Atmospheric Science

The Atmospheric Science Programme offers a modern education for students with interest in human activity linked to physical- and chemical properties of the atmospheric system.

The programme provides opportunities to take both fundamental and applied courses in the field of atmospheric science. The fundamental courses give the student the tools to use in solving relevant atmospheric problems. The applied courses are directly related to certain important atmospheric issues such as international agreements, global change and energy systems.

Career opportunities

The aim is to prepare students for research or administrative tasks where solid knowledge in atmospheric and/or climate science is of concern. After passing this master program you can initiate an academic career, conduct research on industrial applications or be an advisor expert within the governmental/administrative sector.

Subject-matter

Atmospheric science is an interdisciplinary field. It includes the understanding of the links between human activity and chemical and physical properties of the atmospheric system. The area of atmospheric science also covers the environmental impacts on humans and ecosystems. Hot areas today include the understanding of global change, including the greenhouse effect, interaction of climate change and ecosystems, and the effects on human health.

Other important areas are for example urban development and deterioration of material including our cultural heritage. The processes occurring in the atmosphere are fundamental and the tools used to study these processes, e.g. modelling, data evaluation, experimental design and analytical measurement methods, are valuable within other disciplines as well.

The Atmospheric Science Master Program is strongly linked to the strong research competence in Gothenburg. Today, government officials and industrial partners are dependent on knowledge in emission, monitoring, control and effects of air pollutants. Furthermore, the global change science community has a long tradition in understanding and solving atmospheric and climate issues on an international arena.

The year is divided in quarters, each representing 15 credit points (hec), during which one or two courses are read. For most quarters there are several suggestions to ensure individual flexibility. The program consists of mandatory courses (15 hec), optional courses (45-60 hec) and a master thesis work (45 or 60 hec).

Mandatory courses

You will start the program by taking the courses Global change (7.5 hec) and Atmospheric science (7.5 hec).

Optional courses

To create an individual profile you can choose between 14 optional courses hosted by departments of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, Earth Sciences, Biology and Environmental sciences, but courses are also offered through the Nordic programme Atmosphere-Biosphere Studies (ABS).

Master thesis

Your master thesis work (60 hec, optional 45 hec) can be initiated during the first year and the work can be distributed over the two years or be condensed during the last year pending on the nature of your thesis and your selection of courses. However, it is recommended that your master thesis work is conducted towards the end of the master program. Doing a 60 hec thesis project is highly beneficial for the understanding of the program topic and can be advantageous for continued studies.

A Bachelor's degree in Science (environmental science - natural science, biology, chemistry, earth science, physics) of 180 hec at an accredited University including at least 90 hec in a major subject. These prerequisites can be waived if an applicant has verifiable equivalent knowledge/skills, for example for students with a Bachelor degree in geography - natural science. Applicants must prove their knowledge of English: English 6/English B from Swedish Upper Secondary School or the equivalent level of an internationally recognized test, for example TOEFL, IELTS.Selection: Selection is based upon the number of credit points from previous university studies, maximum 225 hec. English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 TOEFL paper-based test score : 575

A chance to fund your studies

The University of Gothenburg is convinced that education and research flourish in an international environment. A mixture of students from different cultures enriches the learning environment and the University believes that motivated students should have a chance to study here, even if they dont have the means to cover all costs.

There are a number of opportunities to get a scholarship if you apply to the University of Gothenburg. If you are obliged to pay tuition fees in Sweden, you can apply for our scholarship that cover from half, to all of your tuition fees for the entire study programme.

There are also scholarship programmes available at bachelor's, master's, PhD and post-doctoral levels, which are administered by the Swedish Institute. The scholarship programmes target highly qualified students from certain countries.

http://www.utbildning.gu.se/education/application/scholarships/