Program Overview

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Atmospheric Science Program

Overview

Atmospheric science helps us to predict the weather and better understand complex climate patterns. This program will provide you with the necessary knowledge to develop short- and long-range weather and climate predictions, and better understand global warming and air quality issues. You will learn about severe weather, climate variability, the ozone hole, air-sea interactions, and other fascinating topics.

To gain a comprehensive understanding of atmospheric science, you will study the atmosphere through the lens of mathematics, chemistry, physics, and geography. You will come to understand how water condenses in the air, how droplets can make rain, how sunlight warms the ground and the ground warms the air, and how the atmosphere and ocean interact to shape the weather and climate.

You can choose from several different focus streams, including weather analysis and forecasting, climate science, atmospheric chemistry and physics, and general atmospheric sciences.

Careers

A degree in atmospheric sciences can lead you to exciting careers in industry, government, and academic research. The Meteorological Service of Canada (MSC) employs many of our graduates, but provincial governments and environmental consulting and engineering firms also offer stimulating and diverse career opportunities. You may also wish to pursue graduate studies in the field.

• Air Quality Meteorologist
• Climate Data Processor
• Science-based Investment Advisor
• Operational Forecaster

Courses

As an Atmospheric Science student, you can take courses like:

• ATOC 214. Introduction: Physics of the Atmosphere.
• ATOC 215. Oceans, Weather and Climate.
• ATOC 312. Rotating Fluid Dynamics.
• ATOC 315. Thermodynamics and Convection.
• ATOC 357. Atmospheric and Oceanic Science Laboratory.

Related Majors

Discover these related majors:

• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Atmospheric Science and Physics
• Geography
• Environment

Application Information

For this program, you'll need to apply to the Faculty of Science in the Physical, Earth, Math & Computer Sciences group. See the full eligibility information for more information about deadlines and required documents for your application.