Future Students

Atmospheric Science

The Area of Study

A study in atmospheric science will teach you about the atmospheric environment through surveys of both meteorology and climatology. It will include topic areas such as atmospheric stability, radiation balance, weather systems, large-scale atmosphere and ocean circulation, tropical cyclones, ozone depletion, El Niño – Southern Oscillation, the greenhouse effect and climate change, and the impacts of climate on built environments, agriculture and human health.

Application of meteorological and climatological knowledge to problems such as those found in agriculture, air quality and pollution management, human health, transport, architecture and engineering, forestry, energy and water management is opening up a range of interesting and rewarding employment opportunities in both public and private sectors of the economy.

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Degree Program Information

Degree UAI 2008 CSP UAI 2008 DFEE Course duration
Bachelor of Science 73.00 70.00 3 years full-time/ equivalent part-time
Bachelor of Arts 76.00 75.90 3 years full-time/ equivalent part-time
Bachelor of Science with Bachelor of Laws 96.00 90.00 5 years full-time
Bachelor of Arts with Bachelor of Laws 95.45 93.05 5 years full-time

 

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What You Will Study

You must complete a program of study (major) in Atmospheric Science. Your program of study may include units from the subject areas listed below:

  • climatology
  • environmental management
  • atmospheric and oceanographic science

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Recommended Prior Knowledge

First-year atmospheric science units do not require any assumed knowledge, prerequisites or recommended studies. Other units taken as part of a degree may require assumed knowledge, prerequisites or recommended studies and you should refer to the Macquarie University Handbook of Undergraduate Studies for full degree requirements.

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Career Options

  • agriculture
  • air quality and pollution management
  • bushfire management
  • climatology
  • climate consultancy
  • environmental science/consultancy
  • environmentally sustainable development officer
  • meteorologist
  • oceanographer
  • research
  • water quality and pollution management

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Some Major Employers

  • Bureau of Meteorology
  • private environmental consultancies
  • government data centres
  • environmental protection authorities
  • rural fire services
  • government research organisations

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Further Information

Mail: Department of Environment and Geography
Macquarie University NSW 2109
Telephone: (02) 9850 8426
Fax: (02) 9850 8420
Email: enviroandgeog@mq.edu.au
Web: www.es.mq.edu.au/physgeog

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