Graduate Study in Atmospheric Sciences at UW

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Graduate Study in Atmospheric Sciences at UW
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Overview

• Classes research
• Required core classes.
• Dynamic synoptic meteorology
• Radiation
• Chemistry
• Cloud physics
• Physical meteorology
• Electives

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Year One

• Develop the background to conduct research as
  soon as possible.
• Three graduate classes per quarter A/W/S.
• Full-time research during your first summer.

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Summer Research

• Focus of first summer research is to
• Identify a good research problem.
• Understand its relation to larger questions in
  atmospheric science.
• Construct a research plan.
• Preliminary research results are welcome, but
  secondary.

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End-of-Summer Colloquium

• Half-day meeting.
• Your first summer report is presented to
• Your fellow 1st year classmates
• The faculty
• The incoming class of new students
• Masters thesis proposal is due early in fall
  quarter.

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Year Two

• Average load is one course per quarter.
• TA for one quarter
• Continue research

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Year Three

• Average load is one course per quarter.
• Continue research
• Present research in a departmental seminar

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Advancement to Ph.D Candidacy

• Based on
• Research potential as evidenced by Masters
  thesis or a journal article
• Seminar presentation
• Course grades
• Materials must be submitted by the beginning of
  your fourth year.

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Beyond Year 3

• Research is your primary activity
• Coursework as appropriate
• TA once more before graduation
• General exam
• Final thesis defense

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Timing

• Avg. time to Ph.D is about 5.5 years.
• Since 1998, two finished in 3.25 years.
• Five years is a reasonable goal.

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Your Advisor

• Students are admitted with RA support, provided
  by their advisors.
• Students are matched with advisors based on
• Student preference
• Advisor availability
• Commonality of interests
• Students can, and occasionally do, switch
  advisors.