Atmospheric Sciences, BSLAS
for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences Major in Atmospheric Sciences
for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences Major in Atmospheric Sciences
Departmental distinction: Students majoring in Atmospheric Sciences can earn distinction, high distinction, and highest distinction upon graduation. The requirements for these awards are:
For distinction: A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.3 and have also completed an approved independent study project, approved senior thesis, or approved capstone.
For high distinction: A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5 and have also completed an approved independent study project, approved senior thesis, or approved capstone.
For highest distinction: A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.7 and also completed an approved senior thesis or approved research capstone.
General education: Students must complete the Campus General Education requirements including the campus general education language requirement.
Minimum required major and supporting course work: normally equates to 58-59 hours including at least 32 hours in Atmospheric Sciences.
Minimum hours required for graduation: 120 hours.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PHYS 211 | University Physics: Mechanics | 4 |
| PHYS 212 | University Physics: Elec & Mag | 4 |
| CHEM 102 | General Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 103 | General Chemistry Lab I | 1 |
| MATH 220 | Calculus | 4-5 |
| or MATH 221 | Calculus I | |
| MATH 231 | Calculus II | 3 |
| MATH 241 | Calculus III | 4 |
| MATH 285 | Intro Differential Equations | 3 |
| ATMS 201 | General Physical Meteorology | 3 |
| ATMS 301 | Atmospheric Thermodynamics | 3 |
| ATMS 302 | Atmospheric Dynamics I | 3 |
| ATMS 303 | Synoptic-Dynamic Wea Analysis | 4 |
| ATMS 304 | Radiative Transfer-Remote Sens | 3 |
| ATMS 305 | Computing and Data Analysis | 3 |
| ATMS 306 | Cloud Physics | 3 |
| ATMS 307 | Climate Processes | 3 |
| ATMS 313 | Synoptic Weather Forecasting | 4 |
| ATMS 314 | Mesoscale Dynamics | 3 |
| Total Hours | 58-59 | |
for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences Major in Atmospheric Sciences
Sample Sequence
This sample sequence is intended to be used only as a guide for degree completion. All students should work individually with their academic advisors to decide the actual course selection and sequence that works best for them based on their academic preparation and goals. Enrichment programming such as study abroad, minors, internships, and so on may impact the structure of this four-year plan. Course availability is not guaranteed during the semester indicated in the sample sequence.
Students must fulfill their Language Other Than English requirement by successfully completing a third level of a language other than English. For more information, see the corresponding section on the Degree General and Education Requirements page.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| First Semester | Hours | Second Semester | Hours |
| Free elective course | 1 | ATMS 201 | 3 |
| MATH 220 or 221 | 4 | MATH 231 | 3 |
| Comp I or General Education course | 4 | General Education course or Comp I | 3 |
| Language Other than English (3rd level) | 4 | Language Other than English (4th level) | 4 |
| CHEM 102 | 3 | CHEM 103 | 1 |
| 16 | 14 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| First Semester | Hours | Second Semester | Hours |
| ATMS 303 | 4 | ATMS 313 | 4 |
| PHYS 211 | 4 | PHYS 212 | 4 |
| MATH 241 | 4 | MATH 285 | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 | General Education course | 3 |
| 15 | 14 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| First Semester | Hours | Second Semester | Hours |
| ATMS 301 | 3 | ATMS 304 | 3 |
| ATMS 305 | 3 | ATMS 314 | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 | Free elective course | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 | Free elective course | 3 |
| Free elective course | 3 | Free elective course | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| First Semester | Hours | Second Semester | Hours |
| ATMS 302 | 3 | Free elective course | 4 |
| ATMS 306 | 3 | ATMS 307 | 3 |
| Free elective course | 3 | Free elective course | 3 |
| Free elective course | 3 | Free elective course | 3 |
| Free elective course | 3 | Free elective course | 3 |
| 15 | 16 | ||
| Total Hours 120 | |||
for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences Major in Atmospheric Sciences
- All students will have a fundamental understanding of the atmosphere and the dynamical and physical processes that control weather and climate.
- All students will have demonstrable computational problem solving skills, and have the opportunity to participate in scientific research.
- All students will understand practical applications of weather analysis and forecasting, and the impact of weather analysis and forecasting on public safety and the economy.
- All students will develop competency in clear scientific written and oral communication.
- All students will develop an understanding of the natural and anthropogenic processes that control climate and global change, their impact on human livelihood, and ways that individuals can contribute to the reduction of societal risk from weather and climate events and impacts.
for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences Major in Atmospheric Sciences
department website: https://atmos.illinois.edu/
department faculty:Atmospheric Sciences Faculty
advising: Atmospheric Sciences advising
overview of college admissions & requirements: Liberal Arts & Sciences
college website: https://las.illinois.edu/