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Minor in Atmospheric Chemistry

This Minor will provide the students with a general background in Meteorology as offered by the lower level required courses, and a background on issues in Atmospheric Chemistry. This Minor track is intended for students who might pursue careers where background in Atmospheric Chemistry is needed, such as Air Pollution, Atmospheric Chemistry, and environmental issues. It is aimed at students that might consider graduate work in Atmospheric Chemistry, or prepare them for a very favorable job market in the Washington area, where a background in Meteorology can be an important asset. Students attempting this minor will need a strong background in mathematics, Physics and Chemistry at the level of MATH 240 or 461, PHYS 270 and PHYS 271, CHEM 481 (preferred) or CHEM 103, which are prerequisites for the required courses. Students interested in taking this Minor program should contact the Undergraduate Advisor in the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Science. This Minor is not open to students who major in Physical Sciences with a concentration in Meteorology, or who major in Physics within the Meteorology Physics area of concentration. The students must choose two electives from:
  • AOSC 123 Global Change
  • AOSC 200 Weather and Climate
The following two courses are required:
  • AOSC 431 Meteorology for Scientists and Engineers I
  • AOSC 434 Air Pollution
On elective from:
  • CHEM 474 (Environmental Chemistry)
  • GEOL 471 (Geochemical Methods of Analysis)
One additional elective from:
  • Other 400 level courses offered in the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic on a regular basis or from a list of non-permanent electives that will be offered by Research Scientists, regular faculty from Atmospheric and Oceanic Science, or members of the Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center (ESSIC)
  • Courses offered by the Department of Geology and Geography, such as:

    • GEOL 437 Global Climate Change: Past and Present
    • GEOL 452 (Watershed and Wetland Hydrology)
    • GEOG 446 Applied Climatology
    • GEOG 447 Advanced Biogeography
    • GEOG 472 Remote sensing
A total of 15 credits is required. All courses presented for the Minor must be passed with a grade of C or better.

Oversight and Record keeping:

Oversight of this Minor Program will be through the normal academic process of the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Science The department’s Undergraduate Director will be responsible for ensuring that students are properly advised and that records are appropriately kept.