This option is aimed at students with interests in chemistry and/or environmental engineering who would like to apply their knowledge of atmospheric and climate science to environmental issues such as evolving atmospheric composition and air quality.

Atmos Chem & Air Quality Track Coursework (45-48 credits total)

If you declared your major prior to Autumn 2023, please check here.

Courses listed below are required to complete a BS in Atmospheric and Climate Science in the Atmos Chemistry and Air Quality Track and are in addition to ATMOS core coursework and UW College of Environment general education requirements.

Chemistry (Required; 15 credits total)
These courses (or their equivalent) should be completed as soon as possible as they are pre-requisites for upper-division ATMOS coursework. Some of these courses may have pre-requisites.

CHEM 142 General Chemistry (5cr, AWSpS)
CHEM 152 General Chemistry (5cr, AWSpS)
CHEM 162 General Chemistry (5cr, AWSpS)

*For transfer students – some WA-state community colleges offer equivalents to the courses listed above. Consult your institutional adviser or the UW Equivalency Guide for more information.

ATMOS Courses (Required; 8 credits total)
These courses must be completed in the order listed below. These courses have pre-requisites.

ATMOS 458 Air Pollution Chemistry (4cr, Aut)
ATMOS 480 Air-Quality Modeling (4cr, Spr*)

*ATMOS/CEE 480 will be offered in Spring 2026 during the 2025-2026 Academic Year.

Programming Courses (Required; 3-4 credits total)

ATMOS 310 Programming for Atmospheric Data Analysis (3cr, Aut) or
CSE 160 Data Programming (4cr, AWSpS)

Additional Courses (Required; 6-9 credits total)
Students must complete a minimum of two courses from the following list. Most courses have pre-requisites.

AMATH 301 Beginning Scientific Computing (4cr)
AMATH 351 Introduction to Differential Equations and Applications (3cr)
AMATH 352 Applied Linear Algebra and Numerical Analysis (3cr)
Any ATMOS course at the 300-level or above (may not include and ATMOS courses already required as part of the core or track coursework)
ATMOS 452 Forecasting & Advanced Synoptic Meteorology (5cr)
ATMOS 508 Geochemical Cycles (4cr)
ATMOS 564 Atmospheric Aerosol and Multiphase Atmospheric Chemistry (3cr)
CHEM 223 Organic Chemistry – Short Program (4cr)
CHEM 224 Organic Chemistry – Short Program (4cr)
CHEM 312 Inorganic Chemistry (3cr)
CHEM 321 Quantitative Analysis (5cr)
CHEM 426 Instrumental Analysis (3cr)
CHEM E 341 Energy and Environment (3cr)
CHEM E 468 Air-Pollution Control Equipment Design (3cr)
MATH 208 Matrix Algebra with Applications (4cr)
MATH 224 Advanced Multivariable Calculus (4cr)

Degree Plans

Most Atmospheric and Climate Science majors take their major courses during the junior and senior years, although it is certainly possible to begin the major course work as a sophomore if the prerequisites are met. ATMOS core courses are offered only once per academic year, with the first course beginning in Autumn Quarter.  It is crucial that ATMOS courses are taken in the recommended sequence.

Below are two suggested degree plans for students interested in the Atmos Chem & Air Quality Track – the first is a four-year plan, designed for freshmen. The second is a two-year plan designed for transfer students and UW students who decide to major in ATMOS in their sophomore or junior year.

Plans do not include UW College of Environment general education requirements and may vary, depending on the individual. Please note that non-ATMOS courses are subject to the home departments’ scheduling discretion and may not be offered as listed in degree plans. It may also be possible to complete some non-ATMOS courses prior to the quarter(s) listed in the degree plans below, depending on pre-requisites and quarters offered. To discuss this plan, contact the Academic Advisor.

ATMOS CHEM & AIR QUALITY – FOUR YEAR PLAN

4-Year Plan Chemistry Worksheet (Printed Version)

Recommended for freshmen interested in majoring in Atmospheric and Climate Science. This plan is also appropriate for students on track to complete the MATH and PHYS sequences by autumn quarter of their sophomore year.

ATMOS CHEM & AIR QUALITY – TWO YEAR PLAN

2-Year Plan Chemistry Worksheet (Printed Version)

Recommended for transfer* students and UW students who decide to major in Atmospheric and Climate Science in their sophomore or junior year. This plan assumes that at least two years of college-level courses – including the pre-requisite MATH and PHYS series and the General Chem series – have already been completed.

NOTE: Many non-ATM S courses can be taken in summer quarter (not represented in degree plan).

*Students planning on transferring to the UW should consult with their institutional adviser or the UW Equivalency Guide for more information on equivalencies for the courses listed in these plans.