Instrumented Tower

Cloud physics (cloud-climate feedback, thermodynamic and dynamic structure of clouds);

Atmosphere-ocean interactions (El Niño, climate variability and prediction);

Boundary layer climatology and meteorology (physical basis of micro- and mesoclimates, surface energy and water balances, heat islands and urban climate, energy balance modelling);

Boundary layer, mesoscale meteorology;

Atmospheric chemistry and air pollution;

Numerical modelling and numerical weather prediction;

Terrestrial processes and climate;

Remote sensing;

Biospheric processes and monitoring.

One of our researchers

(List of courses taken by Atmospheric Science graduate students. See the U.B.C. Calendar for descriptions of all UBC courses.)

Programs leading to the M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees are offered under the joint sponsorship of the Department Earth and Ocean Science and the Department of Geography. Biometeorology students in Agricultural Sciences also have the option to work towards the Atmospheric Science graduate degrees. A wide range of courses are available. 

Students must satisfy the admission requirements of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and normally must have a bachelor's degree in atmospheric science, physics, chemistry, mathematics, physical geography or applied science. The M.Sc. program consists of twelve credits of thesis, 18 credits of course work and a thesis defence, or 30 credits of course work and a comprehensive essay and examination. It may be obtained through full or part-time study. 

The Ph.D. consists of either the course GEOG 500 or EOSC 571, other courses, independent study, a spring review at the end of the first year, a comprehensive examination (oral and written components) during the second year, and research leading to a written dissertation that is defended in an oral final examination. 

Atmospheric science deals with understanding the processes of the atmosphere and the resulting weather and climate. Many important environmental issues are related to the atmosphere. The Atmospheric Science program offers training in the basic processes of the atmosphere and the application of scientific knowledge to problems. Areas of interest include atmospheric models for weather and climate prediction, air pollution studies, and other other environmental areas. 

The faculty engage in fundamental research in atmospheric science, both independently and in cooperation with federal and provincial laboratories and other research groups around the world. The emphasis of the research is on studies of processes and developing physical understanding of the atmosphere. The research commonly involves field or laboratory measurement and observation; data analysis and interpretation; and numerical model construction, modification and validation. 

The group is extremely well equipped for research on most characteristics of the atmospheric boundary layer. In addition to conventional meteorological instruments, there are systems for sensing all component fluxes of the radiation and energy budgets, eddy correlation systems for turbulent heat fluxes; two 30 m towers, one fixed and one mobile; mini-sonde, two tethersondes and ozone sondes, and acoustic radar for probing boundary layer structure; and a portable network of ten independently logged anemometers and thermometers. The group is well supplied with analog and digital data logging systems, micro-computers and facilities for digital image analysis. It also operates its own vehicles. 

For computer modelling, there is a "Monster" IBM Linux cluster with 264 processors + 8 itanium processors. There are also two smaller Beowulf clusters, and numerous workstations. 

Descriptions of available graduate courses are available from the appropriate department (Earth and Ocean Sciences, Geography). Graduate programs are tailored to the needs of the individual student and course requirements are often met through studies outside of Earth and Ocean Science and Geography. A list of courses taken by Atmospheric Science graduate students shows the breadth of their training. Course descriptions for all Departments are available in the U.B.C. Calendar.

Further information can be obtained by contacting the graduate secretary (Ms. Alex Allen).