Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences (ATOC)

About Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences

The Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences offers a broad range of undergraduate courses applying classical physics, applied mathematics, and (sometimes) chemistry both to meteorology and to atmospheric, oceanic, and climate science more generally. Typically, courses beyond the introductory level have math and/or physics prerequisites, and upper-level courses are often taught at the 500-level and as such, also serve our graduate programs. An atmospheric chemistry option is available but not required.

Applications include meteorology and weather prediction, climate science, and air quality. Our approach is quantitative. We develop complex models or systems of equations to explain how Newtonian physics, radiation, thermodynamics, and chemistry affect the composition and movement of the atmosphere. While our focus is on the atmosphere, we also consider oceans and sea ice, as well as interactions between these components of the climate system.

From one viewpoint, the atmosphere and ocean may be studied as a large volume of gas or liquid by the methods of fluid mechanics: wind or currents, circulation patterns, turbulence, and energy and momentum exchanges are the ideas employed in this approach. Alternatively, the atmosphere and ocean may be studied from the point of view of their detailed physical processes: how water condenses in the air; how seawater freezes to form sea ice; how precipitation forms in clouds; how sunlight warms the surface of the Earth; how heat is exchanged between the ocean and the atmosphere; and how the atmosphere and ocean interact to shape the weather and climate. A comprehensive understanding requires both viewpoints, and this is reflected in the curriculum.

Available Programs

Program Overview

The Honours program is meant for students with high Standing. It is based on courses similar to those in the Major program, but includes a mandatory research course and provides many opportunities to take advanced courses. The Major program, although somewhat less intensive, provides solid foundations in atmospheric science. Both the Honours and Major programs lead to a broad range of career opportunities in the public and private sectors (e.g. forecasting, renewable energy, reinsurance, environmental consulting) equip the student to undertake postgraduate study in atmospheric and oceanic sciences at any of the leading universities. The Department also offers a special one-year Diploma in Meteorology program to B.Sc. or B.Eng. graduates recognized by Environment and Climate Change Canada, allowing graduates to pursue a professional career as a meteorologist. Academic positions in teaching and research are available to M.Sc. and Ph.D. graduates.

Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences (ATOC) Related Programs

Internship Year in Science (IYS)

IYS is a pregraduate work experience program available to eligible students and normally taken between their U2 and U3 years. For more information, see Science Internships and Field Studies and visit the Scientific Internship Program page.

The following programs are also available with an internship component:

• Major in Atmospheric Science
• Honours in Atmospheric Science

Earth System Science Interdepartmental Major

This program is offered by the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences; Earth and Planetary Sciences; and Geography.

Students in the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences interested in this program should contact Professor Bruno Tremblay (bruno.tremblay@mcgill.ca). For more information, see Earth System Science (ESYS).

Location

Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences
Burnside Hall, Room 305
805 Sherbrooke St. W.
Montréal, QC  H3A 0B9
 
Telephone: 514-398-3764
Fax: 514-398-6115
Email: info.aos@mcgill.ca
Website: mcgill.ca/meteo

Undergraduate Program Advisor
David Straub
Email: david.straub@mcgill.ca