University General Course Catalog 2012-2013

Nov 26, 2024

University General Course Catalog 2012-2013 ARCHIVED CATALOG: LINKS AND CONTENT ARE OUT OF DATE. CHECK WITH YOUR ADVISOR.

Atmospheric Sciences, M.S.

Department of Physics
225 Leifson Physics
(775) 784-6792

Atmospheric Sciences (ATMS) is a research-based interdisciplinary graduate program leading to a master of science (M.S.) or doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) degree. The program is offered through the UNR Department of Physics in partnership with the Desert Research Institute (DRI) Division of Atmospheric Sciences. Students pursue research in atmospheric chemistry, cloud and aerosol physics, instrument development, atmospheric optics and acoustics, mesoscale meteorology, numerical modeling, fire climatology and other topics. Admission requirements to the master’s program include a bachelor’s degree in an aspect of atmospheric sciences, physical sciences, chemistry, engineering, mathematics or a related field, and at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average in prior academic coursework. Admission requirements to the doctoral program include those listed above as well as successful completion of a master’s degree in atmospheric sciences or a related field. Graduate assistantships are available on a competitive basis.

Candidates for the M.S. or Ph.D. degree must satisfy all of the general requirements of the Graduate School. In addition, the M.S. degree requires completion of a minimum of 30 credits, which include: 6 credits of thesis (ATMS 797 ), 1 credit of seminar (

ATMS 790R

PHYS 790

), 12 credits of courses in the ATMS Core curriculum, 6 credits in ATMS 700-level coursework, and 5 additional credits of 700-level elective coursework. The completion of a thesis and a final oral examination is required, and these are directed by the student’s graduate advisory committee.

The Ph.D. degree requires completion of 72 credits, including 24 credits of dissertation (ATMS 799 ), 2 credits of seminar (

ATMS 790R

PHYS 790

), 12 credits of courses in the ATMS Core curriculum, and 12 additional credits in ATMS 700-level courses (including ATMS 748). The completion of a dissertation and a final oral examination is required, and these are directed by the student’s graduate advisory committee.

I. Required Core Courses

ATMS 610 - Airflow and Weather Dynamics (3 units)
ATMS 611 - Introduction to Atmospheric Physics (3 units)
ATMS 612 - Introduction to Air Pollution (3 units)
ATMS 613 - Introduction to Synoptic Meteorology (3 units)

Note(s):

If the Core courses or their equivalent were taken at the undergraduate level at UNR or another university, then other ATMS graduate level courses can be substituted with the approval of the graduate program director. Graduate-level course credits required for a M.S. or Ph.D. degree should be fulfilled with ATMS and related interdisciplinary courses selected by the student and the graduate advisory committee to reach the student’s academic and research goals.

A Qualifying Exam consisting of written and oral questions is typically given to new students. Incoming students with deficiencies in background subjects will be advised to take courses to correct these deficiencies within the first year of study, and may be required to take a follow-up qualifying exam in the next semester. Students in the Ph.D. program must pass a Comprehensive Exam (ATMS 795 ) for advancement to candidacy after the majority of their coursework has been completed. The examination consists of written and oral sessions with topics of general background and the student’s specific research area, including atmospheric physics, atmospheric chemistry, meteorology and applied mathematics.