This is a self-paced independent study course. Computer-based learning (CBL) modules authored by the Cooperative Program for Mesoscale Meteorology, Education and Training (COMET) are an integral part of this course. Students complete modules on Doppler radar, mesoscale boundaries, and heavy precipitation and write a paper on a topic related to each of these major subject areas. The student also completes a semester-long project in mesoscale meteorology which is summarized in a written report following the format and style of a paper submitted to a professional meteorological journal.
The course syllabus provides more information on course structure, required work, and grading policy.
The next section provides examples of student semester projects. These projects usually review a recent significant mesoscale weather event. The written summaries present a literature review of related papers, the synoptic-scale situation, the mesoscale situation, and a concluding section. The objectives of the semester project are to (1) systematically review the meteorological factors responsible for the event and (2) gain experience in preparing a paper for a meteorological journal. The examples of semester projects which follow only include the abstract, introduction, and several pertinent figures.
Workstations used heavily for these projects were acquired through NSF-ILI Award DUE-9250140: Undergraduate Mesoscale Meteorology Laboratory. These workstaions and peripheral equipment are in the Department of Meteorology's collaborative research facility colocated with the National Weather Service Forecast Office in State College.