Student Learning Outcomes

Bachelor of Science (BS)

Students graduating with a BS degree in atmospheric science from UH Manoa will:

  1. demonstrate an integrated understanding of the fundamental physical and dynamical processes governing the atmosphere across spatial and temporal scales;
  2. demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the interconnected Earth system (solid earth, atmosphere, ocean, cryosphere, and biosphere);
  3. utilize state-of-the-art diagnostic, prognostic, and technological frameworks including models, instrumentation, and remote sensing data to analyze and interpret atmospheric processes;
  4. develop and apply critical and analytical thinking to solve problems in the atmospheric sciences in both individual and collaborative settings;
  5. effectively communicate scientific information to the general public and the scientific community in both oral and written form;
  6. adopt the principles of proper ethical behavior and understand the broader impacts of the atmospheric sciences on society;
  7. synthesize and apply knowledge within the atmospheric sciences or across disciplines through a capstone experience or in-depth course projects or portfolio;
  8. demonstrate expertise in tropical weather and climate and communicate effectively the importance of tropical atmospheric processes to global weather and climate phenomena;
  9. embrace a scientific leadership role and become ambassadors for weather and climate issues impacting the communities and peoples of the greater Pacific region.

Master of Science (MS)

Our graduate programs satisfy the University of Hawaii’s Institutional Learning Objectives (ILOs) which can be found here: https://manoa.hawaii.edu/graduate/advanced-degree-institutional-learning-objectives-ilo/

Students completing the MS in atmospheric science are expected to:

  1. Demonstrate expert knowledge of the weather and climate of Earth, with a focus on the Tropics. (Knowledge of Concepts, UH ILO 1)
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of state-of-the-art advanced methods of meteorological analysis to understand atmospheric phenomena. (Knowledge of Methods, UH ILO 2)
  3. Be able to conduct novel research in significant problems in the atmospheric sciences with modest support from more advanced scientists. (Conduct Research, UH ILO 3)
  4. Apply advanced thermodynamic and dynamic concepts to the analysis of atmospheric phenomena. (Critical Analysis, UH ILO 4)
  5. Communicate both orally and in writing at a high level of proficiency. (Communication, UH ILO 5)
  6. Adopt the principles of proper ethical behavior and understand the broader impacts of the atmospheric sciences on society (Ethics, UH ILO 6)
  7. Possess professional skills to solve real-world problems in the field. (Professionalism, UH ILO 7)

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

In addition to the outcomes listed for the MS, students completing the Ph.D. are expected to be able to conduct independent, original research on significant problems in the atmospheric sciences, and to:

 
  1. Demonstrate an integrated understanding of the fundamental physical and dynamical processes governing the atmosphere across spatial and temporal scales by passing a comprehensive exam. (Knowledge of Concepts, UH ILO 1)
  2. Demonstrate knowledge of state-of-the-art diagnostic, prognostic, and technological frameworks to analyze and interpret atmospheric processes in their chosen sub-field in the atmospheric sciences. (Knowledge of Methods, UH ILO 2)
  3. Independently design and execute a path of study resulting in novel contributions to a sub-field in the atmospheric sciences. (Conduct Research, UH ILO 3)
  4. Develop and apply critical and analytical thinking to solve problems in a sub-field in the atmospheric sciences in both individual and collaborative settings. (Critical Analysis, UH ILO 4))
  5. Communicate both orally and in writing at a high level of proficiency, as evidenced by the successful defense of their research proposal and dissertation, and clear and concise reports, a dissertation, and scientific articles. (Communication, UH ILO 5)
  6. Adopt the principles of proper ethical behavior and understand the broader impacts of the atmospheric sciences on society (Ethics, UH ILO 6)
  7. Embrace a scientific leadership role and become ambassadors for weather and climate issues impacting the communities and peoples of the greater Pacific region. (Professionalism, UH ILO 7)

Undergraduate Advisor

Graduate Chair