Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - GEOG 214 D100

Weather and Climate (3)

Class Number: 2275

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 19, 2026
    Sun, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    GEOG 111.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An examination of the basic principles and processes governing the Earth's weather and climate. Topics include: radiation, greenhouse effect, clouds, precipitation, atmospheric circulation, mid-latitude cyclones, tropical storms, climate change. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

Course Details: This course examines the fundamental principles and processes governing the Earth’s weather and climate. Topics examined in this course include:

  • Atmospheric composition and structure
  • Radiation and energy
  • Daily and seasonal temperature variations
  • Atmospheric humidity, clouds and precipitation
  • Winds at different spatial scales
  • Air masses, fronts, midlatitude cyclones
  • Thunderstorms, tornadoes and hurricanes
  • Global climates
  • Global warming

Course organization: One 2-hour lecture and one 2-hour lab session per week. Lab attendance and participation is required.

Lab sessions will start in the second week of classes.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

After completing this course students will be able to:

  • Explain the fundamental principles and processes governing the Earth’s atmosphere
  • Explain how weather phenomena arise, how they change over seasonal and longer timescales, and how they lead to distinct climates across the globe
  • Discuss human influence on the atmosphere
  • Demonstrate proficiency in the quantitative analysis of weather and climate data
  • Effectively communicate scientific information in written and visual form

Grading

  • Laboratory Assignments 35%
  • Weather Journal 10%
  • In-class Participation 5%
  • Midterm Exam 20%
  • Final Exam 30%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

A computer and reliable internet will be needed for attending lectures/labs remotely (e.g., via Zoom) and accessing Canvas for teaching materials.

REQUIRED READING:

Ahrens, C.D., Jackson P.L. and Jackson C.E.J (2015), Meteorology Today: An Introduction to Weather, Climate and The Environment, 2nd Canadian Edition, Nelson Education, ISBN: 9780176530792.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.