Topics of study in this minor include weather forecasting, climate change, and the predictability of coupled ocean-
atmosphere-land-variations. Students in physics, math, engineering, and computational sciences may be particularly attracted to this minor because it provides a compelling application of the fundamental methods of analysis learned in their major. Such students are ideal candidates for research in atmospheric science and climate dynamics; the minor will facilitate entry into graduate studies in these fields.
Students in Earth science, geography and geoinformation science, and environmental science may find this minor useful because the atmosphere is an important influence on geography, ecosystems, geological strata, and plays an important role in global change.
This is a Green Leaf program.
Policies
Eight credits of coursework must be unique to the minor and students must complete all coursework with a minimum GPA of 2.00. For policies governing all minors, see AP.5.3.4 Minors.
Minor Requirements
Total credits: 17
This is a Green Leaf program.
Students should refer to the Admissions & Policies tab for specific policies related to this program.
Core Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CLIM 101 | Global Warming: Weather, Climate, and Society (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CLIM 111 | Introduction to the Fundamentals of Atmospheric Science (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CLIM 112 | Introduction to the Fundamentals of Atmospheric Science Lab (Mason Core) | 1 |
| CLIM 301 | Weather Analysis and Prediction | 4 |
| Total Credits | 11 | |
Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 6 credits from the following: | 6 | |
| Severe and Extreme Weather | ||
or GGS 314 | Severe and Extreme Weather | |
| Senior Research | ||
| Physical Oceanography | ||
| Atmospheric Chemistry | ||
or CHEM 438 | Atmospheric Chemistry | |
| Atmospheric Physics | ||
| Total Credits | 6 | |