Note: This page provides a general overview. For complete and accurate information consult with your advisor and/or the undergraduate coordinator. For current course offerings and information, refer to the Cornell University Registrar: Courses of Study. This major is only offered to students in Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Eligibility and Academic Standards
Eligibility
Understanding atmospheric and climate science requires a strong foundation in mathematics and the sciences—including biology, chemistry, physics, and communication. Students pursuing this major are expected to have a strong academic record with considerable coursework in math and science, either through high school or prior college studies for transfer students.
All students must have:
- At least a grade of C- in all courses
- A cumulative GPA of 2.3 or higher
- For any course that is repeated, the higher grade will be used
Core Courses
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EAS 3050
Climate Dynamics
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EAS 3410
Atmospheric Thermodynamics and Hydrostatics
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EAS 3420
Atmospheric Dynamics
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EAS 3520
Synoptic Meteorology I
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EAS 4470
Physical Meteorology
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EAS 4510
Synoptic Meteorology II
Mathematics Required Courses
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MATH 1110
Calculus I
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MATH 1120
Calculus II
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MATH 1920
Multivariable Calculus for Engineers or MATH 2130 Calculus III
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MATH 2930
Differential Equations for Engineers
Statistics Required Course
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EAS 4350
Statistical Methods in Meteorology and Climatology
Computer Science Required Course
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EAS 2900
Computer Programming and Meteorology Software or equivalent
Physics Required Courses
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PHYS 2207
Fundamentals of Physics I or equivalent
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PHYS 2208
Fundamentals of Physics II or equivalent
Chemistry Required Course
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CHEM 1560
Introduction to General Chemistry or equivalent
Suggested Electives
Must take at least two courses from this list equaling at least six credit hours.
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EAS 1310
Basic Principles of Meteorology
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EAS 1330
Basic Meteorology Lab
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EAS 1340
Introductory Weather Analysis and Forecasting
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EAS 1600
Environmental Physics
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EAS 2500
Meteorological Observations and Instruments*
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EAS 2680
Climate and Global Warming
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EAS 3340
Microclimatology
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EAS 4350
Statistical Methods in Meteorology and Climatology
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EAS 4700
Advanced Weather Forecasting and Analysis
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EAS 4800
Atmospheric Chemistry: From Air Pollution to Global Change
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EAS 4860
Tropical Meteorology and Climate
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EAS 5555
Numerical Techniques for Weather and Climate Modeling
Note:
Students who are considering an advanced degree will also be well-prepared for graduate school, and typically add additional mathematics, physics, and atmospheric science courses to the basic curriculum. Students who wish to broaden their studies of the environment may also choose from courses in the separate earth and atmospheric sciences major, which may be completed in conjunction with the atmospheric sciences major.
Learning Outcomes
Apply the scientific method using real-world data, including formulation of hypotheses, the use of varied approaches (experimental and observational) for testing hypotheses, integration of knowledge to solve problems in atmospheric science and appropriate interpretation of data encountered in class, lab, the field, and the literature.
Collect, organize, analyze, and interpret quantitative information meaningfully, using mathematical and/or statistical tools and computer applications as appropriate to the discipline of Atmospheric Science.
Symthesize a cogent argument in language appropriate to the field of study, including written and oral communication skills and presentation of results using graphs and equations when appropriate, and demonstrate the ability to convey this information to scientific and lay audiences.