Meteorology

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The WVC Earth Sciences Department is committed to offering comprehensive courses that promote understanding the Earth and the Universe. Courses range from those designed for the non-science major to Earth Science major transfer students in Geological Sciences, Astronomy, Meteorology, Climatology, and geological or hydrological Environmental Science. The department offers a wide variety of courses designed to meet the general educational, pre-professional and overall academic goals of WVC students.

Program Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate understanding of theories and application of concepts pertinent to Earth Sciences and Astronomy, including the ability to make direct observations of the world and interpret the observations scientifically. 

Demonstrate competence and self-confidence required to gain a fuller practical and theoretical understanding of Earth Sciences. 

Apply the scientific method and problem-solving skills appropriate to terrestrial and astronomical phenomena. 

When applicable, know how to utilize and manipulate laboratory equipment, specimens, field observations, and numerical data to investigate phenomena of the Earth and Universe in a lab setting, in the field, and on a computing device. 

Classes

METR 110: Earth's Changing Climate

Credits

Study climate and climate change. Determine what controls global climate and individual climate zones on earth. Reconstruct changing climates of the past. Analyze the effects of greenhouse gases and aerosols, human influences on climate, and the effects of Earth's changing climate on humans and other species.

METR 210: Introduction to Weather & Climate

Credits

Explore Earth's atmosphere and the factors that determine weather, seasons and climate. Practice measuring and forecasting the weather. Learn to read weather maps, identify clouds, and understand the causes and consequences of extreme storms. Includes laboratory.