Atmospheric Sciences Minor
Atmospheric and Oceanic Science (AOSC)
3417 Computer and Space Sciences Building
Phone: 301-405-5391
http://aosc.umd.edu
Program Directors: T. Canty, Ph.D. and A. Jones, Ph.D.
This minor will provide a general background in meteorology as offered by the lower level courses, and a solid background in atmospheric physics (AOSC431) and atmospheric dynamics (AOSC432), as offered by two required courses. It is aimed at non-majors who might consider graduate work in meteorology, or prepare them for the very favorable job market in the Washington, D.C. area, where a background in meteorology can be an important asset. Students attempting this minor will need a strong background in mathematics, physics and chemistry at the level of MATH240 or MATH461, PHYS270 and PHYS271; CHEM135 (preferred) or CHEM131, which are prerequisites for the required courses. Students interested in taking this minor program should contact the undergraduate advisor in the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Science for advising. This minor is not open to students who major in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences.
This minor will require 15 credits. All courses presented for the minor must be passed with a grade of "C-" or better.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select two of the following electives: | 6 | |
| Causes and Consequences of Global Change | ||
| Weather and Climate | ||
| Physical Meteorology | ||
| The following two courses are required: | ||
| AOSC431 | Atmospheric Thermodynamics | 3 |
| AOSC432 | Dynamics of the Atmosphere and Ocean | 3 |
| One elective from: | ||
| Other 400 level courses offered in the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Science on a regular basis, or from a list of non-permanent electives that will be offered by research scientists, regular faculty from Atmospheric and Oceanic Science, or members of the Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center (ESSIC) | 3 | |
| Courses offered by the Departments of Geology and Geographic Sciences, such as: | ||
| Global Climate Change: Past and Present | ||
| Watershed and Wetland Hydrology | ||
| Remote Sensing: Digital Processing and Analysis | ||
| Total Credits | 15 | |
Students are only required to meet with an advisor when ready to declare the minor. Students may meet with an advisor at any time by reaching out to aosc-advise@umd.edu. Other questions about advising or adding the Atmospheric Sciences minor can also be directed to aosc-advise@umd.edu.