Introduction to Atmospheric and Oceanic Physics

Introduction to atmospheric and oceanic physics covering thermodynamics of multiphase systems, atmospheric thermodynamic analysis, microphysical processes, and heat/moisture conduction from surfaces.

no offering record for this termCredits unavailable
Recorded instructors · Spring 2027 No instructors listed

Summary

1 / 4

Recent recorded grades — Fall 2023: 3.62 GPA, 76.9% A/AB (n=13 letter grades); Fall 2024: 3.69 GPA, 85.7% A/AB (n=21 letter grades); Fall 2025: 3.86 GPA, 100.0% A/AB (n=11 letter grades).

What you’ll be able to do

  • Describe the basic principles of atmospheric and oceanic thermodynamics.

  • Explain why water vapor is important to the thermodynamics of the atmosphere.

  • Describe the importance of the Clausius-Clapeyron equation in weather and climate.

  • Interpret Skew-T diagrams.

  • Share skills and techniques in analysis and interpretation with classmates.

Source: UW Guide

Grade history

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average GPA
letter grades
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All recorded terms · compare terms & instructors

Prerequisites

Course map

(PHYSICS 202, 208, or 248) and MATH 234, or graduate/professional standing

  • (PHYSICS 202, 208, or 248) and MATH 234, or graduate/professional standing
ATMOCN 630 used by

“Used by” includes alternatives; linked courses may have other requirements. This is a best-effort interpretation; check the catalog requirements above.

Prerequisite text tree
  • (PHYSICS 202, 208, or 248) and MATH 234, or graduate/professional standing

Professors

Spring 2027

No instructors recorded for this selection.

Historical instructors & teaching patterns

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Calendar & sections

Spring 2027

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Student experience

the class

Recent recorded grades — Fall 2023: 3.62 GPA, 76.9% A/AB (n=13 letter grades); Fall 2024: 3.69 GPA, 85.7% A/AB (n=21 letter grades); Fall 2025: 3.86 GPA, 100.0% A/AB (n=11 letter grades).

difficulty & workload

No workload feedback recorded.

Topics

  • Thermodynamics theory of multiphase systems
  • Thermodynamic analysis of the atmosphere
  • Microphysical processes in the atmosphere
  • Atmospheric and oceanic chemical processes
  • Conduction of heat and moisture from ocean and land surfaces
  • Importance of water vapor to atmospheric thermodynamics
  • Clausius-Clapeyron equation in weather and climate

Skills

  • Thermodynamic analysis of the atmosphere
  • Interpreting Skew-T diagrams
  • Sharing analysis and interpretation techniques

Grades

Latest available · Fall 2025— not enough history to project Spring 2027.

average GPA
A / AB grades
letter grades
Instructor

Grade distribution · % of letter grades

A
AB
B
BC
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Grades over time

Through Fall 2025

More grade details Grade mix, volume & source data

Not enough comparable courses for Spring 2027 in UW–Madison.

Sources & history

UW–Madison

Catalog & offerings

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Model outputs & technical records
Qwen/Qwen3.8-27B
LLM outputs across runs
Full model traces

Recorded model configuration, reasoning, and tool conversations.

Model & dataset provenance
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  "requirements_status": "needs_review",
  "dataset_revision": "fc1811fa52e581ea57a35c0cf3343f8740a8ffbf",
  "observed_at": "2026-10-14 17:50:09.728220+00:00"
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