The atmosphere and the oceans are the two main components of the climate system. With a masters degree in meteorology and oceanography, you get a deep understanding of the physical processes governing the climate system. This understanding is of vital importance in providing predictions to society on short time scales (e.g. weather forecasts, ocean currents) and for long-term climate change. Transport of pollutants and biogeochemical material through the atmosphere and oceans are also important to the planetary ecosystems and our human societies.
You get the opportunity to study the atmosphere and oceans using numerical atmospheric and/or oceanic models, and to study observational data, both from the department's field experiments or from available sources (e.g. satellite data). Interactions between the ocean and the atmosphere and between the atmosphere and the terrestrial system (e.g. snow, vegetation, effects of volcanic eruptions, etc.) are important areas.
In Meteorology the specific focus is on: Modelling and use of observations to understand processes in the climate system, modelling of atmospheric chemistry in relation to climate change and air pollution, cloud physics and relations between aerosols and clouds, and numerical weather forecasting at mid and high latitudes.
In Oceanography we focus on: Numerical modelling of ocean currents and transport, analytical models of physical and dynamical processes in the ocean (including small-scale and large-scale turbulent mixing), and atmosphere-ocean exchange processes.
Computational skills are essential in both meteorology and oceanography and you will be using modern computer facilities for modelling and visualization of weather, climate and ocean processes. Training in the oral and written presentation of scientific results is also an integrated part of the study.
This study provides a solid basis if you want to pursue your studies towards a Ph.D.