Coursework
The core courses and the coursework in the individual degree tracks laid out below are designed to ensure that students who obtain a B.S. in Atmospheric Sciences:
- Understand the basic physics and chemistry of the atmosphere and the fundamental nature of atmospheric circulations over a broad range of scales.
- Have an appreciation of the interaction of the atmosphere with the oceans and land surface.
- Possess a strong background in physics and mathematics.
- Be prepared for a range of career options in weather forecasting, air pollution and environmental meteorology, climate studies, TV weather forecasting, or graduate research.
- Be eligible for the rating of professional meteorologist given by the United States Civil Service Commission (meteorology track only).
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The atmospheric science major allows flexibility of course planning by providing several choices in career direction. However, all students must begin by taking a collection of core courses that provide essential material that all atmospheric scientists should master. A grade of at least 2.0 is required in the core courses, with an overall GPA of at least 2.5.These courses are:
CSE 142 (4): Introduction to Programming
MATH 124, 125, 126 (5,5,5); (or equiv.); 324 (3) Calculus
AMATH 301 (4): Introduction to MATLAB
AMATH 351, 353 (3,3) Differential Equations
PHYS 121,122, 123 (5,5,5): One year of calculus-based Physics
ATM S 301 (5): Introduction to Atmospheric Sciences
ATM S 321 (3): Science of Climate
ATM S 340 (3): Thermodynamics and Cloud Processes
ATM S 341 (3): Atmospheric Radiative Transfer
ATM S 358 (3): Fundamentals of Atmospheric Chemistry
ATM S 370 (5): Atmospheric Structure and Analysis
ATM S 431 (3): Boundary-Layer Meteorology
ATM S 441 (3): Atmospheric Motions I
Once the core courses are completed, a student will select additional upper-division courses, for a minimum of 19 credits of coursework at the 200 level or above. These credits should be chosen to provide a coherent, customized program that reflects the student's interests and career goals. Elective selections are generally made according to the student's choice of degree track - any variation from standard tracks must be approved in advance by the department. A grade of at least 2.0 is required for all elective classes that are applied to graduation requirements.
This track provides students with a strong background in dynamics, synoptic meteorology and weather forecasting, and provides the coursework required for entry into the National Weather Service, military forecasting careers or graduate school. <more>
This track provides additional background in oceanography and glaciology so that a student has a widened perspective of the climate system. <more>
Track 3: Atmospheric Chemistry and Air Quality
This track is aimed at students with interests in chemistry and/or environmental engineering who would like to apply their knowledge of atmospheric sciences to environmental issues such as evolving atmospheric composition and air quality.
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Most Atmospheric Sciences majors take their major courses during the junior and senior years, although it is certainly possible to begin the major course work as a sophomore if the prerequisites are met. Core courses are offered only once per year, with the first course beginning Autumn Quarter. It is crucial that ATM S courses are taken in the recommended sequence.
Below are suggested degree plans in each specialization for the junior and senior years. Plans do not include UW general education requirements and may vary, depending on the individual. Please note that non-ATM S courses are subject to the home departments' scheduling discretion and may not be offered as listed in degree plans. It may also be possible to complete some non-ATM S courses prior to the quarter(s) listed in the degree plans below, depending on pre-requisites and quarters offered. To discuss a degree plan, contact the Student Services Coordinator.
Track 1: Meteorology | Track 2: Climate | Track 3: Atmospheric Chemistry & Air Quality
Track 1: Meteorology
Year 1 - Autumn |
Year 1 - Winter |
Year 1 - Spring |
ATM S 301 (5cr) |
ATM S 340 (3cr) |
ATM S 321 (3cr) |
Year 2 - Autumn |
Year 2 - Winter |
Year 2 - Spring |
ATM S 431 (3cr) |
ATM S 442 (5cr) |
ATM S 452 (5cr) |
| *STAT 390 is a pre-req for ATM S 451 †MATH 324, AMATH 351, AMATH 353 are pre-reqs for ATM S 441 |
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Track 2: Climate
Year 1 - Autumn |
Year 1 - Winter |
Year 1 - Spring |
ATM S 301 (5cr) |
ATM S 340 (3cr) |
ATM S 321 (3cr) |
Year 2 - Autumn |
Year 2 - Winter |
Year 2 - Spring |
ATM S 431 (3cr) |
ATM S 442 (5cr) |
|
| †MATH 324, AMATH 351, AMATH 353 are pre-reqs for ATM S 441 | ||
Track 3: Atmospheric Chemistry and Air Quality
Year 1 - Autumn |
Year 1 - Winter |
Year 1 - Spring |
ATM S 301 (5cr) |
ATM S 340 (3cr) |
ATM S 321 (3cr) |
Year 2 - Autumn |
Year 2 - Winter |
Year 2 - Spring |
ATM S 431 (3cr) |
Electives |
Electives |
| †MATH 324, AMATH 351, AMATH 353 are pre-reqs for ATM S 441 | ||
Programs and requirements for honors students will be arranged on an individual basis. Please contact the Student Services Coordinator for more information.