Exploring the fundamental natural processes controlling atmospheric composition, circulation dynamics, and climate, and understanding how these processes have changed in the past and may change in the future, are among the greatest intellectual and technological challenges of our time. The Atmospheric Science track will provide you with a strong foundation in the physical sciences as well as an outstanding introduction to atmospheric dynamics and evolution, its chemistry and biogeochemistry. You will gain a rigorous, quantitative, and predictive (in addition to descriptive) knowledge of the earth system with an emphasis on atmospheric processes. Along with laboratory courses, we encourage you to pursue undergraduate research within the department.


Atmospheric Science includes the physics of climate variability and climate change, changes in stratospheric ozone, coupling of atmospheric chemistry and climate, changes in the oxidation capacity of the troposphere, smog, and the impacts of atmosphere-biosphere exchange on atmospheric composition. Given the social and political importance of air quality, ozone, and climate change issues, as well as other global environmental issues in which the atmosphere plays a pivotal role, it is imperative that people become well-versed and trained in quantitative atmospheric science so that they can be a part of the process of implementing sound, science-based policy. This track will prepare you for advanced scientific research as a graduate student, or for technical positions at agencies like NASA, NOAA, EPA, or DOE. Whether you decide to further scientific knowledge in government and academic laboratories, or participate in the legal and political realms, or the development and implementation of new technologies, this track will give you a firm footing.

For more information about specific course and unit requirements please refer to the EPS majors page or visit Catherine Pauling, the Student Affairs Officer, at 305 McCone Hall or (510) 643-4068, or e-mail .