Studying
ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCE
Interested in:
Climate change? El Niño?
Oceanography? Biometeorology? Meteorology?
Atmospheric scientists aim to understand the Earth's atmosphere and oceans. Employment can be found in environmental consultancies, government agencies, education and research. Macquarie University's flexible approach to study allows units in this field to be combined in several ways with studies in environmental sciences, biology, resource and environmental management, geophysics, chemistry and other fields of geography, depending upon individual interests.
Degree Programs in Atmospheric Science
Degree Programs in Atmospheric Science
Environmental Science, within The Department of Environment and Geography offers a strong core program which gives a coherency, or major, in Atmospheric Science which can be completed as part of a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts.
This program includes one core first year unit, options in two other first year units and dedicated units in second and third years. To complete a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Atmospheric Science, students add appropriate units from earth sciences, mathematics, physics, computing and biology.
For those who already have an appropriate undergraduate degree, the core units can also be taken as part of the Graduate Diploma in Atmospheric Science.
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE OR ARTS Specialising in ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCE
Approximate full-time load of 24 credit points per year for three years.
Programs of Study: ATM01 and ATM02
First Year
Core Unit - GEOS117 Biophysical Environments
Recommended Units - at least three units from: GEOS112 The Planet Earth
GEOS118 Foundations for Resource and Environmental Management (formerly GEOS114), BIOL114 Evolution and Biodiversity,
100-level COMP, CBMS, PHYS, ISYS, STAT, MATH.
Second Year
Core Unit: GEOS216 The Atmospheric Environment
Recommended Units - at least 3 units from: GEOS214 Climatic Impacts,
GEOS237 Natural Hazards, GEOS264 Geographic Information Systems,
GEOS267 Resource and Environmental Management: Issues and Solutions (formerly GEOS265)
GEOS266 Earth Surface Processes, PHYS220 Scientific Modelling,
200-level PHYS, STAT, or MATH.
Third Year
Core Units: GEOS301 Global Climates and GEOS325 Applied Climatology with
GEOS328 Environmental Management or
GEOS313 Advanced Atmospheric and Oceanographic Science
Recommended - at least one unit from: 300-level PHYS, STAT, MATH, COMP OR BIOL
BSc students must achieve a minimum of 34 credit points in designated science units above 100 level and a minimum of 18 credit points in designated science units above 200 level. Refer to the undergraduate handbook for details of designated science units.
All students in Environmental Science are recommended to take a diverse first year program to allow them to make their best choices in subsequent years. These notes are only intended as a guide, and potential students should read the Undergraduate Handbook and unit descriptions for details.
Honours and Postgraduate Study
You can pursue further study in Atmospheric Science either by undertaking an Honours year at the end of your Bachelors degree or a postgraduate Masters degree. Both of these are valued by employers for the extra knowledge, practical skills and research skills they bring.
The Honours year involves a single, year-long research project in conjunction with one of the lecturers who agrees to act as your supervisor. The topic is agreed between you and the supervisor in advance. On completion, you qualify for the Bachelor of XXXX (any degree) with Honours. Entry to Honours is restricted to students with a Grade Point Average (GPA) higher than 2.5.
A Masters degree (typically Master of Science with Honours) is a 2 year (full-time) research degree on a topic determined by you and a lecturer who agrees to act as your supervisor. Entry is by application, with an initial 6 month qualification period.
Related areas of study
Resource and Environmental Management
Environmental Science
Geoecology
Physical Geography
GIS (Geographic Information Science)
Biology
Ecology
Geology, Geophysics and Exploration Geoscience
Environmental Geology
Human Geography
Natural History, Cultural and Museum Studies
Prior Knowledge
There is no essential prior knowledge for this area of study.
How to apply
Application for all degrees for school leavers is through the UAC. Non-award and non-degree applications are made directly to the University. Mature-age students (21 years or over, without the necessary academic qualifications for UAC admission) may apply directly to the University through the Jubilee Scheme. Please contact the Centre for Open Education via e-mail at coe@mq.edu.au or by phone on +61 2 9850 7470 for further information on these schemes.
You can apply for one of several degrees:
2007 UAI cut-offs for relevant degrees (for guidance only):
BA 76
BSc 73
BEnvSc 76.65
BEnvMgt 74.55
BSc DipEd 74.40
BMarSc 75.55
Contacts
For further information on studying Atmospheric Science, please contact:
The Administrative Officer, Physical Geography
Office: Building E7A, Room 617
Phone: (02) 9850 8426
Fax: (02) 9850 8420
E-mail: pg_admin@els.mq.edu.au