Weather and Climate examines atmospheric science — temperature, pressure, winds, humidity, and extreme weather phenomena like tornadoes and tropical cyclones.
What NSCI 170 covers
An introduction to the basic principles of atmospheric science. The goal is to use scientific and quantitative reasoning to make informed decisions about topics related to atmospheric science.
Topics include the effect of different weather elements (such as temperature, pressure, winds, and humidity) on weather patterns and climate. Discussion also covers weather phenomena such as El Niño, thunderstorms, tornadoes, tropical cyclones, and midlatitude cyclones, as well as the impact of humans on Earth's atmosphere.
Typical NSCI 170 assignments
Expect an assignment requiring you to explain how specific weather elements (such as pressure or humidity) drive a named weather phenomenon, and connect it to informed decision-making.
Key topics in NSCI 170
- Weather elements and their effects
- Extreme weather phenomena
- El Niño and cyclone systems
- Human impact on Earth's atmosphere
Writing tips for NSCI 170
Follow the assignment instructions and rubric line by line
UMGC assignments for NSCI 170 are graded against a specific rubric or grading criteria your instructor provides — every requirement has to be visibly addressed. Skipping a requirement because it seems minor is one of the most common reasons a strong submission loses points.
Ground claims in current scientific research, not general knowledge
NSCI 170 expects claims about a scientific topic to be grounded in current, cited research — a general or outdated claim about a scientific topic, even if directionally correct, usually loses points against the rubric's expectation of current evidence.
Connect the science to real-world decision-making
UMGC's Natural Science courses consistently frame content around using scientific reasoning to make informed real-world decisions — an assignment that stays purely theoretical without that real-world decision-making connection is missing a piece the rubric typically wants.
Stuck on your NSCI 170 assignment?
Our writers know UMGC's course structure and this class's typical assignments. Get an original, properly cited paper matched to your syllabus and rubric.
Why students seek help with NSCI 170
Students sometimes describe a weather phenomenon without connecting it to the specific weather elements driving it, which NSCI 170 specifically requires — the rubric typically wants that causal mechanism explained, not just the phenomenon described.
How GradeEssays helps with NSCI 170
Share your NSCI 170 assignment and rubric, and your writer will help you build the causal explanation connecting weather elements to your chosen phenomenon.
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Place Your Order View All ServicesPrerequisites and course context
NSCI 170 has no prerequisites, and is itself a prerequisite or corequisite for NSCI 171. Note: students may receive credit for only one of GNSC 170, GNSC 398D, or NSCI 170.
Related courses
Frequently asked questions
No, NSCI 170 has no prerequisites. It is itself a prerequisite or corequisite for NSCI 171 (Weather and Climate Laboratory).
Students may receive credit for only one of GNSC 170, GNSC 398D, or NSCI 170, since they cover the same atmospheric science content.