Atmospheric Sciences

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Nolan Atkins, Professor 
Bruce Berryman, Professor
Janel Hanrahan, Assistant Professor
Jason Shafer, Associate Professor

Brian Papa, ATM Systems Administrator
 

Bachelor of Science in Atmospheric Sciences

- Graduate School Concentration
- Broadcasting Concentration
- Climate Change Concentration
- Computer Science Concentration
- Environmental Sciences Concentration
- National Weather Service/Military Concentration
- Private Industry Concentration

Certificate in Post-Baccalaureate Study 

Minor: Atmospheric Sciences

Pre-Atmospheric Sciences Program

Mission Statement

The Lyndon State College Department of Atmospheric Sciences provides students who are passionate about weather a high-quality educational experience. We do so by offering a modern curriculum that integrates theory and hands-on learning in a supportive environment. We value challenging and helping students as they focus their education within a broad range of career interests.

Program Goals

The Atmospheric Sciences Department has adopted the following program goals:

• to provide students with the necessary education and training to be successful and competitive in their chosen career concentration
• to provide students with a broad-based understanding of atmospheric science fundamentals with a modern and rigorous curriculum
• to provide students with several concentrations that allow them to develop specialized skills
• to provide and encourage a range of experiential learning opportunities, including:

1. Data analysis and interpretation in a laboratory setting
2. Internships
3. Field trips and participation in field programs
4. Research experiences
5. Practice in preparing and communicating weather forecasts

• to provide students with opportunities to develop leadership skills.
• to expose students to professionals and atmospheric science conferences beyond the campus environment.

Program Description

We are a group of students and professors who enjoy experiencing weather in all its beauty and bluster, enjoy applying mathematical and physical principles to understand what causes weather events, and enjoy using that knowledge to protect people and communities from hazardous weather phenomena. We are energized by being among people with similar interests and outlooks. Once we decide which major field of the atmospheric sciences (from forecasting to broadcasting to research to societal impacts) we wish to prepare for a career in, we chose one (or more!) of the department’s seven specialized concentrations for additional learning experiences. We have fun and use our weather interest and our knowledge of science in professional and social activities that our award winning student club organizes and hosts.

Student Learning Outcomes

At the end of their B.S. Atmospheric Sciences (ATM) degree program, successful students will be able to demonstrate the ability to:

• apply fundamental mathematical and physical concepts to the analysis and understanding of atmospheric sciences related events.
• correctly analyze atmospheric sciences related data, and develop a scientifically based weather forecast
• use computer skills to analyze, display, and manipulate atmospheric sciences related data
• effectively present atmospheric sciences related concepts to knowledgeable

Assessing Student Learning Outcomes

Each May the department conducts activities within courses for senior students to demonstrate their ability to apply the knowledge gained in four years of study in the department. The results are collated, analyzed, and discussed by the instructors to provide an enhanced level of understanding of student achievement on the SLO’s. In turn, this leads the department to annual decisions regarding changes in pedagogy and content to be implemented for its continuous improvement.

Certificate of Post-Baccalaureate Study in Atmospheric Sciences

This certificate documents educational achievement in atmospheric sciences beyond that associated with a BS degree. This program is for those who wish to:

• gain an advantage in today’s competitive job market
• bolster their preparation for admission to graduate school, or
• re-train for job placement or career change

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