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Department of Atmospheric Science
Chair: Dr. Ronald M. Welch The Program The graduate program in Atmospheric Science leads to the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. The foundation of the program includes studies in physical, synoptic and dynamic meteorology, with strong emphasis on satellite remote sensing, earth system science, global climate change, atmospheric chemistry, cloud processes, and lightning and air pollution. The objective of the program is to produce research-oriented scientists who can make fundamental contributions to the understanding of atmospheric and climate processes and who can interact effectively with scientists in earth-centered fields of study. The program includes atmospheric dynamics, thermodynamics and radiation as the core courses. Electives include coursework in synoptic meteorology, mesoscale and air pollution modeling, stratospheric and tropospheric chemistry, general circulation, physical climatology and climate dynamics, cloud processes, satellite remote sensing, a series in geographic information systems, and special topics courses in atmospheric electricity and satellite hydrology. UAH professors serve as high level investigators on current and upcoming satellite missions, have appointments on several national and international panels, and provide expert testimony to the U.S. Congress and Administration on Earth Science issues. Faculty research interests include global climate monitoring, tropospheric ozone detection, severe weather, modeling and measuring processes in hurricanes, air pollution, cloud and aerosol radiative forcing, detection of smoke and fires from biomass burning, boundary layer and cumulus cloud processes, retrieval of cloud and aerosol optical properties from satellites, 3-D radiative transfer and the impact of climate on disease. Faculty members are extensively involved in collaborative research projects with NASA personnel and with other members of the national and international scientific community. NASA scientists work with students, help teach some courses, and provide student support on research projects. Most students receive research stipends. The department is located in the National Space Science and Technology Center (NSSTC), which houses approximately 170 professors, scientists, and staff. The Earth System Science Center is the research arm of the UAH atmospheric science program, with close cooperation with NASA and the Universities Space Research Association (USRA) scientists. NSSTC facilities include a large number of computers, satellite downlinks that receive real-time Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) and Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) data, and a wide range of specialized equipment. The M.S. program is expected to take approximately two years for a student entering with a knowledge of partial differential equations and calculus-based physics. For full-time students, the Ph.D. program typically takes an additional three to four years of study and research. Also note that an undergraduate minor in Atmospheric Science is available through the Department of Physics. The Atmospheric Science department also participates in the Environmental Science Certificate Program. Admission Requirements Completed applications should be received at least
two months in advance of the anticipated date of enrollment. Students
requesting teaching and research stipends should e-mail the following
information to the department 4-6 months prior to enrollment: GRE scores,
TOFFL scores (for foreign students), list of grades, and a statement
of research interests. A 1650 score on the GRE examination, an undergraduate
Grade Point Average (GPA) of B or better, and mathematics through differential
equations is required for unconditional admission. |
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