Atmospheric Science

Undergraduate major and honours specializations in Atmospheric Science and the Diploma in Meteorology are offered cooperatively by the Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences and the Department of Geography. Students should direct enquiries to the Atmospheric Sciences Specialization. For information concerning the diploma program see Diploma in Meteorology.

The Major in Atmospheric Science is available for students with a broad interest in the Earth’s atmosphere. Students who wish to pursue a professional career as an atmospheric scientist or environmental consultant should consider graduate study leading to advanced degrees; see graduate Atmospheric Science. For more information, visit Atmospheric Science.

For details of other undergraduate Science specializations available in the Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, see Earth and Ocean Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Geological Sciences, Geophysics, and Oceanography. The Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences also offers Geological Engineering as part of the B.A.Sc. degree program.

Co-operative Education Option

This option integrates academic study with relevant supervised work experience. The work placements are arranged by mutual agreement between the students and the employing organizations. Enrolment is limited. Admission is by application to the Science Co-op Office in February prior to third year. Selection will be based on previous academic performance and general suitability to the work environment as assessed by resumé and interview. Graduation from the Co-op program requires completion of four work terms, in addition to the normal courses required for the specialization. Detailed information is available from Atmospheric Sciences or the Co-operative Education Office.

Specializations

Major (0167): Atmospheric Science (ATSC)
 

Specialization Objectives

Mastery of the curriculum will provide a thorough background in atmospheric sciences, which will:

1. qualify the student for work as an atmospheric technician or environmental consultant;
2. qualify the student for graduate study in meteorology and atmospheric sciences (with appropriate course background).

Learning Goals

Students completing this specialization will be able to:

1. demonstrate basic knowledge of atmospheric physics, dynamics, and chemistry on a wide range of scales;
2. utilize information from weather radar, satellites, numerical weather prediction, weather maps, and soundings to form a 3-D understanding of atmospheric state and evolution;
3. use numerical problem solving, computer programming, mathematical knowledge and statistical approaches for data analysis and atmospheric modelling;
4. communicate (written, oral, electronic) weather information to a broad audience;
5. deploy and utilize meteorological field and lab instruments and data loggers;
6. integrate meteorological knowledge with broader issues including air quality, environment, sustainability, renewable energy, and climate variability.

Honours (0429): Atmospheric Science (ATSC)
 

Specialization Objectives

Honours will provide more depth than the Major. Mastery of the curriculum will provide a thorough background in atmospheric sciences, which will:

1. qualify the student for graduate study in meteorology and atmospheric sciences;
2. satisfy the scientific-content requirements for weather-forecaster jobs with Environment Canada and other agencies;
3. qualify the student as a meteorologist.

Learning Goals

Students completing this specialization will be able to:

1. demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of atmospheric physics, dynamics, and chemistry on a wide range of scales;
2. associate atmospheric processes with terms in governing differential equations;
3. utilize information from weather radar, satellites, numerical weather prediction, weather maps, and soundings to form a 3-D understanding of atmospheric state and evolution;
4. use numerical problem solving, computer programming, and statistical approaches for data analysis and atmospheric modelling;
5. communicate (written, oral, electronic) weather information to a broad audience;
6. deploy and utilize meteorological field and lab instruments and data loggers;
7. define, conduct, and present results of an independent research project;
8. integrate meteorological knowledge with broader issues including air quality, environment, sustainability, renewable energy, and climate variability.

Combined Honours (1372): Atmospheric Science and Computer Science (ATSC, CPSC)