Bachelor of Science · Applied Geography
Academic Plan Code: GEOGBS_MET. This track is layered on top of the Applied Geography core (30 hrs) and University General Education requirements (31 hrs). Below: track-specific requirements, core course descriptions, and a sample flight plan. Figures reflect the 2026–2027 UofL Academic Catalog.
Track Requirements
24 hours of meteorology core, plus supporting math, physics, and elective hours that bring the track to 50–76 total hours depending on how General Education is satisfied.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ENVS 220 | Introduction to Weather and Climate | 3 |
| ENVS 305 | Introduction to Weather Analysis | 3 |
| ENVS 366 | Dynamic Meteorology | 3 |
| ENVS 370 | Thermodynamic Meteorology | 3 |
| ENVS 452 | Physical Meteorology | 3 |
| ENVS 465 | Mesoscale Meteorology | 3 |
| ENVS 469 | Synoptic Meteorology | 3 |
| ENVS 575 | Satellite and Radar Meteorology | 3 |
| Minimum Total | 24 | |
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PHYS 295 | Introductory Laboratories I | 1 |
| PHYS 298 | Introductory Mechanics, Heat and Sound | 4 |
| PHYS 299 | Introductory Electricity, Magnetism and Light | 4 |
| MATH 205 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MATH 206 | Calculus II | 4 |
| MATH 325 | Introduction to Linear Algebra | 3 |
| MATH 405 | Differential Equations | 3 |
| ENVS 564 or GEOG 385 | Hydrology or Intro to Programming for GIS & Spatial Data Analysis | 3 |
| — | Minimum electives (varies by Gen Ed overlap) | 0–26 |
| Minimum Total | 26–52 | |
Students who satisfy General Education requirements through program-defined courses will need additional electives to reach the degree minimum. MATH 325, MATH 405, and ENVS 564 may be double-counted toward College requirements. At least 50 of the program's total minimum hours must be at the 300 level or above.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ENVS 200 | The Global Environment | 3 |
| ENVS 363 | Climate Science | 3 |
| GEOG 200 | Human Geography in a Changing World | 3 |
| GEOG 256 | Introduction to Quantitative Methods in Geography and Geosciences | 3 |
| GEOG 300 | Globalization and Diversity | 3 |
| GEOG 356 | Introduction to Spatial Statistics | 3 |
| GEOG 370 | Introduction to Field Methods in Geography | 3 |
| GEOG 441 | Senior Thesis Proposal | 3 |
| GEOG 442 | Senior Thesis (Culminating Undergraduate Experience) | 3 |
| GEOG 558 | Introduction to Geographic Information Systems | 3 |
| Minimum Total | 30 | |
Every Applied Geography student, regardless of track, completes 31 hours of General Education, this 30-hour major core, their track requirements, and supporting coursework, for a program minimum of 121 total hours.
Course Descriptions
All eight courses below are required. Most build directly on ENVS 370 (Thermodynamic Meteorology), which is the gateway into the upper-level sequence.
Covers season, temperature, pressure, wind and moisture of the atmosphere; storm systems such as mid-latitude cyclones, thunderstorms, tornadoes and hurricanes; the weather forecast process; and climate change.
Introduces common analysis techniques used to diagnose and predict the evolution of weather systems, with emphasis on observations and numerical weather prediction models. Students decode meteorological observations, manually create their own weather maps, and produce forecasts for real events.
A study of classical thermodynamic principles and their relationship to atmospheric processes across scales, with a central focus on moist processes and the analysis of thermodynamic charts.
An introduction to the forces responsible for atmospheric motion and the equations governing that motion, including a discussion of various forms of atmospheric balance. Also covers dimensional analysis and vorticity/circulation theorems.
Covers three areas: the physics of cloud and precipitation development (droplet formation, growth, and conversion to precipitation-sized hydrometeors), the basics of atmospheric radiative transfer (electromagnetic radiation, the blackbody approximation, radiative transfer formulas), and an introduction to radar meteorology that builds on the first two topics.
Introduces the physical processes responsible for mesoscale phenomena, emphasizing convective storms and their associated hazards. Examines the differences between mesoscale and synoptic scale and the linkages between the two. Students participate in real-world analysis and prediction of these events.
Focuses on applying theory to predict the formation and evolution of common weather features — troughs, ridges, fronts, and low/high pressure systems — with special attention to predicting the future state of the atmosphere using numerical models.
Experiential learning in meteorological remote sensing, with a focus on satellite and radar — the primary tools meteorologists use for real-time forecasting (nowcasting) and weather analysis. Students build proficiency in how these systems function and how to interpret their data.
Sample Flight Plan
A representative full-time schedule from the UofL catalog. Actual course order depends on foreign-language placement, prior credit, and course rotation (many upper-level ENVS courses run in alternating years).
Minimum total across all eight semesters: 121–123 hours. Several upper-level ENVS courses (366, 452, 465, 469) rotate on alternating years — work with an advisor to sequence them correctly.