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GEOG 3601 (ENVS/ATOC 3600), Principles of Climate, Spring 2009
Tues/Thurs 11:00 - 12:15, GUGG 205
Syllabus

Instructor
Dr. P. Blanken
201C Guggenheim
Phone: 303–492–5887
Fax: 303-492-7501
E-mail: blanken@colorado.edu
http://www.colorado.edu/geography/blanken
Office Hours: Tues/Thurs 12:15 pm- 1:30 pm, or by appointment.

Teaching Assistant
John Knowles
Room 1 in the basement of Guggenheim
E-mail: John.Knowles@colorado.edu
Office Hours: Tues/Thurs 10:00 - 11:00 am, or by appointment.


Course Description

Describes the basic components of the climate system; the atmosphere, ocean, cyrosphere, and lithosphere. Investigates the basic physical processes that determine climate and the link between the components of the climate system, including the hydrologic cycle and its role in climate, climate stability, and global change. The theme throughout this course will be an examination of the importance of climate as one of the major forcing functions in environmental change. Both human-induced and natural climate variability will be covered.

Prerequisites
ATOC 1050-1060 or GEOG 3301/ATOC 3300 or GEOG 1001 and 1- semester of calculus.

Meetings
11:00 am – 12:15 pm Tuesdays & Thursdays, Guggenheim 205

Required Text
Climatology, An Atmospheric Science. Second Edition. JE Oliver and JJ Hidore.Prentice Hall. New Jersey. 410 pp.

Grading and Deadlines
Exam #1  February 12, 2009
25%
Exam #2  March 19, 2009
25%
Exam #3 April 30, 2009
25%
Assignments (6, equally weighted)  1. January 22
2. February 5
3. February 26
4. March 12
5. April 9
6. April 23
25%

The exams will likely consist of mix of multiple choice, graphing, calculations, and short and/or essay-type answers.

No makeup exams are given. Students who miss an exam without a documented and acceptable excuse (e.g. medical note) will receive a score of zero for the missed exam. Students with a valid, documented excuse for missing an exam will receive a final course grade calculated excluding the missed exam. If you know of a valid conflict with any of the exams (e.g. three exams on the same day), please contact Dr. Blanken in advance and arrange to take the exam early. Please check the exam dates before you make travel arrangements.

The numerical-to-letter grade conversion is as follows (subject to change):

A
95-100
C
73-75
A-
90-94
C-
70-72
B+
86-89
D+
66-69
B
83-85
D
63-65
B-
80-82
D-
60-62
C+
76-79
F
59 or below

Assignments
There are six take-home assignments. They can be found at the class web site, along with any data you may require. The purpose of these assignments is to reinforce and further examine in a practical sense key concepts presented in lectures. As climatology, as most sciences, deals with large volumes of data, you are strongly encouraged to take advantage of computers. You are encouraged to work with others, but you must hand in your own individual work. Any and all suspected incidents of  academic dishonesty will be reported to the Honor Code Office, and will result in a final course grade of "F" if a violation did in fact occur (see note below). It is expected that assignments be submitted in a professional, clean and neat style. Written answers must be in complete sentences and must be double-spaced and typed. Point form is unacceptable. Illegible assignments will be returned ungraded, and therefore subject to late assessment. Late assignments will deducted at 10% per day, and absolutely no assignments will be accepted after graded ones have been returned.

Statement on Disabilities
If you qualify for accommodations because of a disability, please submit to me a letter from Disability Services in a timely manner so that your needs may be addressed. Disability Services determines accommodations based on documented disabilities.  Contact: 303-492-8671, Willard 322, and http://www.Colorado.EDU/disabilityservices

Religious Obligations: Conflicts with Scheduled Exams, Assignments or Class Attendance
Campus policy regarding religious observances requires that faculty make every effort to reasonably and fairly deal with all students who, because of religious obligations, have conflicts with scheduled exams, assignments or required attendance.  If the conflict is legitimate, I will provide the opportunity for alternative time to write the exam or submit an assignment. See full details at http://www.colorado.edu/policies/fac_relig.html

Student Classroom and Course-Related Behavior
Students and faculty each have responsibility for maintaining an appropriate learning environment. Those who fail to adhere to such behavioral standards may be subject to discipline. Professional courtesy and sensitivity are especially important with respect to individuals and topics dealing with differences of race, culture, religion, politics, sexual orientation, gender, gender variance, and nationalities.  Class rosters are provided to the instructor with the student's legal name. I will gladly honor your request to address you by an alternate name or gender pronoun. Please advise me of this preference early in the semester so that I may make appropriate changes to my records.  See polices at http://www.colorado.edu/policies/classbehavior.html  and at http://www.colorado.edu/studentaffairs/judicialaffairs/code.html#student_code

The University of Colorado at Boulder policy on Discrimination and Harassment, the University of Colorado policy on Sexual Harassment and the University of Colorado policy on Amorous Relationships apply to all students, staff and faculty.  Any student, staff or faculty member who believes s/he has been the subject of discrimination or harassment based upon race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status should contact the Office of Discrimination and Harassment (ODH) at 303-492-2127 or the Office of Judicial Affairs at 303-492-5550.  Information about the ODH, the above referenced policies and the campus resources available to assist individuals regarding discrimination or harassment can be obtained at http://www.colorado.edu/odh

Academic Honesty: Honor Code
All students of the University of Colorado at Boulder are responsible for knowing and adhering to the academic integrity policy of this institution. Violations of this policy may include: cheating, plagiarism, aid of academic dishonesty, fabrication, lying, bribery, and threatening behavior.  All suspected incidents of academic misconduct shall be reported to the Honor Code Council (honor@colorado.edu; 303-725-2273). Students who are found to be in violation of the academic integrity policy will be subject to both academic sanctions from the faculty member (final course grade of  "F") and non-academic sanctions (including but not limited to university probation, suspension, or expulsion). More information on the Honor Code can be found at http://www.colorado.edu/policies/honor.html  and at http://www.colorado.edu/academics/honorcode/

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Last Modified Jan. 11, 2009 pb