Study plan for MAMN-GFMET Meteorology, fall 2024

Name of qualification

The master's programme leads to the degree Master of Science in Meteorology and Oceanography. It is a two year programme (120 ECTS credits).

The master's program in meteorology and oceanography with a specialization in meteorology provides a broad, interconnected understanding of atmospheric physics and dynamics, meteorological measurements, and weather forecasting. Emphasis is placed on student understanding both the physical and the mathematical description of various atmospheric phenomena in connection with observations, laboratory experiments, data analysis and numerical modelling, as well as communication to a scientific audience. The master's thesis provides an advanced and deep understanding of a selected meteorological subject. Topics within the master's thesis typically include the theoretical basis for various weather phenomena, the use of numerical models to project the development of weather systems, processes in the boundary layer over the sea, sea ice or land, extreme weather, local weather and climate conditions, and renewable energy. The master's thesis is an independent research project, and a central part of the master's program, where the student, under guidance, contributes new knowledge to the field of studies.

Required Learning Outcomes

On completion of the programme the candidate should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

Kandidaten

can use the terminology of atmosphere'sic dynamics, physics and thermodynamics, and can demonstrate related advanced knowledge
knows and can valuate current meteorological research and debate within associated disciplines
knows the societal relevance and challenges within weather and climate prediction
knows interdisciplinary problems with related disciplines, such as climate dynamics, oceanography, informatics, and geoscience
has advanced knowledge of mathematical, statistical, and numerical methods for analyzing geophysical data

Skills

The candidate

can use advanced meteorological instruments to perform reliable measurements and understands the underlying measurement principles as well as sources of uncertainty
can critically assess data quality and geophysical information sources, and works systematically with measurement errors and uncertainties
can use advanced mathematical and statistical methods for analysis and visualization of meteorological problems, in particular using programming
can carry out an independent research project under guidanccan apply their knowledge to new scientific problems within meteorology and associated disciplines

General competence

The candidate

can formulate and discuss analytical strategies and carry out analyzes of complex problems
can work with meteorological problems individually and in groups
can analyze, interpret and discuss their own results in a scientifically sound and critical way
can present orally and in writing, and explain and discuss complex problems with colleagues
has knowledge of and respects scientific values such as openness, precision and responsibility, and knows the difference between scientific knowledge and opinion

Admission Requirements

Bachelor's program in Meteorology, Oceanography, Climate Physics or similar.

Bachelor's degrees in applied mathematics or physics may qualify, if they include at least 20 credits from atmosphere and ocean sciences, or theoretical and applied fluid mechanics. A bachelor's degree in physics with solid knowledge in fluid mechanics will also be considered.

You also need to document:

Average grade of minimum C (equivalent to Norwegian grade C)
Proficiency in English

Recommended previous knowledge

You must have completed a BSc in meteorology and oceanography or in an equivalent field. You need competence in meteorology, including basics in climate and atmospheric physics. You should have basic knowledge about theoretical and experimental aspects of meteorology as well as in computer programming and data analysis. Thorough background in mathematics (linear algebra, partial differential equations, function theory, Fourier analysis, statistics), as well as in physics (thermodynamics, fluiddynamics, and classical mechanics, continuum mechanics), are recommended.

Compulsory units

The MSc programme consists of two components: Coursework consisting of 60 credits and an individual research project (MSc thesis) comprising 60 credits.

For students starting in autumn 2024: The courses GEOF311, GEOF321, GEOF313 and GEOF352 are compulsory. In addition, there are 30 credits of elective courses, chosen in agreement with the academic supervisor.

4. semester: Master's thesis
3. semester: Master's thesis
2. semester: GEOF321, GEOF352/elective courses and elective courses
1. semester: GEOF313, GEOF328, GEOF311/GEOF301

MSc thesis: GEOF399 MSc thesis in meteorology and oceanography comprises 60 credits. It is recommended that the MSc thesis is started in the second semester. The MSc thesis must be submitted within a deadline at the end of the fourth semester of the MSc program, i.e., either 20 November or 1 June. Examples of thesis topics can be related to extreme weather, polar meteorology, atmospheric water transport, wind energy, boundary layer turbulence, local meteorology and fluxes between the atmosphere and the surface. It is possible to write a master's thesis with supervisors from external research institutes or subject-relevant companies.

Recommended electives

30 course credits in the Master's programme are elective and have to be chosen in agreement with the supervisor. The courses GEOF328, GEOF322, GEOF351, GEOF301, GEOF347, GEOF348, MAT330 are among the most relevant.

Master thesis credits

The Master's thesis is a scientific study of a problem defined in collaboration with your academic supervisor. The problem may be addressed by theoretical modelling in combination with analyses of observational data. The individual research project will be 60 ETCS credits and courses or special topics worth 60 ECTS credits. The study must be finalized by writing a Master's thesis and by giving an oral presentation. Both will be evaluated by a scientific panel.

Sequential Requirements, courses

The recommended sequence of the courses in the programme can be found under the heading "Compulsory units".

Study period abroad

Study periods at institutions abroad through the ERASMUS program are agreed with the supervisor and must be a part of the master¿s agreement. It is possible to write the thesis at UNIS.

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching in the master's program courses takes place in the form of lectures, seminars, experiments, fieldwork, scientific cruises, calculation exercises, group exercises, computer exercises, discussions and presentations. The Geophysical Institute has a focus on using active teaching methods and including the students in decisions concerning individual subjects and the study program. Details about the courses can be found in the course description. The master's thesis is an independent scientific work, which is carried out under the guidance of a professional supervisor.

Assessment methods

Assessment of the courses in the master's program is a combination of written and oral exams, written reports or other submissions, approved participation in teaching and fieldwork, and oral presentations. The students also receive continuous feedback. The assessment forms for each course included in the master's program are described in more detail in the course description. The master's thesis is assessed by an expert committee. The study is concluded with an oral master's degree examination after the master's thesis has been submitted and has been assessed and approved as part of the master's thesis.

Grading scale

At UiB the grades are given in one of two possible grading scales: passed/failed and A to F.

The master¿s thesis will be graded A to F.

The grading scale for each course is given in the course description.

Diploma and Diploma supplement

The Diploma, in Norwegian, and the Diploma Supplement, in English, will be issued when the degree is completed.

Access to further studies

To be eligible for admission to the Doctoral education (PhD) the candidate must have completed a master's degree.

To qualify for the Doctoral education (PhD) at UiB the average grade for the master's thesis, the Master's degree and the bachelor's degree should be at least C.

In order to get enrolled you have to be granted a fellowship for doctoral training.

Employability

Our meteorologists are in high demand. In addition to recognized and sought-after professional expertise, you will gain the necessary skills for the knowledge- and innovation-based working life such as coding, teamwork, project management and critical thinking. You can make a career in everything from consulting companies, via green innovation and public administration, to research and education. Tasks include consulting for business and social security; development, innovation and research for climate adaptation and sustainable social development; forecasting and management of renewable energy resources; planning and risk assessment within insurance, air quality, hydrology and agriculture. Experts in socially critical activities such as weather forecasting are always needed. Many of our students are therefore recruited by weather warning centers such as the Norwegian Meteorological Institute and innovation-oriented international companies such as StormGeo. A master's degree in meteorology provides a formal basis for admission to the PhD program and further research in meteorology, physical oceanography, climate dynamics and marine biogeochemistry. You will also be well suited to disseminate weather and climate information through various mediums. Last, but not least, together with pedagogical education, a master's degree can be used for a career as a lecturer and the education of future generations of natural scientists.