This course emphasizes physical processes that govern the Earth's climate and surface: radiative transfer, energy balance, hydrologic cycle and atmospheric transport. The course explores mechanisms and factors of climate variability and climate change, with a focus on the role of the atmosphere. The course also provides a framework for analysis of climate of both natural and anthropogenic environments. Topics of enquiry include the role of climate in socio-economic sector. Prerequisites: ASME 231, MATH 132, and PHYS 241. (F, S).