Not gifted in math - study atmospheric science?

Question

I'm very interested in meteorology, and possibly getting a BA or MA in the field. However, I was never great at math in HS. I was like a C or B math student and I always need some help (except for with easy stuff like geometry). Should I be concerned about studying atmospheric sciences as a major if I need help with math? I also never took physics in HS so Is that a problem like applying for the course in college? Are there prereqs I have to meet first?

Answer 1

This is a great question. Let me try to help you with your decisions. Physics is really a must even for the beginning courses in meteorology or atmospheric sciences. I would take a course at your local community college before applying to a university. You do not need nuclear or quantum mechanics but you do need general physics including sound and light, mechanics, and kinetics.

Now as far as math is concerned, meteorology is indeed a very mathematical discipline. You will need and use statistics, trigonometry, calculus, vector and tensor analysis, and differential equations especially if you desire to pursue numerical weather prediction modeling or an advanced degree, MS or Ph.D.

However, if your interest is in broadcast meteorology, you will not need the hours of math I have listed above. I took a BS in Mathematics and Physics before pursuing a second BS in Meteorology and then going on for an MS and a Ph.D. So if your goals are more moderate than mine were I do not believe you should be so concerned about entering this program with a weak math background. However, C's and B's are not all that bad. You may have to struggle a bit with some of your college math but you may also find you understand this level of mathematics much better than you did algebra or geometry in high school.

It is a wonderful field to study and there is so much to learn about our atmosphere that we do not yet know. Weather forecasting in the tropics is still a wide open area as well as understanding the exact conditions under which tornadoes or tropical storms form.

Answer 2

Prerequisites depends upon which school you're looking at. The NWS requirement states that you need at last two calculus based physics classes as well as three calculus classes and ordinary differential equations.

I took a weak physics class in high school, but I did good at my physics classes in college. Electricity and magnetism is far more interesting than mechanics though.

Calculus is not so bad and some people say it is. In high school, I took two algebra classes, a geometry class, a trigonometry class, and a probability and statistics class. I took two pre-calc classes to gear up for normal calc.

In my honest opinion, you will be fine. No one expects perfection from any student. Overall, you need to do your best in meteorology classes. Try to take an interest in math and physics and you will get through it.

Read more at the link. And best of luck to you.

http://www.srh.noaa.gov/jetstream/nws/ca...

Answer 3

A good understanding of Physics is paramount in understanding the processes and enough math that you understanding equations related to wave theory and etc.