EarthStorm

General degree requirements

An overview of degree requirements for a Bachelor of Science in atmospheric sciences or meteorology is provided here (courtesy of the American Meteorological Society).

Specific degree requirements

Requirements of specific degree-granting institutions are listed to provide a sample of the similarities and differences in the Bachelor of Science in atmospheric sciences or meteorology. This list is not intended to be complete and the inclusion (or exclusion) of a given institution should not be considered as an endorsement by the Oklahoma Climatological Survey.

University of Wisconsin - Madison

2003-2005 Requirements for the Bachelor of Science in
Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences
College of Letters and Sciences

849 Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Space Sciences Building, 1225 West Dayton Street, Madison, WI 53706; 608/262-2828; www.aos.wisc.edu

Professors Ackerman, Hitchman, Liu, Norman, Tripoli, Wang, Young; Associate Professors Foley, Martin, Morgan, Petty; Assistant Professors Bennartz, DeWeaver, Vimont, Winguth; Adjunct Professors Baum, Key, Menzel

Undergraduate adviser in the major: Professor Jonathan E. Martin, 1425A Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Space Sciences Building, aosadv@aos.wisc.edu, 262-9845/262-2828

Faculty diversity liaison: Michael Morgan, morgan@aurora.aos.wisc.edu

The study of atmospheric and oceanic sciences includes all aspects of the atmosphere and physical oceanography, their mutual interaction, and their interaction with space and the rest of the earth system. Although a primary goal is to understand the atmosphere and ocean for the purpose of predicting the weather, atmospheric and oceanic sciences embraces much more: motions at large, medium, and small scales; past, present, and future climates; air chemistry and quality; clouds, precipitation, and atmospheric electricity; and solar and terrestrial radiation. In many areas, new remote-sensing technology including satellites is used to provide circulation patterns at both global and local scales.

Many undergraduates take an elementary atmospheric and oceanic sciences course to meet part of their natural or physical science breadth requirements. Other students, who have had adequate mathematics and physics preparation, take higher level atmospheric and oceanic sciences courses to complement their major work in other fields of natural science. An atmospheric and oceanic sciences major receives a thorough introduction to the basic concepts and tools in the core courses. An array of elective courses are offered in the senior year, with tracks in the areas of weather systems, earth/environmental science, and general and applied atmospheric and oceanic sciences. Elective groups are tailored individually. Some students will want preparation for careers in areas such as operational forecasting, environmental consulting, and broadcasting. Others will seek preparation for graduate work leading to a broader range of careers.

Requirements for the Major

Because the atmospheric and oceanic sciences involve applying the principles and techniques of physical science to the fluid atmosphere and ocean, a strong background in mathematics, physics, and chemistry is necessary. Requirements for admission to the atmospheric and oceanic sciences major include a combined grade point average of 2.25 or better in the following courses:

Calculus: three semesters equivalent to Math 221, 222, 234. Physics: two semesters, calculus based, equivalent to Physics 207-208 or 201-202.

Chemistry: one semester.

In addition, one computer sciences course in programming such as C++, Fortran, or another approved language (or working programming knowledge in one of these languages) is required.

A Declaration of Major form must be completed by the student and authorized by the departmental undergraduate adviser. The undergraduate adviser will require a transcript or DARS report at this time.

Completion of the major requires a grade point average of 2.0 or better in the following courses:

10 credits in core sequence Atm Ocn 310, 311, 330, and 340. (Note that core sequence begins in the fall semester only.)

At least 12 credits in atmospheric and oceanic sciences courses numbered above 400. These shall include at least 1 credit in the Capstone Seminar 405, or an independent study research project, or a senior thesis. No more than 2 of the 12 credits may be earned with internships. At least one course in mathematics, computer sciences, or statistics with a prerequisite of Math 234.

All students are required to fulfill the L&S requirement of at least 15 credits of upper-level work in the major completed in residence. All atmospheric and oceanic sciences courses numbered 300 and above count toward this requirement.

Honors in the Major

The honors requirements are to provide the best possible training for an undergraduate wishing to pursue graduate work in atmospheric and oceanic sciences. The honors student should select an adviser in the department for guidance in their work in Honors in the Major. The honors track in atmospheric and oceanic sciences consists of all the requirements for an undergraduate degree with the addition of one of the following courses above the major requirements: Atm Ocn 601, Atm Ocn 611, or a course agreed upon with the adviser and intended to broaden the background of the student in the field of atmospheric and oceanic sciences. A senior thesis under the guidance of the adviser and requiring Atm Ocn 681 and Atm Ocn 682 is required for Honors in the Major. The GPA for all courses in the atmospheric and oceanic sciences Honors in the Major must be 3.4 or higher.

Course Descriptions

COURSES IN ATMOSPHERIC AND OCEANIC SCIENCES

Occasionally offered courses. (Check with the department to see when these courses will be offered.) 110, 161, 362, 450.

All classes listed in the course descriptions section will be offered regularly unless otherwise noted. Please check with the department office for information on specific courses.

100 Weather and Climate. I, II, SS; 3 cr (P-E). Nature and variability of wind, temperature, cloud and precipitation. Storm systems, fronts, thunderstorms, tornadoes and their prediction. Air composition and pollution. Global winds, seasonal changes, climate and climatic change. P: Open to Fr. Stdts may not receive cr for both Atm Ocn 100 & 101.

101 Weather and Climate. I, II, SS; 4 cr (P-E). Nature and variability of wind, temperature, clouds and precipitation. Discussion session will include map analyses and basic quantitative lab exercises. Storm systems, fronts, thunderstorms, tornadoes and their prediction. Air composition and polluction. Global winds, seasonal changes, climate and climatic change. P: Open to Fr. Stdts may not receive cr for both Atm Ocn 100 & 101.

105 Survey of Oceanography. (Crosslisted with Geology) I, SS; 3-4 cr (P-E). Nature and behavior of ocean water, interaction of oceans and atmosphere, structure of the ocean floor, life in the oceans, our relationship to the marine environment. P: High school physics or chem recommended. Open to Fr.

121 Atmospheric Environment and Society. (Crosslisted with Envir St, Geog) II or SS; 2 cr (P-E). Changing interactions between humans, other animals and plants, and the atmospheric environment, both in time and space. P: Open to Fr.

132 Earth's Water: Natural Science and Human Use. (Crosslisted with Soil Sci) II; 3 cr (P-E). Water is central to the functioning of planet Earth. As humans increase their impact on Earth's systems and cohabitants, our understanding of the multiple roles of water becomes critical to finding sustainable strategies for human and exosystem health. This course explores the science of Earth's hydrosphere, with constant attention to human uses and impacts. P: HS math & science. Open to Fr.

151 Weather for Sailors. Irr.; 2 cr (N-E). Surface wind variations, sea/land breezes, gusts and thunderstorms, shore effects, global winds and migratory weather systems, interpreting weather maps, waves. P: Open to Fr.

152 Weather for Pilots. II or SS; 1-2 cr (P-E). Weather for Pilots is an applied meteorology course designed for pilots and student pilots. The goal of the course is to provide a learning opportunity for those interested in studying advanced aviation-weather topics. P: Open to Fr.

171 Global Change: Atmospheric Issues and Problems. (Crosslisted with Envir St) I, SS; 2-3 cr (P-E). Atmospheric problems of global significance. Greenhouse warming, ozone layer, acid rain, climate change. Study based on elementary principles of atmospheric science. Systems approach applied to changing atmospheric composition. Interactions among geochemical cycles, anthropogenic inputs and other parts of the environment.

204 Introduction to Atmospheric Science for Scientists and Engineers. I, II, SS; 3 cr (P-I). Math-based introduction to physical processes and important phenomena of the earth's atmosphere. Applications of basic thermodynamics and dynamics to explain storms, global weather systems and climate change. Uses algebra and trigonometry, but no calculus. Designed for science and engineering majors. P: HS algebra, trig, physics. Cannot receive cr for both 100 (or 101) & 204. Open to Fr.

252 Introduction to Weather Analysis and Forecasting. II; 3 cr (I). Elementary issues in dynamics, thermodynamics, local and synoptic-scale circulations examined in the context of daily diagnoses and forecasting of the weather. Includes analysis of surface and upper air observations, satellite and radar data, output from numerical weather prediction models. P: Physics 201 or 207, Math 221 or cons inst. Open to Fr.

265 The Oceans and Climate. II or SS; 3 cr (P-I). Introduction to the climate system. Interaction between atmosphere and the ocean. Principles of the ocean currents. Major current systems. Global fluxes and the deep-sea circulation. The ocean and climate change. Waves and tides. Climate forecasting. Wave forecasting. P: HS physics; and 1 yr HS calc or con reg in Math 211 or 221. Open to Fr.

310 Dynamics of the Atmosphere and Ocean I. I; 2 cr (P-A). Introduction to theory of fluid motions for atmosphere and ocean. Elementary kinematics, fundamental forces, effects of earth's gravity and rotation, concepts and applications of hydrostatic and geostrophic balance. P: Physics 208 or con reg & Math 234 or con reg.

311 Dynamics of the Atmosphere and Ocean II. II; 3 cr (P-A). Intermediate theory of fluid motions for atmosphere and ocean. Emphasis on large scale applications and basic theory for geophysical wave types. Thermal wind shear, frictional flow, vorticity concepts, Rossby waves, Sverdrup ocean flow. P: Atm Ocn 310, 330.

330 Physics of the Atmosphere and Ocean I. I; 3 cr (P-A). Physical variables, laws, characteristics and direct measurements for atmosphere and ocean. Thermodynamics and moist atmospheric processes. Basic physics of clouds, precipitation, and chemical constituents. P: Physics 208 or con reg & Math 234 or con reg.

331 Climatic Environments of the Past. (Crosslisted with Geog, Envir St) II or SS; 2 cr (P-I). Climatic trends and patterns of the most recent 10,000 years. Studies based upon a wide variety of surrogate climatic information. P: Atm Ocn/Geog/Envir St 121, or Geog 120, 123, 124 or 127 or Atm Ocn 100.

340 Physics of the Atmosphere and Ocean II. II; 2 cr (P-A). Radiation, energy budget and remote sensing of atmosphere and upper ocean. Scattering, absorption, emission and diabatic heating by shortwave and longwave processes. Remote sensing techniques and applications, including passive satellite soundings and active radar probes. P: Atm Ocn 330.

362 Climatic Principles for Engineering and Environmental Design. (Crosslisted with Envir St) Irr.; 3 cr (P-I). An introduction to the physical processes occurring at the land-surface interface and presentation of methods for determining the near-surface climate as function of surface properties and larger-scale climatic parameters. Applications to plant communities, cities, structures, hydrology and natural resource planning. P:1 sem of college physics and 1 sem calculus.

401 Topics in Meteorology. II or SS; 2-3 cr (I). Special topics to be given as the need and opportunity arise. May be repeated for credit. P: Cons inst.

405 Aos Senior Capstone Seminar. II; 1 cr (A). Required senior seminar for AOS majors provides a synthesis and overview. Research on a topic of the student's choosing is presented at the end. P: Atm Ocn 310, 311, 330, 340.

425 Global Climate Processes. I; 3 cr (P-A). Overview of physical processes of the atmosphere and its coupling to the ocean and land. Understanding its seasonal climatology and variability. Synthesis through application of junior AOS core dynamics and physics to quantitatively understand diabatic, transport, and dissipative processes. Examples include global warming, air-ocean coupling, Enso, ozone hole, tropospheric water and chemistry issues, diurnal to interannual time scales. P: Atm Ocn 311, 340, or cons inst.

444 Radar Meteorology. I; 3 cr (P-D). Principles of remote sensing using weather radar, design, signal processing and interpretation. Radar equation, meteorological targets, signal processing, doppler measurements, advanced quantitative measurements, qualitative interpretation and analysis of doppler radar data. Review of experimental radar and microwave sensors. P: Math 234, Physics 208 or equiv. Open to Fr.

445 Satellite Meteorology. II or SS; 3 cr (I). The course focuses on applications of remote sensing of the atmosphere using satellite observations, including cloud detection and the retrieval of atmospheric temperature, and atmospheric moisture and ozone content. The course also teaches the interpretation of imagery collected from weather satellites. P: Atm Ocn 340 or cons inst.

450 Operational Forecasting Procedures. SS; 2 cr (P-A). Application of synoptic training to actual real-time forecasting under simulated operational conditions. P: Atm Ocn 452 & 453, or cons inst.

452 Synoptic Laboratory I: The Frontal Cyclone. I; 4 cr (P-A). Cyclone and frontal theory; case studies illustrating the structure and evolution of the frontal cyclone; diagnostic techniques: interpretation of satellite photographs, preparation of vertical cross sections and isentropic analysis. P: Atm Ocn 311 & 340, or cons inst.

453 Synoptic Laboratory II: Mesoscale Meteorology. II; 4 cr (P-A). Local wind systems, thunderstorms, mesoscale convection systems, interactions with synoptic scale weather. Analysis, prediction, nowcasting and observation of mesoscale weather, including interpretation of satellite and radar information. P: Atm Ocn 311 & 340, or cons inst.

455 Severe Storm Forcasting and Observation. SS; 1 cr (D). Application of severe storm forecasting and nowcasting techniques under operational conditions. Severe storm observation and photography (storm chasing), application in the field. P: Atm Ocn 453 or cons inst.

471 Numerical Techniques in Weather Prediction. II; 3 cr (P-A). Introduction to mathematical aspects of numerical weather prediction models. Formulation and solution properties for finite-difference equations. Hands-on experimentation with simple models for energy balance, advection, and motion. Numerical performance of current operational numerical weather prediction models. P: Atm Ocn 310, 311, 330 & 340 or cons inst.

472 Scientific Background to Global Environmental Problems. (Crosslisted with Envir St, Physics) II or SS; 3 cr (P-D). A one-semester course designed to provide those elements of physics, atmospheric sciences, chemistry, biology and geology which are essential to a scientific understanding of global environmental problems. Specific examples of such problems include global warming, stratospheric ozone depletion, acid rain and environmental toxins. Three lectures per week. P: HS algebra & 1 sem college level chem or physics, or cons inst.

509 Teacher Workshop in Earth System Science - Web. I, II, SS; 1-3 cr. These courses are designed to address the professional development needs for K-12 science teachers in the earth and space sciences. Topics will be designed to meet the Wisconsin State Science standards and be presented by science and education experts. P: Cons inst.

520 Bioclimatology. (Crosslisted with Envir St) Irr.; 3 cr (P-A). Meteorology and climatology as they relate to problems in biology and agricultural production. P: Jr st and 1 crse in either basic biology or basic meteorology.

521 Dynamic Climatology. II or SS; 3 cr (P-A). General circulation climatology and its seasonal changes. Climates of the various regions of the earth discussed within the context of the planetary and synoptic scale circulations. P: Atm Ocn 311, 340; or 610, 630.

522 Tropical Meteorology. II or SS; 3 cr (P-A). Characteristics of the tropical atmosphere; local and diurnal phenomena; tropical synoptic systems; circulation and energetics; mechanisms of tropical climate variations. P: Atm Ocn 311, 340.

528 Past Climates and Climatic Change. (Crosslisted with Envir St, Geog) II or SS; 2 cr (P-A). Climatic change throughout geologic time, especially in the last 10 millennia; mechanisms of change, evidence, and criteria, paleogeography and paleoclimatology, climate models. P: Jr st or one year calculus-based college physics or introduction to weather and climate; or cons inst.

531 Global Climates. (Crosslisted with Geog) II; 3 cr (P-A). Special topics in climatology; a descriptive and explanatory analysis of the climatic characteristics of each continent, with emphasis on deviations from the world pattern. P: Geog 321 or equiv or cons inst.

532 Environmental Biophysics. (Crosslisted with Soil Sci) Even yrs.; I; 3 cr (P-I). Plant-environment interactions with particular reference to energy exchanges and water relations. Models are used to provide a quantitative synthesis of information from plant physiology, soil physics, and micrometeorology with some consideration of plant-pest interactions. P: Intro calc, Physics 103, Botany 130 & comp programng; or cons inst.

534 Physical Meteorology. II or SS; 3 cr (P-A). Physics of the atmosphere emphasizing optical, acoustical, and electrical phenomena of air, clouds and hydrometeors; radar meteorology. P: General physics.

535 Atmospheric Dispersion and Air Pollution. (Crosslisted with Envir St) II or SS; 3 cr (P-A). Physical principles of atmospheric transport processes. Variation of transport in time and place. Local and regional concentrations of pollutants. Environmental implications of air pollution and control strategies. P: Math 212, Physics 202, or cons inst.

544 Atmospheric Technology. II or SS; 3 cr (N-A). Technology used for atmospheric research and operational weather analysis and forecasting. Satellite systems, radar systems, data handling systems. Physical basis, hardware elements, meteorological applications. Demonstration and hands-on experience. P: Atm Ocn 311 & 340, or cons inst.

550 Meteorological Instrumentation. II or SS; 4 cr (P-A). Theory and practice of meteorological observations, elements of measuring systems, sampling problems and system errors. P: Atm Ocn 311 & 340, or cons inst.

559 Weekly Weather Watch. I, SS; 1 cr (I). Weekly discussion and diagnoses of the recent and current weather as well as forecast of the future weather. Topics in large and synoptic-scale dynamics, thermodynamics, and air-sea interaction are discussed depending on the phenomena of interest. P: Either Atm Ocn 310, 330, 311, & 340 (as a sequence), or Atm Ocn 610 & 630 as a sequence.

575 Climatological Analysis. II or SS; 3 cr (P-A). Mathematical and statistical tools applicable to the investigation of climatological problems; nature and treatment of climatological data. P: Atm Ocn 311 & 340, or cons inst.

601 Challenging Problems of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences. Irr.; 2-3 cr (P-A). Individual staff members weave detailed subjects into the general fabric of the physical environment. P: Cons inst.

610 Geophysical Fluid Dynamics I. I; 3 cr (A). Basic dynamic concepts: equations of motion, basic approximations, Coriolis force, wave motions, normal modes, gravity waves, frictional turbulence and convective processes, geostrophic adjustment, scaling argument, effects of rotation on wave motions. Vorticity and potential vorticity. P: Physics 208, Math 234 & cons inst.

611 Geophysical Fluid Dynamics II. II or SS; 3 cr (P-A). Quasi-geostrophic motion, potential vorticity equations, E-P fluxes, Rossby waves, boundary layer processes, wind-driven ocean circulation and western boundary currents, barotropic and baroclinic instability, tropical flows. P: Atm Ocn 610 or cons inst.

623 Electronic Aids to Measurement. (Crosslisted with Physics) I; 4 cr (P-A). Fundamentals of electronics, electronic elements, basic circuits; combinations of these into measuring instruments. Three lectures and one three-hour lab per week. P: Physics 321 or cons inst.

630 Introduction to Atmospheric and Oceanic Physics. I; 3 cr (A). Graduate level core course, covering thermodynamics theory of multiphase systems, thermodynamic analysis of atmosphere, microphysical processes in the atmosphere, atmospheric and oceanic chemical processes, conduction of heat and moisture into the atmosphere from ocean and land surface. P: Physics 208, Math 234 & cons inst.

637 Cloud Physics. II or SS; 3-4 cr (P-A). Processes of cloud formation, growth, and dissipation from the standpoint of both the cloud particles and the whole cloud as a dynamic entity. P: Atm Ocn 311 & 340, or cons inst.

638 Atmospheric Chemistry. II or SS; 3 cr (P-A). Evolution of the atomsphere, chemical structure, instrumental analysis, trace gases, aerosol mechanics, chemical processes. P: One year calculus-based college physics, chemistry, and calculus for science majors, or cons inst.

640 Radiation in the Atmosphere and Ocean. II; 3 cr (A). Graduate level core course in radiation. Introduction to basic laws, radiative transfer under clear sky conditions, scattering by individual particles, multiple scattering, radiative properties of clouds and aerosols, energy budget, miscellaneous applications. P: Physics 208, Math 234 & cons inst.

650 Analysis of Atmospheric Systems. II; 3 cr (A). Graduate level core lab and lecture course designed to quantitatively analyze, descriptively define and physically interpret atmospheric structures, climate and flow systems depicted by observations on scales ranging from the global circulation to those of turbulence in the planetary boundary layer. Observation and analysis strategies. P: Atm Ocn 610, 630 or cons inst.

651 Synoptic-Dynamic Laboratory. II or SS; 3 cr (P-A). Quantitative lab applications of atmospheric dynamics and thermodynamics to synoptic systems. Jet stream systems, cyclone development, global air motions, performance of numerical prediction models, local surface forecasting. P: Atm Ocn 610 & 630 & cons inst, or Atm Ocn 650.

660 Introduction to Physical Oceanography. I; 3 cr (D). Physical properties of sea water: ocean climatology, water, salt and heat budget, measurements, ocean circulation and water mass of the world ocean, thermocline, thermohaline, equatorial ocean and southern ocean. P: Physics 208, Math 234 & cons inst.

662 Air-Sea Interaction. II or SS; 2 cr (P-A). Various aspects of small-scale air-sea interactions and transfers of momentum, mass and heat. Wind-wave generation theories; wave forecasting techniques. Langmuir circulations, diurnal and seasonal thermoclines. P: Atm Ocn 311 & 340, or 610, or Civ Engr 511.

681 Senior Honors Thesis. I; 3 cr (P-A). P: Cons inst.

682 Senior Honors Thesis. II; 3 cr (P-A). P: Cons inst.

691 Senior Thesis. I, II, SS; 2-3 cr (P-A). P: (a) Atm Ocn major; (b) Atm Ocn 311, 340 or con reg; (c) approval Assoc Chair Undergrad Affairs.

692 Senior Thesis. I, II, SS; 2-3 cr (P-A). P: (a) Atm Ocn major; (b) Atm Ocn 311, 340 or con reg: (c) approval Assoc Chair Undergrad Affairs.

698 Directed Study. I or II or SS; 1-5 cr (A). Offered on a Cr/N grading basis. Does not count toward Grad residence credit. P: Jr or Sr st; requires cons inst.

699 Directed Study. I, SS; 1-5 cr (A). P: Jr or Sr st. Graded on a lettered basis; requires cons inst.

For more information about The University of Wisconsin-Madison's program click here.