Course Materials and Readings:€¦ · Web viewseminar course that includes background readings and discussions on various topics related to meteorology. The course also includes

SO470C: Capstone Seminar (Meteorology) – Section 4001Policy Statement and Course Syllabus

SO470C: Capstone Seminar (Meteorology)Spring 2019

INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Bradford S. Barrett, [email protected]

OFFICE & PHONE: Chauvenet 216; Office phone (410) 293-6567Required text:None

Prerequisite: 1/C Oceanography (SOC) Major

Course Description:

This course provides guidance on the performance and conduct of research and construction of an Oceanography Major Capstone poster, paper and presentation in the general field of meteorology. This is an instructor-facilitated, Midshipman-led seminar course that includes background readings and discussions on various topics related to meteorology. The course also includes instruction on scientific writing and presentation. The course culminates in the production of a Capstone Paper, Capstone Poster, and Presentation on a research subject of your choice. Successful completion of the Capstone course is required for graduation as an Oceanography Major.

Objectives (mapped to Oceanography Department Student Learning Outcomes, DSLO; see https://www.usna.edu/Oceanography/ForMajors/Student%20Learning%20Outcomes.php)

At the conclusion of this course students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate, in oral and written format, an advanced understanding of the basic concepts and principles and the current state-of-the-science related to a specific research topic in the field of Meteorology. (DSLO 6)

2. Perform a background literature search, critically evaluate abstracts and papers related to a specific research topic, and incorporate them into an original review paper in the field of Meteorology. (DSLO 6)

3. Synthesize and articulate a testable hypothesis or research question from knowledge gaps in the peer-reviewed literature related to a specific research topic in the field of Meteorology. (DSLO 6)

4. Collect, use, and interpret original data and evidence and/or data and evidence published by others to test a specific hypothesis or research question related to a specific research topic in the field of Meteorology. (DSLO 5)

5. Communicate the expected relevance of a specific testable hypothesis or research question related towards advancing the state-of-the-science in the field of Meteorology. (DSLO 6)

6. Effectively communicate and defend, in oral and written format, the results of research to address a specific testable hypothesis or research question related to a research topic in the field of Meteorology. (DSLO 6)

7. Work independently and together with peers (under the mentorship of a faculty research advisor) in an effective manner to include setting and meeting deadlines for tangible research deliverables on a specific research in the field of Meteorology (DSLO 6).

Meetings (MWF 4th Period, CH-218):

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https://www.usna.edu/Oceanography/ForMajors/Student%20Learning%20Outcomes.php

mailto:[email protected]


For your awareness, here are not only the meeting periods of our course (SO470C) but also for all of the courses Professor Barrett will teach this semester.

Spring AY 2019Class Period MON (M) TUES (T) WED (W) THURS (R) FRI (F)1 (0755-0845)

Research

Research2 (0855-0945)3 (0955-1045) SO286O SO286O SO286O4 (1055-1145) SO470C SO470C SO470C5 (1330-1420) SO286O SO286O SO441 SO286O6 (1430-1520) SO441 SO4417 (1530-1620)

Evening (1630-1800+)

By Appointment

By Appointment

By Appointment

By Appointment

By Appointment

Extra Instruction:

Extra instruction (EI) can be scheduled Monday (M) through Friday (F) by appointment during normal, available office hours. Individual EI can also be scheduled by special arrangement during other times. Tuesdays, and Thursday and Friday afternoons, are typically reserved for research but, under special circumstances, can be scheduled by appointment in advance. Email is the preferred method for scheduling and arranging EI. Please do not hesitate to ask for assistance; do not wait until the last minute.

Course Materials and Readings:

Readings will come from peer-reviewed sources related to individual Capstone topics. Additional Readings may be assigned from various resources provided in class, via Blackboard and/or from materials on reserve in the Nimitz Library. The reference librarian for Meteorology is Mr. Robert Correll ([email protected]), who has offered assistance in locating sources and talking through the literature review portions of your projects. Readings will be used to help guide class discussions. It is your responsibility to complete the assigned readings by the beginning of each class.

Attendance:

Attendance is governed by the table of priorities in COMDTMIDNINST 5400. If you will miss a class due to an authorized absence you must notify the instructor at least one day in advance and make other arrangements. You are responsible for any and all information provided or covered during a missed class period. Class presentations, assignments, and handouts can be obtained from another student, downloaded from the course page on Blackboard, or can be obtained by making special arrangements with the instructor. If an assignment is due on a day you are authorized to be absent, you will send it to the instructor via email or make arrangements to turn it in to the instructor NLT the end of the class period it was originally due. In the case of an emergency or excused illness, contact the instructor as soon as possible to make arrangements to make-up any missed assignments. A missed assignment due to an emergency or excused illness must be rescheduled with the instructor within two days of return to avoid a late penalty (-10% per day). A grade of zero will be assigned for work not turned in within a week of the original due date or a revised due date scheduled with the instructor. The Instructor reserves the right to give a grade of zero to any assignment that is turned in late.

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mailto:[email protected]


Section Leader:

The assigned Section Leader will become thoroughly familiar with the Academic Accountability System. Section Leaders will be responsible for calling the Section to attention and reporting absences to the instructor prior to the beginning of each class. If the instructor is not present at the start of class or during class for any reason, the Section Leader is responsible for maintaining class order until given further instruction or being relieved by a faculty member. If the instructor is more than 5 minutes late to the start of a class or lab, the Section Leader should attempt to locate the instructor in the Oceanography Department (2nd deck Chauvenet). If unsuccessful, the Section Leader should contact Mr. Leith Daghastini (CH-200; x3-6550).

Classroom Policy:

This is a seminar type class which may seem more informal that other classes but professional appearance and proper military etiquette and courtesy will still be maintained at all times. Sleeping in class is not acceptable behavior. If you are having trouble staying awake in class, quietly stand up and move to the side or back of the room.

Unless required for official watch duties, cell phones, PDAs, or other personal, portable electronic devices should be stowed properly and turned off while in class or lab.

Walking out of class in the middle of a class is disruptive to your instructor and classmates. Midshipmen will refrain from leaving during class unless absolutely necessary. In such cases, get the instructor’s attention, ask permission to leave and, if given permission, quietly excuse yourself and return promptly and quietly to the classroom, minimizing disruption of the class in session.

Desktop and laptop computers in the classroom are meant for authorized, instructional purposes only. Refrain from unauthorized laptop or computer use during class or lab including playing games, sending email, social media, unauthorized downloads, or working on assignments for other classes.

Bring a pencil with eraser, pen, materials for taking notes, and assigned readings/materials to each lab and class.

No food is allowed in the classroom. Drinks are allowed if they are in a closeable, leak-proof container.

Classroom discussion and participation is encouraged. All discussions should be respectful and within the standards of good taste.

Collaboration on assignments is only acceptable in cases explicitly authorized by the Instructor otherwise work will reflect individual effort.

Honor:

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As future leaders of the Navy & Marine Corps and our nation, the Honor Concept is always in effect.

“Midshipmen are persons of integrity: We stand for that which is right. We tell the truth and ensure that the full truth is known. We do not lie. We embrace fairness in all actions. We ensure that work submitted as our own is our own, and that assistance received from any source is authorized and properly documented. We do not cheat. We respect the property of others and ensure that others are able to benefit from the use of their own property. We do not steal.”

Ignorance of what constitutes honorable actions or behavior is not an excuse for acting dishonorably. If at any time you have a question or doubt as to whether your actions or behavior are in accordance with the Honor Concept, it is your duty to immediately bring the issue to the attention of the Instructor for clarification and guidance. This Course Policy Statement offers additional guidelines specific to this course and in no way supersedes official guidance promulgated in USNAINST 1610.3H (HONOR CONCEPT OF THE BRIGADE OF MIDSHIPMEN) or USNAINST 1531.53B (Policies Concerning Graded Academic Work).

Plagiarism: Plagiarism is stealing, using, and/or presenting someone else’s ideas, words, data products, graphics, pictures, computer code, or any other intellectual property as your own without explicit permission and/or without giving proper acknowledgement or credit to the originator or owner. Plagiarism is theft and fraud. You must fully, openly, and properly credit any ideas or sources used that are not your own. If at any time you have a question or a doubt as to whether your actions or behavior constitute plagiarism, it is your duty to get clarification and guidance. Ignorance of what constitutes plagiarism is not an excuse for committing plagiarism. For any case related to this course where the Honor Concept is suspected to have been violated, separate from the Honor System, the Instructor reserves the right to institute additional academic penalties such as a failing grade for the course or a failing grade on assignments or course deliverables potentially impacted by the offense.

Grading:

Final grades will be based on the following:Graded Exercise 6 Week 12 Week 16 Week FinalCapstone Progress/Deliverables/Assignments 65% 35% 10.0% 10.0%SOW/Individual Topic Presentations 30% 30% 10.0% 10.0%Capstone Poster - 30% 30.0% 30.0%Capstone Paper - - 30.0% 30.0%Capstone Presentation - - 20.0% 20.0%Participation 5% 5% +/-5% +/-5%Letter grades are assigned according to a straight scale (i.e. A = 100-90%; B = 89-80%; C = 79-70%; D = 69-60%; and F* = <60%).

Failure to complete and turn-in a Capstone paper and/or complete Capstone Presentations and/or complete Capstone Poster by the required due dates will result in a failing grade for the course. A failing grade on the Capstone paper will result in a failing grade for the course. A passing grade is required for graduation from USNA as an Oceanography Major.Capstone Progress/Deliverables/Assignments and Due Dates:

Individual and group research on your Capstone Topic is a major part of the Capstone

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Research Paper process, so some course meeting times will be devoted to individual research outside of the classroom. You are expected to utilize this time wisely (i.e., you and your group actually spend the time in the library or another research facility) and to meet the due dates for all assignments and deliverables. Late work will be penalized (see Late Work Policy). Assignments turned-in for grading are expected to be complete and be of high-quality. The instructor reserves the right to refuse incomplete and/or poor-quality work or turn-it back for revision with a penalty.

Late Work Policy:

All assignments are due on the due date unless explicitly authorized by the instructor. Written assignments are due electronically to the instructor NLT 1800 on the due date. Any assignment not turned in by 1800 on the due date but turned in before 2400 on the same day will be subject to a penalty of -5% of the full grade. A penalty of -10% will be assessed for each additional day (including weekends) an assignment is late. A grade of zero will be assigned for assignments not turned in within a week of the original due date. Since this course is structured around a discrete deliverables (Capstone Paper/Presentation/Poster), extensions on due dates are not normally granted. In special cases involving emergencies or extenuating circumstances, however, it may be possible to negotiate a revised scheduled or due dates with the instructor.

Statement of Work (SOW) Proposals/Individual Topic Presentations:

You will be required to prepare 2 oral presentations (generally 5-10 minutes, plus questions/discussion) in addition to your final Capstone Research Presentation. Presentations will be given both as a Capstone group and as an individual. The Group presentation will be Project Statement of Work (SOW) Proposal and a final Capstone Research Presentation. The individual presentation will be an overview or review of a peer-reviewed research paper related to your Capstone Research Paper topic. Presentations will be given to the seminar group to facilitate group discussion. As presenter(s), you will be the subject matter expert and will lead the class in discussion. Presentations should be well thought-out, organized, thorough, and practiced. Presentations will be graded on content, mechanics (proper citations, spelling, punctuation, etc.), format, presentation style, and professionalism in leading the seminar group. All sources of information used must be clearly and properly cited where they appear in all presentations.

Capstone Poster and Capstone Day:

Oceanography Department Capstone students will participate in a Yard-Wide Capstone Day to be held on Wednesday, 24 APR 2019. This event will be a chance to highlight and celebrate your achievements as graduating Oceanography majors. Each Capstone Group will prepare and present a Research Poster on their Capstone Research Project. Poster Templates and guidelines will be promulgated separately.

Capstone Research Paper:

You (and your Capstone partner, if assigned) will be required to prepare a high-quality, correctly formatted Capstone Research Paper using computer-based and library research products to address a specific research question on an assigned subject within the field of Oceanography that demonstrates a broad undergraduate-level knowledge of oceanography and/or meteorology. The Capstone Paper format will follow the general guidelines found on the Department of

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Oceanography home page under Forms and Instructions/Paper Guidelines (http://www.usna.edu/Oceanography/). The Capstone Research Paper will be 20-30 double-spaced pages (not including cover page, table of contents, abstract, and reference cited) in 12-point Times New Roman font with 1” margins on all sides. You are required to have at least fifteen (15) relevant peer-reviewed scientific journal articles that address your Capstone topic. Articles generally should not be more than 10 years old. However, 1-2 older landmark articles deemed necessary for development of the topic are permitted. The completed paper must correctly use and cite these scientific journal articles. If you cannot find enough peer-reviewed literature, you may have to change topics! Textbooks, reports, and popular literature may be used as supplements (in addition to the nine scientific journal articles), but the paper must be substantially based on recent scientific literature. Mr. Robert Correll in the Nimitz Library has put together an excellent resource on meteorology and oceanography, hosted at https://libguides.usna.edu/oceanography. He is an excellent resource to assist you in locating quality references. Internet sources are not generally peer-reviewed, so these references should be used sparingly and with Capstone course instructor approval. Internet sources still need to be cited correctly, but those sources will not count toward the required 15 peer-reviewed scientific journal article references. The use, analysis, and interpretation of actual scientific data in your Capstone Research Paper is required. You are also encouraged to incorporate Navy & Marine Corps relevance applications into your Capstone Research Topic/Paper. (This is a requirement if you wish your Capstone Research Paper to be considered for the Hendrix and/or Williams Awards). Your Capstone Research Paper will be graded following the general guidelines of the Capstone Paper Grading Rubric (Appendix A).

Capstone Research Presentation:

Your Group Capstone Research Presentation will be a 10-15 minute oral summary of your Capstone Research to be given in front of your peers, the instructor, and any invited guests. At the conclusion of your presentation there will be 5-10 minutes allowed for questions from the audience. The preferred presentation method will be via an electronic slide presentation (e.g., PowerPoint) but other types of advanced visual aids are also welcome. Your Capstone Research Presentation will be graded following the general guidelines of the Capstone Research Presentation Rubric (Appendix B).

Participation:

You are encouraged to ask questions and generate discussions related to oceanography in class. Participation will make-up +/-5% of your total grade.

Proposed Syllabus (Updated 13 January 2019; Subject to Change):

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https://libguides.usna.edu/oceanography

http://www.usna.edu/Oceanography/


Week Day Date Lesson/Laboratory Comments

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M 1/07T 1/08 Capstone Intro A. DaviesW 1/09 Independent ResearchR 1/10

F 1/11 Project Resources and EdMaps A. Davies

2

M 1/14 Project Selections Project topics due!T 1/15W 1/16 Independent ResearchR 1/17F 1/18 Citation Presentations Citation Assignment due

3

M 1/21 HolidayT 1/22

W 1/23 Developing a Statement of Work

R 1/24

F 1/25 Group meetings Meet in groups w/Prof Barrett

4

M 1/28 Group meetings Meet in groups w/Prof Barrett

T 1/29W 1/30 Independent Research R 1/31

F 2/01 Statement of Work presentations

Group presentations (7 mins each)

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M 2/04 Independent Research T 2/05W 2/06 Independent Research R 2/07

F 2/08 Writing the Introduction, Figures and Tables

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M 2/11 Group Status Meets Academic Reserve; Introduction Section Draft Due

T 2/12 Academic ReserveW 2/13 Group Status Meets Academic ReserveR 2/14 Academic ReserveF 2/15 Independent Research Academic Reserve

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M 2/18 HolidayT 2/19

W 2/20 Introduction Section Comments

R 2/21F 2/22 Independent Research

8 M 2/25 Independent ResearchT 2/26

W 2/27 Writing the Data and Methods section

R 2/28

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Week Day Date Lesson/Laboratory CommentsF 3/01 Independent Research

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M 3/04 Individual Topic Presentations Methods Section Draft Due

T 3/05

W 3/06 Individual Topic Presentations


10

M 3/11 Spring BreakT 3/12 Spring BreakW 3/13 Spring BreakR 3/14 Spring BreakF 3/15 Spring Break

11

M 3/18 THE POSTERT 3/19

W 3/20 Writing the Results Section


12

M 3/25 Writing the Discussion Section

T 3/26

W 3/27 Writing the Conclusions Section


13

M 4/01 Group Status Meets Poster Draft Due Academic Reserve

T 4/02 Academic ReserveW 4/03 Group Status Meets Academic ReserveR 4/04 Academic ReserveF 4/05 Independent Research Academic Reserve

14

M 4/08 Poster Feedback Capstone Paper Drafts DueT 4/09W 4/10 Independent Research R 4/11F 4/12 Independent Research Final Posters due to MSC

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M 4/15 Group Presentations w/ A. Davies; A Keppel; L. Rodriguez

T 4/16W 4/17 Independent ResearchR 4/18

F 4/19 Group Presentations w/ A. Davies; A Keppel; L. Rodriguez

16M 4/22 Group Presentations

w/ A. Davies; A Keppel; L. Rodriguez

Final Capstone Paper DueT 4/23

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Week Day Date Lesson/Laboratory CommentsW 4/24 CAPSTONE DAY Alumni HallR 4/25F 4/26 Capstone day feedback

17 M 4/29 Course Wrap-Up Student Opinion FormsT 4/30

The instructor reserves the right to make reasonable changes and adjustments to the course policy and syllabus as required. All major changes will be promulgated in writing.

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SO470C: Capstone Seminar (Meteorology), Section 4001; Appendix A – Capstone Paper Grading Rubric

CRITERION EXCELLENT (A) GOOD (B) ADEQUATE (C) UNSATISFACTORY (D) FAILING (F) SCORE

Clear Focus/Assignment(10%)ParametersInstructionsPurpose

Student exceeds requirements of the assignment. Extremely focused and coherent.

Student meets requirements of the assignment. Focused and coherent.

Student meets most requirements of the assignment. Some confusion but generally focused and coherent.

Student fails to meet requirements of the assignment. Unfocused, incoherent.

Student does not attempt to meet requirements of the assignment. Little of value is written

Student has carefully considered type of reader audience.

Student has adequately considered type of reader audience.

Student has not adequately considered type of reader audience.

Student has given little consideration to the type of reader audience.

Student has neglected consideration of the type of reader audience.

Paper addresses scope and purpose of the assignment.

Paper addresses scope and purpose of the assignment adequately.

Paper shows lack of care in considering assignment scope and purpose.

Little consideration given to assignment purpose, scope

No consideration given to assignment purpose, scope.

Paper follows instructions. Paper generally follows instructions with minor exceptions.

Paper does not follow all instructions. Paper fails to follow instructions. Paper does not attempt to follow instructions.

Style(30%)MechanicsFormatUsageSyntaxGrammarCitations

Sentence structure is sophisticated, creative, varied. Facility with language is apparent, with correct and appropriate usage.

Sentences are clear, complete and varied in structure. Language usage is generally correct and language is appropriate.

Little variety or sophistication in length and structure of sentences. Writing is occasionally wordy and unclear.

Sentence length and structure lack variety. Writing is wordy and unclear.

Sentence length and structure have no variety. Writing is erratic and incoherent.

Punctuation, spelling, capitalization, etc., are correct. No grammatical errors.

Punctuation, spelling, capitalization, etc., are generally correct. Very few grammatical errors.

Errors appear in word usage, spelling, punctuation, capitalization, etc. Some grammatical errors.

Frequent errors in usage, word choice, spelling, punctuation, capitalization, citations, etc. Major grammatical errors are frequent.

Word usage is inappropriate, errors in spelling, punctuation, capitalization, citations are common. Grammatical errors are pervasive.

Paper format follows guidelines. Paper format follows guidelines. Paper format inconsistent or does not always follow guidelines.

Paper format is sloppy and does not follow guidelines.

Paper format is chaotic and does not attempt to follow guidelines.

Figures, tables, appendices, and captions are well-formatted, informative, clear, and appropriately used.

Figures, tables, appendices, and captions are generally formatted properly, informative, clear, appropriately used.

Figures, tables, appendices, and captions have some mistakes in formatting, and/or have questionable value, are unclear, or not always appropriately used.

Figures, tables, appendices, and captions are not formatted properly, and/or have little value.

Figures, tables, appendices, and captions are lacking, have major errors in formatting, and/or have no value.

References and citations are complete and consistently formatted correctly.

References and citations are complete with minor formatting errors.

References and citations are generally complete; some formatting errors.

Some references and citations are missing; inconsistent citation format; formatting errors.

References and citations are missing; not formatted correctly.

Structure(15%)AbstractIntroductionMethodsResultsDiscussionConclusionThesisParagraphsTransitions

Paper is logically organized. All sections are complete and focused.

Paper generally focused. Sections are mostly complete but occasionally lack focus.

Organization is not always logical. Some sections inadequate/ incomplete and/or lacking focus.

Paper is poorly organized. Sections are poorly developed and lack focus.

Paper is disorganized and chaotic. Sections are missing and /or not developed or focused.

Thesis or controlling idea clearly articulated and well-developed.

Thesis or controlling idea articulated and developed.

Controlling idea unfocused and only partially developed. Thesis may be too narrow or too broad.

Thesis is poorly defined, too narrow or too broad.

No thesis or controlling idea.

Coherent paragraphs, substantially developed, unified around single topic.

Coherent paragraphs, substantially developed, generally unified around single topic.

Student attempts to provide coherence and unity but is not always successful.

Paragraphs do not stick with a single topic, lack coherence and unity.

Incoherent paragraphs, no unity.

Logical transitions, signaled by connecting language.

Logical transitions, normally signaled by connecting language.

Paper occasionally skips around without adequate transitions.

Frequent problems with transitions. No transitions.

Content/Thought(45%)KnowledgeResearchAnalysisContentConclusionsCreativity

Paper demonstrates in-depth knowledge of subject and excellent research.

Paper demonstrates knowledge of subject and good research.

Knowledge of subject is adequate but not deep. Adequate research.

Knowledge of subject is shallow. Little research.

No knowledge of subject. No research.

Thesis or controlling idea is fully supported with evidence, reasons, quotes, etc. Excellent analysis.

Thesis or controlling idea is supported with evidence, reasons, quotes, etc. Good analysis.

Thesis or controlling idea is supported but not extensively. Adequate analysis.

Thesis or controlling idea is not supported. Little analysis.

No attempt at supporting thesis or controlling idea. No analysis.

Conclusions follow from information presented.

Conclusions generally follow from information presented.

Conclusions are incomplete or do not follow directly from information presented.

Conclusions are missing or do not follow from information presented.

No conclusions or inconsistent with information presented.

Sources of information are examined critically and weighed against other sources.

Sources of information are examined critically and weighed against other sources.

Information sources are flawed or accepted uncritically.

Student makes little effort to consider critically the sources of information.

No attempt to consider critically sources of information.

Writer shows ability to think critically and creatively.

Writer shows some ability to think critically and creatively.

Writer occasionally shows ability to think critically and creatively.

Writer shows little ability to think critically and creatively.

Writer shows no ability to think critically and creatively.

Total Score

A - 1

U. S. Naval Academy, Spring AY 2019 (12/14/2018, supersedes all previous versions)

SO470C: Capstone Seminar (Meteorology) – Section 3001Appendix B: Presentation and Poster Rubric

PRESENTER NAME(S): _________________________________________________

Presentation Criteria: Unsat

(0)Poor (1)

Fair (2)

Avg (3)

Good (4)

Excellent (5)

1. Presents a clear, concise, and appropriate title of the work and the names the author…introduces the work. 2. Clearly identifies the relevant research question(s), problem, or opportunity addressed in the presentation.3. Explains importance of question/problem/ opportunity at hand and briefly Introduces /reviews history/ background of the issue.4. Clearly discusses the Methods used to address the research question (i.e. in-situ or remotely-sensed observations, lab experiment, numerical modeling study).5. Presents Results (data or other evidence that supports the author’s hypothesis) and summarizes them for the audience (citations).6. Discusses results, including adequate interpretation WRT research question and strengths and weaknesses in the data/evidence.7. Presents Conclusions that follow from results, and presents a concise summary of the paper.8. Makes recommendation for course of action/solution to the problem (follow on studies, new technology, modeling approaches, etc.), and addresses likelihood of success.9. Use of presentation format (design, visual aids, figures, colors, bullets) REFERENCES/ CITATIONS10. Presentation style (audible, establishes rapport with audience, minimizes distractions, stays within time limit, knowledgeable on topic)11. Questions (leaves time for questions, handles questions with poise)Comments:

B - 1

Documents

Course Materials and Readings:€¦ · Web viewseminar course that includes background readings and discussions on various topics related to meteorology. The course also includes