Of course the weather update is the most fascinating of any news broadcast as this is one factor that affects the day to day life. Indeed the most common image that pops in the mind when anyone mentions a career in meteorology is that of the local weatherman. But this myth will be shattered once you join a meteorology course. In this, you will discover the numerous choices that are available for you to pursue apart from simply predicting the weather. And, nowadays, with climate change and various environmental issues rocking the world, the role and scope of meteorologists has increased manifold. Today, the very basis of development depends on the analysis and predictions of the meteorologists. If you are looking to plunge into a career in this challenging and interesting field, then read below to know more.
Courses In Meteorology
Eligibility
Meteorology courses are available in both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. To go for the undergraduate programs, the candidate must clear the 10+2 examinations or any other equivalent ones with physics, chemistry as compulsory subjects, and mathematics or biology or geophysics or statistics as optional. For the postgraduate program, the candidate must clear the Bachelor of Science degree from any recognized university.
Details Of The Course Curriculum
A course in meteorology will help in the development of various skills like data collection, data analysis, forecasting and computer modeling. At the graduate and post graduate level, the students will gain a thorough understanding of the fundamentals of meteorology and all the assorted fields that are associated with this subject. The course is designed to teach the student all about the atmospheric studies and its effect on day to day human activity. Some of the other branches that the student can gain knowledge are:
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Global atmosphere
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Weather measurement and analysis
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Atmospheric thermodynamics
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Atmospheric physics
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Weather analysis and forecasting
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Marine meteorology
Specialization
There are various branches in meteorology in which specialization can be sought. A specialization advances the opportunities and also increases the earning potential. The various fields of specialization as a meteorologist are:
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Operational meteorologist
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Atmospheric scientists
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Consulting
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Physical meteorologist
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Environmental scientist
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Hydrometeorology
There are also a number of branches in meteorology in which specialization can be sought. They are:
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Climatology
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Synoptic Meteorology
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Dynamic Meteorology
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Physical Meteorology
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Agricultural Meteorology
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Applied Meteorology
Skills Required
Those who wish to pursue meteorology should have good math skills and knowledge of physics. The student should also be precise and methodical as it is very important when recording and analyzing data. Excellent computer skills are must as meteorology depends on advance technology and softwares. Apart from that, good problem solving skills are always an asset. Good writing and verbal skills are required to present the findings and predictions in a clear and concise manner. Candidates should also be a good team worker. An interest in environmental issues is also of benefit.
Career Prospects
In the field of meteorology there is a wide range of career options. The most well known is in the field of weather forecasting. Operational meteorologists predict the weather by analyzing information from satellites. Meteorologists also study the climate change, pollution, storms and also conduct research on specialist areas of meteorology. On completion of this course, the candidate can seek employment in both government and private sectors. Private enterprises like consulting firms, gas and oil exploration companies and hydroelectric plants hire meteorologists. Every government has a meteorological department and it is the most preferred venue of employment for meteorologists. They can also join universities as researchers.
Some Of The Best Institutes Offering This Course Globally
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Indian Institute of Science, India
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University of Calcutta, India
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Aviation Meteorology Science & Engineering Research Council, (SERC), India
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University of Manchester, UK
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University of Leeds, UK
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University of Bristol, UK
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University of Sussex, UK
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University of Arizona, US
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San Jose State University, US
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Iowa State University, US
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Western Connecticut State University, UK
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Lyndon State College, UK
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James Cook University, Australia
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Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, India
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Andhra University, India
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Indian Institute of Technology (Kharagpur), India
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Punjab University, India
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Plymouth State University, UK
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University of Hawaii, US
