Atmospheric sciences is an interdisciplinary field encompassing the physics and chemistry of the atmosphere, along with its interaction with the Earth's surface and oceans. Scientists in this field use their knowledge to improve weather forecasts, model cloud and precipitation processes, understand the climate system, observe the atmosphere with radar and satellites and probe atmospheric chemistry and air quality. The study of this field is based on principles from physics, chemistry and mathematics, and well-prepared students will have a solid grounding in all three disciplines.
Students in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences benefit from relatively small classes and low student-to-teacher ratios. Many opportunities are available for participating in faculty-led research programs, including national and international field campaigns, often culminating in presentations at national conferences.