Atmospheric Sciences (ATS)
ATS 003, UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH, 0 Credits
Engage in research activities appropriate to the discipline; and through the research experience, acquire skills, techniques, and knowledge relevant to the field of study. In consultation with a faculty mentor, engage in research activity, and make and execute a plan for a project.
ATS 004, INTERNSHIP, 0 Credits
Provides basic personal and professional skills that can be used within and outside of a work setting. Through practice, this experience guides students in building and maintaining positive professional relationships, networking/mentoring relationships, and enhances students’ understanding of the connection between theory and practice in their respective disciplines.
ATS 201, +*CLIMATE SCIENCE, 4 Credits
Examines physical laws that govern Earth’s climate and interactions with chemical and biological processes on land, in the atmosphere, oceans, and cryosphere. Analyzes past, present, and potential future climate changes due to natural and human causes using observations, paleoclimate data, models, and laboratory exercises. Explores impacts of climate change on natural and human systems, economics, ethics, and solutions.
Attributes: CFSI – Core Ed - Scientific Inquiry & Analysis; CPPS – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Physical Science
Equivalent to: ATS 201H
Available via Ecampus
ATS 201H, +*CLIMATE SCIENCE, 4 Credits
Examines physical laws that govern Earth’s climate and interactions with chemical and biological processes on land, in the atmosphere, oceans, and cryosphere. Analyzes past, present, and potential future climate changes due to natural and human causes using observations, paleoclimate data, models, and laboratory exercises. Explores impacts of climate change on natural and human systems, economics, ethics, and solutions.
Attributes: CFSI – Core Ed - Scientific Inquiry & Analysis; CPPS – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Physical Science; HNRS – Honors Course Designator
Equivalent to: ATS 201
ATS 295, OBSERVING CLIMATE, 3 Credits
Explores various climate-related variables in the environment, emphasizing hands-on experiences and team-based observations. Deploys relevant instruments in collaborative teams. Documents procedures and assesses sources of uncertainty in measurement processes. Integrates qualitative and quantitative scientific observations, synthesizing them with theoretical concepts. Aims to decolonialize concepts of climate observations and foster inclusion across disciplines and cultures.
Prerequisite: ATS 201 with C- or better or ATS 201H with C- or better or ATS 310 with C- or better
ATS 301, CLIMATE DATA ANALYSIS, 4 Credits
Quantitative methods to characterize the physical climate system and detect change. Interpret data based on source timescale, and statistics; communicate conclusions and uncertainties regarding past climate and future changes.
Prerequisite: (ATS 201 with C- or better or ATS 201H with C- or better) and (ST 351 [C-] or ST 351H [C-])
ATS 302, MATHEMATICAL APPLICATIONS IN THE EARTH SCIENCES, 4 Credits
An introductory survey of mathematical applications in climate science, meteorology, oceanography, geology, and geophysics. Topics may include conservation laws, harmonic motion, exponential growth/decay, linear approximations, numerical methods, waves, diffusion, fluid flow, systems of equations, inverse problems, and data analysis.
Prerequisite: MTH 252 with C- or better or MTH 252H with C- or better
ATS 310, METEOROLOGY, 4 Credits
The study of the atmosphere, in particular atmospheric phenomena that we experience as weather. Key physical concepts in meteorology are introduced and explored. The physics of the atmosphere necessary to understand why atmospheric phenomena occur and how these are forecast is discussed. Meteorological data from observations and models will be analyzed to explore concepts introduced in the context of the weather we experience.
Prerequisite: (MTH 251 with C- or better or MTH 251H with C- or better) and (PH 201 [D-] or PH 201H [D-] or PH 211 [D-] or PH 211H [D-]) and (PH 202 (may be taken concurrently) [D-] or PH 202H (may be taken concurrently) [D-] or PH 212 (may be taken concurrently) [D-] or PH 212H (may be taken concurrently) [D-] or CH 121 (may be taken concurrently) [D-] or CH 231 (may be taken concurrently) [D-] or CH 231H (may be taken concurrently) [D-])
ATS 341, *SNOW, SMOKE, AND STORMS: CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS IN THE PNW, 3 Credits
Climate change will alter mountain snowpack, water availability, coastal storms, erosion, and sea level in the Pacific Northwest. Increasing temperatures and changing precipitation patterns will lead to more extreme drought and flooding events, wildfire seasons, and insect and disease outbreaks in forests. These changes will impact the region's natural resource economy; heritage and quality of life; water, transportation, and energy infrastructure; and health and social systems. Case studies of past extreme years highlight the close interrelationships between the climate, the natural and built environment, and the health and well-being of the Pacific Northwest’s residents.
Attributes: CSST – Bacc Core, Synthesis, Science/Technology/Society
Available via Ecampus
ATS 342, *FROZEN: OUR ICY PLANET IN CLIMATE AND SOCIETAL CONTEXT, 3 Credits
Explores the components of the Earth system that include frozen water, such as glaciers, ice caps, snow pack, permafrost and sea ice, which comprise the cryosphere. Introduces their global distribution, processes that control their seasonality, and their role in the Earth system. Assesses the geophysics and societal implication of the changing cryosphere of Planet Earth. Develops critical inquiry skills to understand environmental change and formulate responses to this.
Attributes: CSGI – Bacc Core, Synthesis, Contemporary Global Issues
ATS 399, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-16 Credits
Equivalent to: ATS 399H
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
ATS 399H, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-16 Credits
Attributes: HNRS – Honors Course Designator
Equivalent to: ATS 399
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
ATS 401, RESEARCH, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 24 credits.
ATS 403, THESIS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 24 credits.
ATS 405, READING AND CONFERENCE, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
ATS 406, PROJECTS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 24 credits.
ATS 407, SEMINAR, 1 Credit
This course is repeatable for 12 credits.
ATS 408, WORKSHOP, 1-12 Credits
This course is repeatable for 12 credits.
ATS 410, INTERNSHIP, 1-12 Credits
This course is repeatable for 48 credits.
Recommended: 12 credits of upper-division college courses
ATS 411, THERMODYNAMICS AND CLOUD MICROPHYSICS, 4 Credits
Thermodynamic processes in the atmosphere, and an introduction to cloud microphysics.
Prerequisite: (MTH 254 with D- or better or MTH 254H with D- or better) and (PH 213 [D-] or PH 213H [D-])
ATS 412, ATMOSPHERIC RADIATION, 3 Credits
Examines properties of radiation and the electromagnetic spectrum. Explores reflection and refraction; radiative properties of natural surfaces; thermal emission; atmospheric transmission and emission; absorption by atmospheric gases; broadband fluxes and heating rates; introduction to the radiative transfer equation; scattering and absorption by particles.
Prerequisite: (MTH 254 with C- or better or MTH 254H with C- or better or ATS 302 with C- or better) and (PH 202 [C-] or PH 212 [C-] or PH 212H [C-])
ATS 415, ATMOSPHERIC DYNAMICS, 4 Credits
Derivation of the equations and physical constraints governing atmospheric motions, including conservation laws and their atmospheric applications. Primitive equations: non-linear differential equations used to approximate atmospheric flow. Various types of balanced flows. Vertical atmospheric motion and its causes. Circulation, vorticity, and divergence. Quasi-geostrophic motions and adjustment to geostrophic balance. Atmospheric waves: theory, development, and propagation. Synoptic-scale Rossby waves. Baroclinic instability. General circulation of the atmosphere.
Prerequisite: ATS 301 with C- or better and ATS 310 [C-] and (ATS 302 (may be taken concurrently) [C-] or MTH 254 (may be taken concurrently) [C-] or MTH 254H (may be taken concurrently) [C-]) and (PH 202 (may be taken concurrently) [C-] or PH 212 (may be taken concurrently) [C-] or PH 212H (may be taken concurrently) [C-])
ATS 417, WEATHER SYSTEM DYNAMICS AND FORECASTING, 4 Credits
Dynamics of weather systems and basic forecasting methods. Mid-latitude storm formation and structure; basic dynamical equations and applications to real-time weather; map analysis; description and interpretation of weather prediction models; forecasting methods; Pacific NW weather.
Prerequisite: ATS 310 with C- or better or ME 311 with C- or better or ME 311H with C- or better or NSE 311 with C- or better or NSE 311H with C- or better or BEE 311 with C- or better or CE 311 with C- or better or ARE 311 with C- or better
ATS 420, CLIMATE PHYSICS, 4 Credits
Physics-based analyses of climate past, present, and future. Detailed explorations of the energy balance and radiative transfer at the top of the atmosphere, within the atmosphere, and at the Earth's surface. Hydrologic cycle. Ice and climate. Radiative-convective equilibrium. General circulation of the atmosphere and ocean. History and evolution of Earth's climate. Climate sensitivity and feedbacks. Climate variability. Natural and anthropogenic climate change.
Prerequisite: (MTH 252 with C- or better or MTH 252H with C- or better) and (PH 202 [C-] or PH 212 [C-] or PH 212H [C-]) and (ATS 301 [C-] or (PH 365 [C-] and PH 366 [C-])) and (ATS 310 [C-] or PH 315 [C-])
ATS 421, CLIMATE MODELING, 4 Credits
Numerical models of the physics, chemistry, biology, and geology of the climate system. A range of climate models from a simple, single equation to complex state-of-the-science systems used for future projections. Theoretical concepts will be linked to practical applications through hands-on programming exercises and data analysis.
Prerequisite: ATS 420 with C- or better and (ATS 301 [C-] or (PH 365 [C-] and PH 366 [C-])) and (MTH 254 [C-] or MTH 254H [C-] or ATS 302 [C-])
ATS 441, ^NORTHWEST CLIMATE AND WEATHER, 4 Credits
A survey of climate and weather phenomena that are consequential in the northwestern United States. The Pacific Ocean, the North Pacific jet and storm track, mountain and coastal meteorology, and topographic features like the region’s mountains and Columbia River Gorge all affect the climate and weather of the Northwest, which in turn affect the region’s hydrologic characteristics, vegetation, and numerous other natural and human systems. Preexisting content knowledge and analytical skills are used to produce a comprehensive written report and oral presentation for a regional stakeholder.
Attributes: CSWC – Core Ed - Writing Intensive Curriculum (WIC); CWIC – Bacc Core, Skills, Writing Intensive Curriculum (WIC)
ATS 499, SPECIAL TOPICS, 0-4 Credits
This course is repeatable for 12 credits.
ATS 501, RESEARCH, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 24 credits.
ATS 503, THESIS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 999 credits.
ATS 505, READING AND CONFERENCE, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
ATS 506, PROJECTS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 72 credits.
ATS 507, SEMINAR, 1 Credit
This course is repeatable for 48 credits.
ATS 508, WORKSHOP, 1-12 Credits
This course is repeatable for 12 credits.
ATS 511, THERMODYNAMICS AND CLOUD MICROPHYSICS, 4 Credits
Thermodynamic processes in the atmosphere, and an introduction to cloud microphysics.
ATS 512, ATMOSPHERIC RADIATION, 3 Credits
Examines properties of radiation and the electromagnetic spectrum. Explores reflection and refraction; radiative properties of natural surfaces; thermal emission; atmospheric transmission and emission; absorption by atmospheric gases; broadband fluxes and heating rates; introduction to the radiative transfer equation; scattering and absorption by particles.
ATS 515, ATMOSPHERIC DYNAMICS, 4 Credits
Derivation of the equations and physical constraints governing atmospheric motions, including conservation laws and their atmospheric applications. Primitive equations: non-linear differential equations used to approximate atmospheric flow. Various types of balanced flows. Vertical atmospheric motion and its causes. Circulation, vorticity, and divergence. Quasi-geostrophic motions and adjustment to geostrophic balance. Atmospheric waves: theory, development, and propagation. Synoptic-scale Rossby waves. Baroclinic instability. General circulation of the atmosphere.
Prerequisite: OEAS 530 with C- or better
Recommended: One year of college calculus and physics
ATS 517, WEATHER SYSTEM DYNAMICS AND FORECASTING, 4 Credits
Dynamics of weather systems and basic forecasting methods. Mid-latitude storm formation and structure; basic dynamical equations and applications to real-time weather; map analysis; description and interpretation of weather prediction models; forecasting methods; Pacific NW weather.
Prerequisite: OEAS 530 with C- or better
ATS 520, CLIMATE PHYSICS, 4 Credits
Physics-based analyses of climate past, present, and future. Detailed explorations of the energy balance and radiative transfer at the top of the atmosphere, within the atmosphere, and at the Earth's surface. Hydrologic cycle. Ice and climate. Radiative-convective equilibrium. General circulation of the atmosphere and ocean. History and evolution of Earth's climate. Climate sensitivity and feedbacks. Climate variability. Natural and anthropogenic climate change.
Prerequisite: OEAS 530 with C- or better
ATS 521, CLIMATE MODELING, 4 Credits
Numerical models of the physics, chemistry, biology, and geology of the climate system. A range of climate models from a simple, single equation to complex state-of-the-science systems used for future projections. Theoretical concepts will be linked to practical applications through hands-on programming exercises and data analysis.
Prerequisite: ATS 520 with C- or better or OEAS 530 with C- or better
Recommended: One year of college calculus and physics. Python programming experience or concurrent enrollment in ATS 508 (Python for Climate Modeling)
ATS 541, NORTHWEST CLIMATE AND WEATHER, 4 Credits
A survey of climate and weather phenomena that are consequential in the northwestern United States. The Pacific Ocean, the North Pacific jet and storm track, mountain and coastal meteorology, and topographic features like the region’s mountains and Columbia River Gorge all affect the climate and weather of the Northwest, which in turn affect the region’s hydrologic characteristics, vegetation, and numerous other natural and human systems. Preexisting content knowledge and analytical skills are used to produce a comprehensive written report and oral presentation for a regional stakeholder.
Prerequisite: OEAS 530 with C- or better or ATS 520 with C- or better
ATS 599, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-4 Credits
This course is repeatable for 12 credits.
ATS 601, RESEARCH, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 36 credits.
ATS 603, THESIS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 999 credits.
ATS 605, READING AND CONFERENCE, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
ATS 606, PROJECTS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 84 credits.
ATS 607, SEMINAR, 1 Credit
This course is repeatable for 48 credits.
ATS 608, WORKSHOP, 1-12 Credits
This course is repeatable for 12 credits.
ATS 615, LARGE-SCALE INTERACTIONS OF THE OCEAN AND ATMOSPHERE, 3 Credits
Ocean-atmosphere circulations in the time-mean and seasonal cycles, equatorial wave modes, El Nino-Southern Oscillation, Madden-Julian oscillation, teleconnections and atmospheric bridges, mid-latitude air-sea interactions, Pacific and Atlantic decadal variability, the North Atlantic oscillation/Arctic oscillation.
Prerequisite: (ATS 515 with C or better or OC 670 with C or better)
ATS 699, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-4 Credits
This course is repeatable for 12 credits.