Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences Program

Contact Information

Dr. Adam J. French, Undergraduate Program Coordinator
Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences
Mineral Industries 208
(605) 394-1649
E-mail: Adam.French@sdsmt.edu

Dr. William J. Capehart, Program Director
Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences
Mineral Industries 201
(605) 394-1994
E-mail: William.Capehart@sdsmt.edu

Faculty

Associate Professors Capehart, French, Kunza and Kliche; Research Scientist III Clabo.

Overview

The Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences (AES) Program at SD Mines is focused on understanding the physical, chemical, and biological processes that affect the composition and dynamics of the atmosphere. This includes topics such as meteorology, climatology, air quality, ecology, and fire weather. Students are expected to develop a deep understanding of the underlying process that govern how the atmosphere works and apply that understanding to a wide range of situations. The AES program at SD Mines also places a strong focus on communicating science and decision support - applying scientific information and thought processes to real-world problems and situations. At the undergraduate level, the Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences Program offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences, a minor in Atmospheric Sciences and an accelerated Master of Science degree in Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences.

Bachelor of Science in Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences

The Bachelor of Science in Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences is designed around a series of math and science courses that fulfill the federal certification as a meteorologist (see below) and careers in weather forecasting. In addition to this core, 30 credit hours of elective coursework allow students to specialize in areas such as air quality, climate resiliency, computing and data analysis, environmental science, and fire meteorology; or pursue a minor in a related math, science, or engineering discipline. All students also complete a senior capstone research project under the supervision of a faculty mentor.

The successful student is expected to be capable of independent and critical thinking in the areas of physical, synoptic, and dynamic meteorology; remote sensing; and global environmental change. As such, students completing this program are well-prepared for a range of careers spanning the atmospheric and environmental sciences job space. The curriculum also is suitable for preparation toward graduate study at the MS and PhD level. A detailed breakdown of the degree requirements can be found here: Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences, BS

Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences Undergraduate Curriculum Scheduling

It is the student’s responsibility to check with their atmospheric and environmental science advisor for any course offering or other program modifications that may occur after the publication of this catalog. Most AES courses are offered only every other year. Attention must be paid to this two-year cycle in planning a program of study.

Federal Certifications as a Meteorologist

Students completing the BS degree in AES meet the strictly enforced civil service requirements for federal employment as meteorologists (such as with the National Weather Service or other federal government agencies employing meteorologists) as dictated by the United States Office of Personnel Management for the GS-1340 Meteorology Series:

Degree: meteorology, atmospheric science, or other natural science major that includes

At least 24 semester hours (36 quarters) of credit in atmospheric and environmental science/meteorology including a minimum:
1. Six semester hours of atmospheric dynamics and thermodynamics
2. Six semester hours of analysis and prediction of weather systems (synoptic/mesoscale)
3. Three semester hours of physical meteorology and
4. Two semester hours of remote sensing of atmosphere and/or instrumentation
Six semester hours of physics, with at least one course that includes laboratory sessions
Three semester hours of ordinary differential equations
At least 9 semester hours of coursework appropriate for a physical science major in any combination of three or more of the following: physical hydrology, statistics, chemistry, physical oceanography, physical climatology, radiative transfer, aeronomy, advanced thermodynamics, advanced electricity and magnetism, light and optics, and computer science.

Note: There is a prerequisite or corequisite of calculus, physics, and differential equations for coursework in atmospheric dynamics and thermodynamics. Calculus courses must be appropriate for a physical science major.

Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences Program Outcomes:

In line with the American Meteorological Society Statement Bachelor’s Degree in Atmospheric Sciences, students successfully completing the BS in Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences will be able to:

demonstrate mastery of the fundamental principles governing the atmosphere and the characteristic atmospheric processes across spatial and temporal scales
demonstrate integrated understanding of the linked Earth-atmosphere-ocean-cryosphere-biosphere system
apply diagnostic, prognostic, and technological tools to evaluate atmospheric processes across a multitude of scales
effectively communicate scientific information in oral and written form as appropriate for technical and non-technical audiences
understand and utilize the principles of proper ethical behavior within the atmospheric sciences regarding professional conduct and be aware of the scientific limits of prediction
create, synthesize, or apply knowledge within the atmospheric sciences or between the atmospheric sciences and other disciplines
critically evaluate sources of information, including data, previous research, scientific reports, and publications and apply this information appropriately
demonstrate skills with collecting, accessing, and analyzing weather and climate data using appropriate instrumentation, software, and data analysis techniques
work professionally with a team
demonstrate competency in applying basic skills areas expected to qualify as a meteorologist as per the Federal Government OPM GS-1340 Meteorology Series.

Undergraduate Minor in Atmospheric Sciences

A Minor in Atmospheric Sciences is available to any student enrolled in an undergraduate degree program that allows minors at SD Mines. For some majors this would require an additional semester or more of study beyond the normal four years. Four courses (12 credits) are required: Introduction to Atmospheric Sciences (AES 201 ), Global Environmental Change (AES 406/506 ), Atmospheric Thermodynamics (AES 404/504 ) and Synoptic Meteorology (AES 450/450L ), along with 6 additional credits of Atmospheric and Environmental Science or approved elective coursework. A details on the minor and a list of elective courses that qualify can be found here: Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences, BS

Accelerated Master’s Degree

An accelerated MS degree in AES is an option for to students at SD Mines. Students admitted to the accelerated program may apply up to 9 credits of approved 400/500/600 level AES course work taken as undergraduate or approved electives toward both the BS and MS degree requirements. All elective courses must be approved in advance of registration by major professor or program coordinator.