Physics 331
The Physics of Weather and Climate
 Fall Semester 2009

Instructor: Carlos Lopez Carrillo
Text : Atmospheric Science an introductory survey by John M. Wallace and Peter V. Hobbs. Academic Press. (ISBN-13: 978-0-12-732951-2)
Prerequisite: Phys 122 or Pyhs 132


The purpose of this course is to study some of the physical processes that are important for understanding  weather and climate. We will focus on the atmosphere and give special attention to thermodynamic and radiative processes.

Schedules Grading Office Hours Policies Philosophy


Week 1 (24-28 Aug).  We'll be working on chapter 1.





                                                                                        
Schedules
Phys331

Class: During the semester, the class will meet Tuesday and Thursday  at  Workman 310 from 9:30 to 10:45 am

Problem Discussion: Every other Thursday we'll spend the class working on problem solving.

No class October 8 (out to the AMS Radar Conference). Note: the first partial exam will be given this date.
No class  October 29 (Out to TPARC WorkShop).
No Class Nov 26 ( ThanksGivens)          


Homework
Due Date
Exercises refer to text book  problems
#1
Sep 4
1.6, 1.8, 1.12, 1.13, 1.16, 1.18, 1.20, 1.21.
#2
Sep 22
3.18(a-k), 3.19, 3.29, 3.31, 3.36, 3.38, 3.54(a-b), 3.55, 3.60, 3.61
#3
Oct 6
3.18(l-w), 3.37, 3.41, 3.42, 3.43, 3.45, 3.46, 3.47, 3.48, 3.54(c-e)
(Read: 3.49, 3.50, 3.51)
#4
Oct 27
4.12, 4.14, 4.20, 4.22, 4.25, 4.30, 4.31, 4.32, 4.33, 4.34
#5
Nov 17
4.39, 4.41, 4.43, 4.44, 4.46, 4.47, 4.48, 4.49, 4.53, 4.54
                   

Exams
Date
Content
First Partial
Oct 8

Second Partial
Nov 19

Final
Dec 10



 
Grading
Phys331


    
Homework (they all have the same weight)
30%
First Partial
25%
Second Partial
25%
Final
30%
Total                                                                                              110%
Yes, there is an extra 10% that you could use in case something goes wrong in any assignment.



Office Hours Phys331


My office: Workman 313, phone 835-5047, email clopez@kestrel.nmt.edu

 Any time my door is open you may come and visit.  If you prefer, you may also make an appointment. 



Policies Phys331

Permissions to change due day of a homework or exam day could be granted if the circumstances, in my opinion, warrant such change.

Grading: I will grade your home works and exams as soon as possible. Once I have returned them, you will have a maximum of two weeks to dispute your grade. There is, however, no time limit to talk to me about them.

Homework:  You are encouraged to discuss homework problems with your classmates, but I expect that  the work that you present to me for grading is your own.

Exams:  The content of each exam may vary as I see fit, but I let you know at least a week in advance. Exams are to be taken individually.

Office Hours: I have an open door policy.

Schedules: This web site will have the most up-to-date information about dates and content for home works and exams.




Philosophy Phys331

My philosophy about taking a class is that you should take it  in a similar way as you would take a job in physics or any  job for that matter. So, one should show up to work, work diligently in every assignment, and be prepared for the challenges of the job.