Why should I choose Atmospheric Science?

What is Atmospheric Science?

Atmospheric Science is about the physical processes behind Earth's atmosphere and how those processes interact with land and ocean systems. You will apply concepts from a variety of disciplines, including math, physics and chemistry, for an interdisciplinary approach. Your coursework includes experience in computer programming, critical thinking, communications and other valuable skills that you can apply to places within and beyond the field of Atmospheric Science. 

Where can I see Atmospheric Science in the real world?

  • Air pollution forecasts enhance public health, including protecting against forest fire smoke.
  • Climate forecasts support international agreements and public policy decisions, such as helping to mitigate floods and drought for people in developing nations.
  • Marineweather forecasts support recreation, fishing and shipping activities (including the opening of new waterways such as the Northwest Passage).
  • Agricultural biometeorology studies the effect of weather on soil and crop growth.
  • Storm hazard predictions of tornadoes, lightning and hurricanes give early warnings to save lives.

Is Atmospheric Science for me?

  • Are you interested in natural disasters, climate and weather, and how they influence the world?
  • Do you want to learn how to produce weather and climate forecasts?
  • Do you want to gain experience in computer programming?
  • Do you enjoy physics and math?
  • Are you looking for a community network?

Check out career options in Atmospheric Science

Who is in this field?

Dr. Roland Stull

Dr. Phil Austin

  • Studies the effects of clouds, solar and infrared radiation, and turbulence on climate prediction.
  • An expert in python programming, particularly for acquiring and displaying weather satellite images
  • Teaches ATSC 301, EOSC 213 and EOSC 340
  • Read more about Dr. Austin

Learn more about Atmospheric Science

Thank you to Dr. Stull, Marjolein (BSc student) and Tim (PhD student) for sharing their experience in and knowledge of Atmospheric Science to create this blog post. 

  • Career Development
  • Planning Your Degree
  • Graduation Year
  • 2nd, 3rd and 4th Years
  • Moving to Second Year

Read another article…

Musqueam First Nation land acknowledegement

UBC Science acknowledges that the UBC Point Grey campus is situated on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm.

Learn more: Musqueam First Nation

Faculty of Science

Office of the Dean, Earth Sciences Building
2178–2207 Main Mall
Vancouver, BC Canada
V6T 1Z4
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