Doctoral Program :: Atmospheric, Oceanic & Space Science

This program gives students the basic courses to allow them to specialize later in a broad range of sub-disciplines. Students are expected to learn the basic morphology of the atmosphere and the space environment, as well as the necessary physics, chemistry, and mathematics.

Advisor: Professor Michael Liemohn

Expectations

Students report to the Graduate Committee during the first two years of the program and should consult with research advisors concerning elective second-year courses before registering with the graduate chair.

• AOSS doctoral students are expected to have a high level of ability and scholarship in atmospheric science, oceanography, space and planetary sciences, or geoscience and remote sensing.
• Students are expected to carry a course load of 9 — 12 credit hours (3-4 courses excluding seminar courses) each semester until the dissertation work is begun.
• During the first year the student must select courses from among the core courses for their particular program.
• During their first two years, students are expected to complete a total of two terms in seminar course AOSS 747 and a total of two terms in seminar course AOSS 749.
• There are no foreign language requirements.
• Students are not expected to take courses during the summer term, as these months are primarily used to gain research experience.
• Typically after four semesters of classes, each student will take and must pass a qualifying examination before being advanced to candidacy. A PDF file describing the procedure and exam is available here: AOSS Qualifying Exam Description.
• Most students begin research soon after beginning their program. No later than upon achieving candidacy, they focus on dissertation research under the guidance of an advisor.
• The minimum GPA required to advance to candidacy is 6.0 on Rackham's 9.0 point scale.

Departmental Core Courses

AOSS 551 Advanced Geophysical Fluid Dynamics (4 credits)
AOSS 532 Radiative Transfer (4 credits)
AOSS 747, 749 Seminar (1 credit, 4 terms)

Atmospheric Program Core Courses

AOSS 479 Atmospheric Chemistry (4)
AOSS 411 Cloud & Precipitation Processes (3)

Science & Planetary Program Core Courses

464 Space & Spacecraft Environment (4)
565 Planetary Atmospheres (4)
495 Upper Atmosphere & Ionosphere (4)

Please Note:  Courses are subject to change. Please consult with your advisor.

Additional Departmental Requirements

Each doctoral student is required to take three additional AOSS courses relevant to their research. Any AOSS course numbered 400 or higher is acceptable. Students should discuss course selection with their research advisor and with the Graduate Program Chair. For a complete list of AOSS graduate courses, click here.

Dissertation

Upon passing the Qualifying Examinations, and having completed the cognate hours and required Rackham fee hours (see the Rackham Graduate Student Handbook), the guidance of the student becomes the responsibility of the research advisor. Although the Graduate Committee will still be available to the candidate, academic selections and thesis guidance will be the responsibility of the research advisor. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that all Rackham requirements have been fulfilled for the doctorate. Information is contained in the Rackham Graduate Student Handbook and the Thesis Guidelines.