This option provides students with additional programming, data management, visualization and machine learning skills which can be applied to meteorology, air pollution, climate, and other fields.

DATA SCIENCE OPTION COURSEWORK (31-35 CREDITS TOTAL)

 Courses listed below are required to complete a BS in Atmospheric Sciences with the Data Science option and are in addition to Atmos Sci core coursework and UW College of Environment general education requirements.

Advanced Math (Required; 9 credits total)

These courses (or their equivalent) should be completed as soon as possible as they are pre-requisites for upper-division ATM S coursework. All of these courses have their own pre-requisites.

MATH 207 Introduction to Differential Equations (3cr)
MATH 208 Matrix Algebra with Applications (3cr)
MATH 209 Linear Analysis (3cr)

*For transfer students – some WA-state community colleges offer equivalents to the courses listed above. Consult your institutional adviser or the UW Equivalency Guide for more information.

Atmos Sci Courses (Required; 3 credits total)
ATM S 358 Atmospheric Chemistry (3cr, Aut)

Programming (Required; 4-5 credits total)
CSE 143 Computer Programming II (5cr) or
CSE 163 Intermediate Data Programming (4cr)

Machine Learning (Required; 4-5 credits total):
CSE/STAT 416 Introduction to Machine Learning (4cr) or
STAT 435 Statistical Machine Learning (4cr) or
INFO 371 Advanced Methods in Data Science (5 cr)

Data Science and Society (Required; 3 credits total):
SOC 225  Data and Society (3cr)

Additional Courses (Required; 8-10 credits total)
Students must complete one course from each of the following categories. Most courses have pre-requisites.

Data Management
CSE 414 Introduction to Database Systems (4cr) or
INFO 430 Advanced Database Design (5 cr)

Data Visualization
CSE 412 Introduction to Data Visualizations (4 cr) or
HCDE 411 Information Visualization (5 cr) or
INFO 474 Interactive Data Visualization (5 cr)

DEGREE PLANS

Most Atmospheric Sciences majors take their major courses during the junior and senior years, although it is certainly possible to begin the major course work as a sophomore if the prerequisites are met. Core courses are offered only once per year, with the first course beginning in Autumn Quarter.  It is crucial that ATM S courses are taken in the recommended sequence.

Below are two suggested degree plans for students interested in the Data Science option – the first is a four-year plan, designed for freshmen. The second is a two-year plan designed for transfer students and UW students who decide to major in Atmos Sci in their sophomore or junior year.

Plans do not include UW College of Environment general education requirements and may vary, depending on the individual. Please note that the data science option includes many non-ATM S courses that are subject to the home departments’ scheduling discretion and may not be offered as listed in degree plans. It may also be possible to complete some non-ATM S courses prior to the quarter(s) listed in the degree plans below, depending on pre-requisites and quarters offered. Due to the variety of options, each student will need to customize their own course plan and ensure they can meet all the requirements in time. To discuss this plan, please contact the Academic Adviser.

Data Science – FOUR YEAR PLAN

Recommended for freshmen interested in majoring in Atmospheric Sciences. This plan is also appropriate for students on track to complete the MATH and PHYS sequences by autumn quarter of their sophomore year.

Most classes have prerequisites. Please contact the Academic Adviser for a list of prerequisites.

DATA SCIENCE – TWO YEAR PLAN

Recommended for transfer* students and UW students who decide to major in Atmos Sci in their sophomore or junior year. This plan assumes that at least two years of college-level courses – including the pre-requisite MATH and PHYS sequences – have already been completed.

NOTE: Many non-ATM S courses can be taken in summer quarter (not represented in degree plan).

*Students planning on transferring to the UW should consult with their institutional adviser or the UW Equivalency Guide for more information on equivalencies for the courses listed in these plans.

Most classes have prerequisites. Please contact the Academic Adviser for a list of prerequisites.