NAT342 - Weather and Climate

Subject Title
Weather and Climate

Subject Description
Whether it's a snowstorm cancelling classes, a heatwave making for a perfect day at the beach, or debate regarding climate change, the weather influences decisions we make nearly every day. This course, which requires no science background, is designed to help students understand the weather and the way it works. Along the way the student will learn the answers to such questions as 'Why is the sky blue?', 'Why can you get sunburned on a cloudy day?','Why does winter occur when the Earth is closest to the Sun?', and 'Does lightning really never strike the same place twice?'.

Credit Status
One General Education elective credit in the Sciences and Social Sciences category for Seneca Diploma programs.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

Upon successful completion of this subject, the student will be able to:

1. List and explain the basic composition of the atmosphere.
2. Explain the energy systems that influence the atmosphere.
3. Explain the basic natural properties of temperature, air pressure, and humidity, and how they create and influence weather.
4. Identify common North American air masses and fronts, and explain how they influence weather.
5. Identify common cloud types, sky phenomena, and precipitation types, and explain why each occurs.
6. Identify and explain severe weather phenomena and describe the economic and human impact that such phenomena can have.
7. Explain geographical features that can affect the weather.
8. Describe and discuss the causes and effects of climate change and critically examine relevant evidence regarding climate change.
9. Read and interpret written and graphical weather information and explain and interpret it to a non-technical audience.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.