Atmospheric and Climate Science

Program Description

The MSc in Atmospheric and Climate Science teaches the in-depth understanding of the atmospheric processes and their interactions, ranging from the molecular to the global scale and from short-lived phenomena to changes over millions of years. Students achieve quantitative knowledge on atmospheric dynamics as well as physicochemical processes and cycles, on the interpretation and prediction of weather and climate, and on paleoclimatology.
Prerequisites are a profound mathematical background and knowledge of physics and chemistry. The first two semesters comprise module courses (24 credits) and optional courses (20 credits). Five modules are offered:
- Weather systems and atmospheric dynamics
- Climate
- Composition of the atmosphere
- Climate history and paleoclimatology
- Hydrology.
In the second semester students get involved with a research group in preparation for the six-month Master's thesis. There is an optional exchange with the University of Bern (one day per week) with focus on long-term climate dynamics.

Program Details

Institution
Department of Earth Sciences
Duration
18 Months
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
Full Time
Qualification
MSc
Entry Requirements
The equivalent of an ETH Bachelor's degree in Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences, or Agricultural Science.
Application Process
Application period: For all applicants: 30 October – 15 December for entry into the following Autumn Semester (mid-September).
Additional application period for applicants with a Bachelor’s degree from a Swiss or EU university: 1 March – 15 April. See http://www.admission.ethz.ch/master for details.