Course syllabus
Contents
Course syllabus¶
ATM 350: Meteorological Data Analysis & Visualization
Spring 2023 (T/Th 3:00-4:20 ETEC-450)
Class number: 4269
Instructors¶
Ross Lazear | ETEC-417 | rlazear@albany.edu |
Kevin Tyle | ETEC-419 | ktyle@albany.edu |
Office hours¶
Ross | M/W 2-3 PM, and by appointment | Zoom by request |
Kevin |Tu/Th 1:30-2:30 PM, and by appointment | Zoom by request |
Class webpages¶
http://www.atmos.albany.edu/facstaff/ktyle/atm350
Jupyterhub servers (UAlbany and DAES computing account required): https://ash.atmos.albany.edu:8000 –OR- [https://reed.atmos.albany.edu:8000]
Prerequisites¶
ATM211, ATM316
Course description and learning objectives¶
This course provides an introduction to the analysis and visualization of datasets of relevance to the atmospheric sciences. Students will master a selection of software applications used to display and manipulate these datasets.
The course will primarily focus on open-source software developed for Linux and Linux-like operating systems (i.e., UNIX); therefore, students will learn the basics of the UNIX command shell environment, via an introduction to common UNIX commands. The bulk of the course will involve the use of the Python programming language. Students will develop Python scripts, primarily via the Jupyter web-based programming environment, to analyze and visualize meteorological datasets. These datasets will be drawn from both real-time and archived data sources.
The course will be conducted via a mix of classroom lectures and exercises. We anticipate giving five homework assignments. Each assignment will have equal weight in the determination of the overall homework score, which will account for 75% of the student’s final course grade (thus, each assignment will be worth 15% of the final course score). Each student will prepare and present a final project on a case study of their choice using analysis and visualization techniques that they have learned during the semester. This project will also account for 25% of the student’s final grade.
Homework assignments will be distributed and discussed typically at the end of a class period and will be due at the start of class on the date specified, unless otherwise directed. For the first 24 hours that the assignment is turned in late, one point will be deducted from the maximum total of ten. Each successive day (including weekends) that the assignment is tardy will entail an additional one-point loss. Since assignments will typically be submitted electronically, each file will automatically have a timestamp, to avoid any questions of the time that the student completed the homework. The instructors reserve the right to make exceptions to the tardiness policy if the situation warrants.
Students are encouraged to interactively follow along with the presented material using their own laptops. It is expected though that during class time, computer use will be restricted to ATM350-related material, not private web surfing, social networking, etc.
Grading and assessment¶
75% Homework
25% Project
Cell phones:¶
Unless an emergency, please put away your cell phones during class.
UAlbany policies and procedures¶
Absences: Medical: Please refer to the University’s medical excuse policy
COVID-19 resources for students: The University at Albany is committed to providing an excellent education for every student in an environment that maintains the health, safety and well-being of our entire campus community. For more info, see https://www.albany.edu/information-students
Religious observances: New York State Education Law Section 224-A excuses absences due to religious beliefs. Students must notify the instructors in a timely manner prior to the absence.
Academic grievance policy: Students who seek to challenge an academic grade or evaluation of their work in a course or seminar, or in research or another educational activity may request a review of the evaluation by filing an academic grievance. For more info, see https://www.albany.edu/graduatebulletin/requirements_degree.htm#academic_grievance .
Campus workplace violence prevention policy and program: UAlbany is committed to providing a safe learning and work environment for the University’s community. For more info, see https://www.albany.edu/hr/assets/Campus_Violence_Prevention.pdf
Accommodating Disabilities Policy: Please visit Albany’s Disability Resource Center for more info: https://www.albany.edu/disability/
Standards of academic integrity: Please refer to https://www.albany.edu/graduatebulletin/requirements_degree.htm#standards_integrity
Policy on allegations of unlawful discrimination and sexual harassment: Please refer to https://www.albany.edu/general-counsel/assets/Sexual_Harassment_Policy_and_Procedures_Revised_6-20014.pdf.