atmospheric Science. The course will help to develop you professionally for a career in the atmospheric sciences and help to put you in the best possible position for your next step after graduation, be it a job or graduate school. You will develop a better understanding of the range of diversities and commonalities in the atmospheric sciences, the value of improving presentation and writing skills, the importance of developing professional references and networks, and strategies for applying to graduate schools and searching for a job. There will be guest speakers, including alumni and university staff whose participation will enhance the value of the class.

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Prerequisite

5th Semester standing

/Maximum of 12 Supervised student activities on research projects identified on an individual or small-group basis.

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

12

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 999 Supervised student activities on research projects identified on an individual or small-group basis.

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

12

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

a professionally structured thesis that is grounded in a solid research foundation. In the process, students will learn the elements of excellent technical science writing and effective oral presentation. This course continues the thesis research topic developed in Meteo 494H. This capstone course integrates the key elements of any well-conceived research project: a) a thorough background literature search that identifies the current understanding of a question or topic; b) the articulation of a research hypothesis that is informed by the literature search; c) the design and implementation of a plan to test the hypothesis using theoretical, experimental, and/or computational approaches; and d) conclusions regarding the validity of the hypothesis based on the data obtained in the course of the research. The main characteristic of this course is the execution of the research plan articulated in METEO 494H, interpretation of the data generated by the research in the context of the original hypothesis, and the preparation of the thesis. Research is generally performed in collaboration with faculty and graduate research assistants, using equipment and facilities in the Meteorology and Atmospheric Science department or other departments involved in the research endeavor. Occasionally, the nature of the research may require the student to collaborate with researchers outside of Penn State, perhaps even spending some time in residence at other facilities. The course culminates in the preparation of a thesis detailing the relevance and findings of the research and, at the discretion of the thesis advisor, an oral presentation about the research findings. Close coordination with the thesis advisor is a key to success in METEO 494M. Ideally, a student should meet with the advisor regularly and drafts of parts of the thesis should be shared with the advisor for feedback. Assessment of the student's progress is via grading of all components of the thesis which include the literature review and background, the statement of the problem, the design of the experimental plan, the results and discussion, the conclusions, any recommendations for future work, the reference list, and any appendices and figures. The diligence of the student in performing the research in a professional and timely fashion will also be considered. and Atmospheric Science major

Subject

METEO

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Prerequisite

METEO 494H; junior or senior standing as a Meteorology

/Maximum of 6

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 6

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 6

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 6

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 6

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 6

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Select 10 credits from the following list: 1

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

2

Credits (max)

2

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 9 Formal courses given infrequently to explore, in depth, a comparatively narrow subject which may be topical or of special interest.

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

9

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 9 Formal courses given infrequently to explore, in depth, a comparatively narrow subject which may be topical or of special interest.

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

9

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Courses offered in foreign countries by individual or group instruction.

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

12

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Conceptual models and underlying physics for weather phenomena on scales from the global general circulation to turbulence. METEO 511 The Weather From Global to Micro Scales (3) Earth's weather occurs on a variety of scales from the global general circulation down to microscale turbulence. This spectrum includes synoptic scale storms whose structure and dynamics vary with latitude and topography as well as a broad range of mesoscale phenomena whose structure depends strongly on the vertical structure of the atmosphere. At these intermediate scales, each phenomenon draws energy from conditions created by phenomena of both larger and smaller scale phenomena. Thus, the full spectrum of weather phenomena is linked energetically. This course explores these linkages and the dynamics of the weather phenomena that result. Quantitative results from this theoretical analysis are then used to explain the structure and behavior of the phenomena themselves. Using both theoretical and observational methods students will gain an understanding of the full spectrum of weather phenomena including the

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Application of atmospheric dynamics to the diagnosis and prediction of synoptic-scale weather. The primary objective of the course is to investigate midlatitude synoptic-scale weather systems from a quasigeostropic perspective. Topics include Sutcliffe's development theorem, quasigeostrophic height tendency and omega equations, midlatitude extratropical cyclones, fronts and frontogenesis, semigeostropic theory, and the potential vorticity perspective of synoptic scale analysis. The course builds upon the dynamical understanding acquired in atmospheric dynamics and synoptic meteorology courses, and is well-suited for students seeking careers in a broad range of areas, including but not limited to air quality, weather forecasting and communications, microscale meteorology, mesoscale meteorology, and synoptic meteorology.

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Prerequisite

METEO 411

The aim of this course is to build practical statistical tools for data analysis in the atmospheric sciences. The course will first provide the students with a solid foundation in fundamental statistical concepts, including hypothesis testing, maximum likelihood estimation, random variables, and probability density functions. Once the students are familiar with the basic terminology and concepts in statistics, the course will move on to a suite of more advanced statistical techniques that are commonly used in atmospheric science research. The advanced topics include regression analysis, nonparametric tests and resampling techniques, data reduction such as eigendecompositions and principal component analysis, time series analysis, spatial statistics, and Bayesian modeling. The emphasis will be on the sound application of these techniques and their interpretations, rather than technical foundations and derivations. The goal is to build intuition behind commonly used statistical tools and learn how to avoid potential pitfalls in their applications. RECOMMENDED PREPARATIONS: The course assumes familiarity with calculus and linear algebra, including basic matrix manipulations and eigendecompositon.

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Fundamentals of fluid dynamics with an emphasis on basic concepts that are important for atmospheric and oceanic flows. METEO 520 Geophysical Fluid Dynamics (3)This is a course in the fundamentals of fluid dynamics with an emphasis on basic concepts that are important for geophysical flows, such as those in the atmosphere and ocean. Topics include kinematics, conservation laws, vorticity dynamics, dynamic similarity, laminar flows, and an introduction to waves and instability. Students should leave this course with a solid foundation in fluid dynamics, possessing a conceptual and mathematically rigorous understanding of the fundamental conservation laws for fluids and some basic applications of them. Together, METEO 520 and METEO 521 Graduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 1281 (Dynamic Meteorology) make up the core dynamics curriculum for graduate students of meteorology.

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Prerequisite

Vector calculus, differential equations

An overview of the major large-scale atmospheric motions of weather and climate.

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Prerequisite

METEO520

- 3 Credits An introduction to the mathematical description and modeling of atmospheric and oceanic motions.

Subject

METEO

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Finite difference and spectral methods, barotropic and baroclinic models, filtered and primitive equation models, synoptic-scale and mesoscale models.

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Prerequisite

METEO422 or METEO522

Data assimilation (DA) is the process of finding the best estimate of the state and associated uncertainty by combining all available information including model forecasts and observations and their respective uncertainties. DA is best known for producing accurate initial conditions for numerical weather prediction (NWP) models, but has been recently adopted for state and parameter estimation for a wide range of dynamical systems across many disciplines such as ocean, land, water, air quality, climate, ecosystem, and astrophysics. Taking advantages of improved observing networks, better forecast models, and high performing computing, there are two leading types of advanced approaches, namely variational data assimilation through minimization of a cost function, or ensemble-based data assimilation through a Kalman filter. Hybrid techniques, parameter estimation, predictability, and ensemble sensitivity methods will also be covered. Emphasis will be on applications to atmospheric science and numerical weather prediction, and the unique aspects of its observing systems, computer models, and predictability characteristics. The material in this course may be relevant to those in engineering, statistics, mathematics, hydrology, earth systems science, atmospheric science, and many other fields that seek to integrate information from observations and models. RECOMMENDED PREPARATIONS: A basic knowledge of probability theory, statistics, calculus, linear algebra/matrices, and computer programming is expected.

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Parameterization is the process by which important physical processes that cannot be resolved explicitly in a numerical model are represented. Examples include the transfer of shortwave radiation through the

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

A survey of concepts of mesocale systems including frontogenesis, symmetric instability, mountain waves, wave CISK, and frontal waves.

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Prerequisite

METEO521

Advanced treatment of thermodynamic principles as they relate to atmospheric cloud physics, radiation and dynamics. M ETEO 531 Atmospheric Thermal Physics (3) Thermal physics concepts are important to understanding many facets of atmospheric cloud physics, radiation and dynamics. This course presents a rigorous treatment of these concepts as they appear in the atmospheric sciences.

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Review of chemical principles in gaseous and multiphase environments; characteristics of key atmospheric components and chemical systems in the lower and middle atmosphere.

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Prerequisite

CHEM 110

Overview of cloud systems; theories of phase changes in clouds and micro- physical mechanisms of precipitation formation; cloud electrification.

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Prerequisite

METEO431

Fundamentals of electromagnetic radiation and its interaction with matter; radiation and climate, atmospheric remote sensing, and observable atmospheric optical phenomena.

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Properties of shallow and deep atmospheric convection and interactions , between convection, the boundary layer, and larger-scale weather systems.

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

This course provides graduate and advanced undergraduate students in the sciences and engineering an overview of the circulation of the ocean and the theories used to explain it. The focus is on the large-scale circulation driven by winds, buoyancy, and tidal forces. The course will also cover the distributions of temperature and salinity in the ocean, the surface ocean mixed layer, mesoscale eddies, and internal waves.

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

An introduction to the physics, structure, modeling, representation, and measurement of atmospheric turbulence.

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Prerequisite

METEO520

The atmospheric boundary layer is the layer of the atmosphere that is in frequent contact with the surface of the earth. It is the layer where life exists, and which mediates exchanges of energy, momentum, and chemicals between the earth's surface and the atmosphere. The scales of motion in the atmospheric boundary layer, because of the presence of the earth's surface, are small compared to the rest of the atmosphere. The dynamics, therefore, differ from those found in the 'free' atmosphere. This course describes the physical properties of the layer of the earth's atmosphere that is in frequent contact with the earth's surface, the atmospheric boundary layer. The course includes a descriptive overview of this layer using observations, then presents the governing equations and common simplifications used to describe the boundary layer. Conservation of mass, energy, and momentum, are covered. A core principle is the decomposition of the governing equations into a mean state and turbulent components, and the challenges introduced by this decomposition. The concepts of eddy diffusivity and closure methods are motivated by this challenge. These principles and governing equations are used to understand the typical evolution of the atmospheric boundary layer as a function of time of day. Convective and stable boundary layer conditions are contrasted. The contrasting conditions are linked to changes in the exchange of energy, momentum and water vapor at the earth's surface. The fundamentals of plume dispersion are described and tested. A simple numerical model of the atmospheric boundary layer is discussed and applied to atmospheric data. Stability conditions in the atmosphere are further explored using the equation for turbulent kinetic energy. Parameters describing the turbulence state of the surface

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Successful science communication is critical to all aspects of meteorology, including research, operations, broadcast, and private industry, though scientific literature reveals the wide range of challenges to successful science communication. In this course, students learn primary modes of communication employed by atmospheric scientists, with emphasis on deterministic and probabilistic weather forecasts, global and regional climate projections, and examine their effectiveness. The course builds on this foundation to evaluate the institutional, social, behavioral, political, economic barriers to successful atmospheric science communication and quantify the impact of these challenges on scientific advancements and public responsiveness. Students will learn fundamentals in cognitive versus emotional empathy, communicative responsiveness, prosocial behavior, apply these concepts to the atmospheric sciences, and make inferences about how an individual's or society's perspective impacts decision making behavior.

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

This course focuses on one of the most challenging environmental issues of our era, the accumulation of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) in our atmosphere due to human modification of the global carbon cycle. We will study the processes, terrestrial, oceanic, atmospheric, and anthropogenic, that govern the sources and sinks of carbon into and out of the global atmosphere, and will study the methods used to quantify the carbon cycle. The primary focus is on the recent past (industrial era) and near-future (~100 years), when carbon cycle management decisions will play a critical role in climate change. The course starts with a review of global atmospheric CO2 and CH4 trends during the industrial era, and examines how atmospheric data inform our understanding of the global carbon cycle. The course then studies contemporary terrestrial biosphere, marine, and anthropogenic processes governing the carbon cycle. The paleorecord of the carbon cycle is reviewed, including glacial / interglacial cycles. Carbon cycle predictions and projections, including options for human management of the carbon cycle, are presented and evaluated. Ethical and economic factors, in addition to physical and biological processes, are considered. The course is appropriate for graduate students or advanced undergraduates with a sound background in quantitative sciences or engineering. The course is suitable for students from a wide variety of degree programs across the university.

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Climatic phenomena in their relation to life. Graduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 1283

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Climate Dynamics delves into the fundamental processes that control the earth's climate of the past, present, and future. Fundamentals are developed from concepts of basic dynamic meteorology, radiative transfer, and thermodynamics. The surface energy and hydrologic budgets, and the atmospheric and oceanic circulation are covered. The cryosphere and its interactions with the atmosphere are also discussed. A survey of the earth's climate through geologic history is also explored. The concepts developed in this course are applied to the topic of anthropogenic climate change and how various aspects of the climate system could be influenced by global mean, long-term warming.

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 15 Review of evolving climate dynamics and earth system science, including ongoing departmental research.

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 15 Structure of ice and its electrical, optical, mechanical, and surface properties; snow formation in the atmosphere.

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 3 Continuing seminars which consist of a series of individual lectures by faculty, students, or outside speakers.

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Provide a forum for discussion of scholarship and research integrity as well as critical components of professional development. METEO 591 Development and Ethics in the Atmospheric Sciences (1) This course provides a forum with graduate faculty for discussions on responsible conduct of research topics relevant to the atmospheric sciences, including, but not limited to: acquisition, management, sharing, and ownership of data; publication practices and responsible authorship; conflict of interest and commitment; research misconduct; peer review; mentor/trainee responsibilities; collaborative science. Important components to successful professional development of students are also considered.

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

This course familiarizes graduate students with research rigor, proposals, and processes. METEO 592 Research Proposal Preparation in the Atmospheric Sciences (1) This course familiarizes graduate students with research rigor, proposals, and processes. The focus of these topics is upon research proposal preparation, research literature surveys, preparing a research proposal, and verbally defending the written research proposal in an oral presentation type setting.

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 9 Creative projects, including nonthesis research, which are supervised on an individual basis and which fall outside the scope of formal courses.

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

9

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 9 Formal courses given on a topical or special interest subject which may be offered infrequently; several different topics may be taught in one ye or term.

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

9

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 999 No description.

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

15

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

0 Credits/Maximum of 999 No description.

Subject

METEO

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 6 No description.

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 999 No description.

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

15

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

0 Credits/Maximum of 999 No description.

Subject

METEO

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Fundamental principles of synoptic and physical meteorology, remote sensing and data analysis in the setting of mid-latitude weather forecasting. METEO 801 Understanding Weather Forecasting for Educators (3) Never before has the quantity of available weather information so far exceeded the quality of the public's understanding of atmospheric science. METEO 801 aims to help correct this imbalance by helping secondary teachers to develop the knowledge and skills they need to become critical consumers of weather information and to, in turn, help their own students to do the same. Students who successfully complete METEO 801 will be able to apply knowledge of fundamental concepts of atmospheric science to discriminate between reliable and unreliable weather forecasts, to explain what makes one forecast better than another, and to teach these same concepts and applications to secondary school students. To ensure that students develop the knowledge and skills required to critically assess public weather forecasts, METEO 801 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. METEO 801 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 801 students will be granted licenses to use the courseware developed for this course in their own secondary classrooms. The overarching goal of the course is to help secondary science teachers become informed, critical consumers of the weather information they rely upon every day and to be able to effectively convey their knowledge to their students as part of an Earth science curriculum. ar Students will be required to complete weekly assignments. There are 12 lessons in METEO 801. Each lesson contains interactive exercises, links, animations, movies, and novel explanations of the basic scientific principles of how the atmosphere works. At the end of each Lesson, students will take an open-book "Promotion Quiz" that allows them to improve their status as an apprentice forecaster. In addition to Promotion Quizzes and weekly assignments on the course discussion board, students will be assigned four projects throughout the semester. Projects are also open book but require you to apply the principles students have learned to past case studies of storms and specific weather patterns.

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Applying atmospheric principles to the tropics, with an emphasis on the development, structure, prediction, and destructive impact of hurricanes.

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Subject

METEO

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Anticipating weather events first requires an understanding of typical (or expected) conditions at a particular site. Such climatologies are constructed primarily from historical observations but may also include numerically derived forecasts and analyses. In this course, students will learn a variety of methods for accessing appropriate weather and climate datasets available from government and research institutions. Working with very large datasets in a computationally efficient manner will be stressed, as will consideration of factors that affect data reliability. Students will be encouraged to consider numerous possibilities for presenting weather and climate data with a minimum of quantitative analysis. In addition, numerous examples and case studies will augment discussions on such topics as numerical reanalysis datasets, self-describing archives, and typical problems encountered with environmental observations. Finally, students will learn to construct a site-specific or regional climatology and to communicate a qualitative analysis of those data to others. RECOMMENDED PREPARATIONS: Coursework and/or experience with basic computer programming

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

This course provides practical guidance in the quantitative analysis of large weather and climate datasets for incorporation into a data analytics system. Students will learn a variety of methods for describing environmental data focusing on bulk characteristics, hypotheses testing, linear modeling, and variability modeling. Furthermore, current data mining strategies used in creating analysis workflows will be presented. Specific emphasis will be placed on data organization and pre-processing

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

This course provides practical guidance in the quantitative analysis of large weather and climate time series datasets for incorporation into an analytical modeling system. Students will learn a variety of methods for identifying key temporal patterns in atmospheric datasets, modeling methods based on patterns, trend analyses in climate datasets, advanced modeling methods, frequency domain analyses, and spatial- temporal visualization techniques specific to meteorology. Furthermore, data reduction techniques will be discussed for working with big weather and climate datasets. Specific emphasis will be placed on preparing environmental data for analysis, data visualization techniques, correctly selecting appropriate analyses, validating results, and realisti interpretations of results. Case studies will augment the discussion on the various time series methods with the goal being to broaden the student's perspective on the use of weather and climate data for forecasting and modeling as it pertains to decision making.

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Prerequisite

METEO 810, METEO 815

This course provides practical guidance in forecast systems of weather and climate variables for incorporation into decision-making systems. Students will learn a variety of methods for prognostic modeling of categorical and continuous variables, measuring forecast accuracy, and assessing results through Monte Carlo simulations. Ensemble environmental forecasting techniques will also be presented. Specific emphasis will be placed on the strengths and limitations of each technique, validating assumptions for particular forecast methods, and assessing the results of the weather or climate model using a variety of statistical techniques. Numerous examples and case studies will augment discussion of the techniques with the goal being to grow the student's knowledge on weather and climate forecasting and its usage in decision-making.

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Prerequisite

METEO 820

The goal of weather and climate analytics is to better inform decision- makers on the probability of adverse and advantageous weather events. This course will adopt a case study approach whereby students learn to create a weather and climate analytics analysis and presentation. Emphasis will be placed on framing a problem with appropriate research, collecting and analyzing historical data, developing appropriate analytica modeling, and presenting results and recommendations. As preparation for synthesizing their own project, students will scrutinize multiple examples of weather and climate analytic studies from a variety of industries and sectors. Furthermore, the course will provide multiple opportunities for students to receive guidance and feedback from their instructor, fellow classmates, and industry professionals.

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Prerequisite

METEO 825

In this course, students will learn how to present the results of their research in the three main forms that atmospheric scientists currently use: peer-reviewed journal articles, poster presentations, and oral presentations. Students will learn how scientific writing differs from other forms of writing and will learn the building blocks for constructing effective paragraphs and sentences for journal articles. The structure of a journal article will be described and students will learn about each of the key elements of a journal article, including the abstract, introduction, methods, results, discussion, conclusions, references, figures, and tables. Authorship and the peer-review process will be discussed. Finally, students will learn techniques for communicating their research to the general public.

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

2

Credits (max)

2

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

c The one-credit pass/fail course will offer practical and helpful advice to graduate students who are ready to begin exploring career opportunities. The course will cover professionalism and ethics, writing and reviewing scientific papers, how to succeed at grant writing, post-doctoral opportunities and examples, careers in industry, careers in government and academic, the job application process, how to interview, career planning after college, financial literacy, the value of professional societies for your career, dealing with new media, and leadership development. There will be guest speakers, including successful alumni, university staff, and others whose participation will enhance the value of the class. Finally, students will be paired with an alum in a similar or related discipline and will interview this alum about their career and any advice they would offer a recent graduate. The students will share what they learned during their alumni interviews with the class. Class discussion is strongly encouraged.

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Formal courses given on a topical or special interest subject which may be offered infrequently. Microbiology - MD (MICRO)

Subject

METEO

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

9

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu