Online Class: Meteorology Fundamentals

The study of land, atmospheric pressure, cloud formation and storms offers students of meteorology a never-ending and fascinating look into the forces of nature and our surrounding environment.

Self-Paced, Online Class
Library Subscription
 
  • 12
    Lessons
  • 19
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 9
    Hours
    average time
  • 0.9
    CEUs
  •  
    Video Audit
    Available
 
 

Course Description

Meteorology: Unraveling Nature's Mysteries

Meteorology is the ever-evolving study of our planet's dynamic atmosphere and its phenomena, offering insights into the spectacular, ever-changing tapestry of our skies. It is a discipline that stands at the intersection of science, beauty, and impact. From the serene beauty of a golden sunset to the raw power of hurricanes, meteorology presents a window into the world's most magnificent and sometimes, menacing performances.

This expansive field not only explores the visual wonders of the atmosphere but also delves deep into understanding the intrinsic factors shaping these phenomena. It touches upon the study of land terrains, the interplay of atmospheric pressures, the artistry behind cloud formations, and the underlying forces that spawn formidable storms.

Our Basic Meteorology course serves as a compass guiding you through the profound topics, from understanding how geographical variances influence weather patterns to the intricacies of cloud formations, the dynamics of wind currents, cutting-edge forecasting methodologies, and the significant global weather phenomena like El Niño.

Course Outline:

  • Lesson 1: Introduction to Meteorology A foundational dive into the realm of meteorology, setting the stage for the subsequent explorations.

  • Lesson 2: Climate Differentiating between weather and climate and understanding the larger forces that influence climatic patterns.

  • Lesson 3: All About Clouds A picturesque journey into the world of clouds, their types, formation, and significance.

  • Lesson 4: Blowing in the Wind A look into the invisible but powerful wind currents and what drives them.

  • Lesson 5: Under Pressure Deciphering the role of atmospheric pressures in creating and influencing weather systems.

  • Lesson 6: Weather Forecasting Unpacking the science and technologies behind predicting the skies, from local forecasts to global trends.

  • Lesson 7: Stormy Weather Venturing into the heart of storms, understanding their genesis, and the factors contributing to their intensity.

  • Lesson 8: Global Weather Patterns A macroscopic view of weather, studying recurrent global phenomena and their ramifications.

  • Lesson 9: Water and Weather Delving into the symbiotic relationship between aquatic systems and atmospheric conditions.

  • Lesson 10: Conservation and Weather Issues Evaluating the mutual influence of conservation efforts and weather patterns, highlighting the significance of sustainable practices.

  • Lesson 11: Weather Effects Investigating the multidimensional impact of weather on ecosystems, economies, and societies at large.

  • Lesson 12: Careers in Meteorology A glimpse into the diverse career avenues within meteorology, guiding students toward potential future pathways.

As daily life is intertwined with weather, from choosing attire to travel plans, an understanding of meteorology influences our everyday decisions. Moreover, in the epoch of climatic challenges, discerning the role humans play in influencing local and global weather patterns is pivotal. This course not only provides historical insights into man's age-old endeavors in predicting the skies but also critically evaluates the anthropogenic effects on contemporary climates.

Students will also gain hands-on experiences: observing skies for impending changes, understanding the creation of nature's formidable powers, and appreciating the nuances of the meteorological world.

For those with an innate curiosity about the world overhead, or professionals aiming for a career in related fields, this course stands as a holistic, insightful, and engaging introduction to meteorology. Dive deep, explore, and let the wonders of the atmosphere unveil themselves in all their glory!

Courses Frequently Bought Together:

Course Motivation

Why is Meteorology Important?

The study of weather and weather patterns and climate is important not only for agricultural reasons, but also for the potential safety of inhabitants around the world. Understanding forces that shape weather and climate can help save lives and protect the environment. Knowing what to look for in the atmosphere may serve to warn of approaching danger and damage which could be caused by hurricanes and tornadoes.

The impact of pollution and deforestation are studied by meteorologists who attempt to understand the impact that such situations have on the natural cycle of animals, plant life, mountains, and deserts.

Weather affects farmers, the environment, and mankind. Weather forecasting is a skill that has always been of interest to mankind and the ability to predict weather is an admired ability that has been honored from ancient times to the present.  Over the years, accuracy and weather forecasting has improved drastically.  Weather forecasting and determinations regarding rainfall and temperature are reasonably accurate, and the ability to spot severe and dangerous weather storm patterns such as hurricanes and tornadoes have saved countless lives.

Meteorologists must understand various aspects of the Earth's environment, including the ocean, mountains, deserts, and other environmental factors that affect weather patterns. Meteorologists and oceanographers often work together to study the impact of the atmosphere with the oceans. Many other meteorologists are also biologists who study plants and animals and how they interact with the atmosphere and the environment around them.

These days, meteorologists make use of high tech aircraft, satellites, radar, and computers to help forecast weather, but many individuals still rely on tried and true methods of weather prediction, including cloud watching, to help in forecasting weather on their own. 

This course on meteorology will provide the basics in the study of the atmosphere and various weather patterns, including climate, clouds, and air masses, as well as weather forecasting. Determining high and low pressure and the formation of tornadoes and hurricanes will also be explained. Weather patterns such as El Niño as well as the impact of ocean currents and evaporation over large bodies of water will be introduced. 

No study of meteorology would be complete without an understanding of the basics of water conservation or the various opportunities and careers to be found within the field of meteorology. This course will also provide basic tips on water conservation, protecting the environment, and how we humans can impact our immediate environment.

Conclusion
The study of meteorology is a fascinating subject. It goes much beyond weather watching.  It also utilizes knowledge of geography and science. Whether you want to learn the difference between various clouds and cloud patterns or you are interested in storm watching, the study of meteorology will help provide the basics to identify clouds, rainfall, and various types of air of masses and fronts that affect our climate and our weather. Learn more by joining this course today!
 
 

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:
4.4 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(2,439 votes)
  • Lesson 1. Introduction to Meteorology

    What is meteorology? Weather Watching Basics
  • Lesson 2. Climate

    Climate and Seasons. How Geography affects weather (coastline, mountain, desert, and others).
  • Lesson 3. All About Clouds

    All About Clouds, Precipitation, and Wind Forces.
  • Lesson 4. Blowing in the Wind

    Fronts and Air Masses. Common types of each. Air Pressure and Humidity.
  • Lesson 5. Under Pressure

    Under Pressure, High Pressure, Low Pressure.
  • Lesson 6. Weather Forecasting

    Weather Forecasting
  • Lesson 7. Stormy Weather

    Stormy Weather, Tornadoes, and Hurricanes.
  • Lesson 8. Global Weather Patterns

    Global Weather Patterns and El Nino.
  • Lesson 9. Water and Weather

    Bodies of Water and impact of circulation and evaporation.
  • Lesson 10. Conservation and Weather Issues

    Weather Conservation, Saving Water, Changing weather patterns
  • Lesson 11. Weather Effects

    Weather Effects, Rainbows, Aurora Borealis.
  • Lesson 12. Careers in Meteorology

    Careers in Meteorology
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Define climate.
  • Summarize cloud types and cloud formations.
  • Describe and identify the different wind types.
  • Describe pressure.
  • Summarize how weather forecasting works.
  • Describe various storm weather patterns.
  • Summarize global weather patterns.
  • Summarize conservation and weather issues.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 

Additional Course Information

Online CEU Certificate
  • Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
  • Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
  • Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
  • View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
  • Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media
Document Your CEUs on Your Resume
 
Course Title: Meteorology Fundamentals
Course Number: 7550433
Lessons Rating: 4.4 / 5 Stars (2,439 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: This course is online and available in all 50 states including: California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Texas.
Last Updated: October 2023
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Class
CEU Value: 0.9 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.
Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams
Instructor: UniversalClass Instructional Team
Syllabus: View Syllabus

Student Testimonials

  • "This instructor is an expert, and also she is very encouraging and provides excellent feedback. I have taken Chemistry, Geology, Ecology, as well as this Meteorology course with her. I will take any intro-ductory courses she teaches in the future." -- Judith J.
  • "I appreciated the picture of my instructor in the corner. Nice touch! Even though I did not have any questions to ask my instructor, I did appreciate the short positive comments that were sent after each assignment and test. (I'm a retired teacher myself)." -- Lanny B.
  • "Course was excellent also the instructor." -- Guillermo C.
  • "The course as a whole was helpful as all material fitted together nicely. The layout and presentation of the material was excellent. What was most helpful was the fact that it promted you to do your own research to look at each subject in greater depth. " -- Paul W.
  • "I ENJOYED THE COURSE AND HOPE THAT THERE COULD BE A CONTINUING COURSE WITH EVEN MORE STUDY ON THE SUBJECT OF EXTREME WEATHER. THE INSTUCTOR WAS GREAT AND QUICK TO ANSWER ON ALL QUIZES AND TESTS I HOPE TO JOINING ANOTHER CLASS SOMETIME WITH THIS INSTRUCTOR. THANKS!" -- Demetra G.
  • "Study of clouds was the most helpful because they are so easily observable. It was fascinating learning that different types of clouds can portend future weather patterns." -- Catherine R.
  • "I FOUND THE VIDEO PART OF EACH LESSON MOST HELPFUL IT HELPED ME TO REVIEW WHAT I HAD READ AND MOST HELPFUL TO REVIEW BEFORE EACH EXAM I TOOK FOR EACH LESSON. VERY WELL LAID OUT COURSE AND EASY TO USE. I REALLY ENJOYED LEARNING BY THIS METHOD OF ONLINE CLASS." -- Edward E.
  • "I appreciated the instructor's encouraging comments :)" -- Bonnie L.
  • "All of it. Really enjoyed the content" -- Bonnie L.
  • "Course was a great learning experience, really enjoyed it, and the instructor was excellent and was available like all the time! Everything in this Course was really helpful!" -- Marcus M.
View More Testimonials...