Physics

60 - 120.

Faculty of Physics

35

The specific training goals of the Masters in Meteorology are, on the one hand, of a professional nature and, on the other, to contribute to the training of researchers in the sciences of the atmosphere and climate:

1) Professional option

There are many options for those choosing to make meteorology their chosen profession: meteorologists can become involved in weather observation, analysis and forecasting in national and international meteorological centres, or work in the different fields of meteorological applications, as specialists in the atmospheric environment and pollution, hydrology and the planning of water resources, urban meteorology, climate change and sustainable development, the use of renewable energies, etc. For this reason, one of the main aims of the Masters is to provide students with a basic training in the methodology of meteorology to enable them to find work in meteorological centres and services, as well as in other institutions and companies who need specialists in the field of applied meteorology. The Masters therefore undertakes to provide students with the basic knowledge to enable them to work as professional meteorologists and as such complies with the guidelines laid down by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) for the teaching of meteorology.

2) Academic and research option

Research in the sciences of the atmosphere and climate is a priority concern in most national and European research plans today. Major advances are currently being made in meteorological observation and remote sensing (Meteosat Second Generation -MSG- is just one example), in meteorological surveillance and warning systems (meteorological radar networks for adverse weather surveillance), meteorological modelling (significant increase in spatial and time resolution of forecasts as well as forecast parameters), long-term forecasting (seasonal) and the study of phenomena of global teleconnection caused by the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO), the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), etc. The research being conducted into climate change and its impact on almost every socio-economic sector has become one of the main research fields in contemporary science. The main aim of the academic and research option of the Masters is to provide students with the foundations and research skills to undertake advanced studies in the sciences of the atmosphere and climate.

Candidates will be admitted on the strength of their previous studies, academic level attained, and academic record, in accordance with the specific criteria established by the Masters Coordinating Committee.

It is envisaged that applicants will be graduates or doctoral students with a good grounding in physics and mathematics (with a level equivalent to that currently being taught in the university's science faculties and technical schools), seeking to start a career in meteorology or to undertake research in the sciences of the atmosphere and climatology. Students who do not comply with these requirements must register for the corresponding foundation courses.