Our program applies mathematics, physics, computing, and sometimes chemistry to study the atmosphere and/or oceans. The ideal student would therefore have a strong quantitative background in one or more of these fields. Although some of our students have undergraduate knowledge of meteorology or physical oceanography, this background is not necessary to succeed in the program. McGill offers the only program in Canada that includes both atmospheric and oceanic sciences. Students benefit from a high professor-to-student ratio and access to state-of-the-art computing, remote sensing, and atmospheric chemistry laboratory equipment. The Department also has close ties with Environment & Climate Change Canada's numerical weather prediction centre in Dorval, Quebec.

Our program allows considerable flexibility as to the choice of research topics, and gives students both a strong classroom knowledge of the subject as well as the opportunity to choose from a variety of thesis research projects. Students who do not choose to continue in academia find employment in a variety of areas and places; for example, working with Environment & Climate Change Canada as research associates or weather forecasters.

Our program applies mathematics, physics, computing, and sometimes chemistry to study the atmosphere and/or oceans. The ideal student would therefore have a strong quantitative background in one or more of these fields. Although some of our students have undergraduate knowledge of meteorology or physical oceanography, this background is not necessary to succeed in the program. McGill offers the only program in Canada that includes both atmospheric and oceanic sciences. Students benefit from a high professor-to-student ratio and access to state-of-the-art computing, remote sensing, and atmospheric chemistry laboratory equipment. The Department also has close ties with Environment & Climate Change Canada's numerical weather prediction centre in Dorval, Quebec. Students who do not choose to continue in academia find employment in a variety of areas including research careers at government labs such as Environment & Climate Change Canada.

**This program is currently not offered.**

The Ph.D. in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences: Environment (option) is a research program offered in collaboration with the Bieler School of Environment. As a complement to the unit’s expertise, the program considers how various dimensions (scientific, social, legal, ethical) interact to define environment and sustainability issues. The Environment option builds on the same program and a similar undergraduate background as described under Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences. In addition, the Environment option includes required courses from Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences and from Environment, as well as complementary courses in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences and in Environment.

Prospective Environment Option students must apply for admission to both Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences and the School of Environment and must meet the entrance requirements of both. Acceptability into the Environment option will be based on academic experience and performance, availability of a supervisor or co-supervisor, the proposed research, and plans for funding as articulated by the supervisor(s). This option is not available to students entering at the Ph.D. 1 level, but can be chosen in subsequent years.