Undergraduate Program Curriculum Changes, Winter 2009

In the spring of 2007, the Dept. of Atmospheric Sciences submitted a new curriculum proposal to the College of Arts and Sciences and to the Faculty Council on Academic Standards. The proposal made changes to the core curriculum and to electives within specializations. The application was approved on October 13, 2008 - changes will be effective starting Winter 2009.

NOTE - These changes do not affect seniors who intend to graduate in Spring 2009, have already begun the 400-level ATMS courses AND/OR have already submitted a graduation application.

The three primary changes* are as follows:

1. STAT 311 => STAT 390
STAT 390 will replace STAT 311 as the prerequisite for ATMS 451 and ATMS 452. It will also replace STAT 311 as a required elective in the Meteorology track and will become a required course in the new Climate track (to replace Atmos & Ocean - see item #3 below). This change affects majors who have chosen the Meteorology track and the Atmos & Ocean track. Majors who have already taken STAT 311 will not be required to take STAT 390 but will need to see the Student Services Coordinator (ATG, Room 416) to request an exception.

2. PHYSICAL METEOROLOGY SEQUENCE (required for all majors)
The physical meteorology sequence (required for all majors) currently consists of two courses - ATMS 340 in winter and ATMS 431 in autumn, 5 credits each. As of Winter 2009, the new physical meteorology sequence will consist of three courses - ATMS 340 in winter (3cr); ATMS 341 in spring (3cr); ATMS 431 in autumn (3cr). This change will not affect senior majors who are enrolled in ATMS 431 this autumn. This change will affect junior majors who are starting the core curriculum with ATMS 301 this autumn. In short, the new core curriculum series, effective winter 2009, is as follows:

FIRST YEAR AUTUMN - ATMS 301 (5cr)
FIRST YEAR WINTER - ATMS 340 (3cr); ATMS 370 (5cr)
FIRST YEAR SPRING - ATMS 321 (3cr); ATMS 341 (3cr); ATMS 358 (3cr)
SECOND YEAR AUTUMN - ATMS 431 (3cr); ATMS 441 (3cr)

3. MAJOR SPECIALIZATIONS
The major track options have changed as follows:

Meteorology - this track has not changed substantially. The only change is STAT 390 will replace STAT 311 as a required course (and pre-req for ATMS 451 & 452)

Climate – formerly known as the Atmos & Ocean track. Students choosing this track will take all core courses and the following additional courses:
- ATMS 442 (5cr)
- OCEAN 200 (3cr)
- OCEAN 210 (3cr)
- ESS 431 (3cr)
- STAT 390 (4cr)
Note: Due to limited offering of non-ATMS courses, students choosing this option may be required to take courses into their fifth year (or begin required electives in their sophomore year). If there are issues with scheduling these classes, please the Student Services Coordinator.

Atmospheric Chemistry & Air Quality – formerly known as the Atmos & Environment track. Students choosing this track will take all core courses and the following additional courses:
- CHEM 142 (5cr)
- CHEM 152 (5cr)
- ATMS 458 (4cr)
- At least two additional electives from an approved list.

*PLEASE NOTE - All other degree requirements (ie. MATH, PHYS, AMATH, CSE, etc.) are not affected by these changes and will remain the same.

Current majors should make an appointment with Student Services Coordinator (ATG Bldg., Room 416) to go over their degree plan and make any necessary changes. Questions and/or concerns about these changes may also be directed to Student Services.