Division of Marine & Atmospheric Chemistry

Degrees offered:

M.S. and Ph.D. degrees

Program areas:

Chemical Processes of the Atmosphere
Chemical Processes of the Ocean
Hydrology

Program description:

The 14 faculty members of the Division of Marine and Atmospheric Chemistry (MAC) carry out research on the chemistry of the atmosphere and marine and ground waters, evaluating processes within and between those spheres. Much of the work is directed at understanding the impact of man's activities on the earth/ocean system, particularly as it relates to global change. There are currently 12 students enrolled in the program. Students come from a variety of educational backgrounds (marine science, chemistry, biology, physics, engineering, etc.)

Resources:

The Division has a wide variety of modern chemical laboratory instrumentation, including a state-of-the-art laser facility to study rapid gas and liquid phase chemical reactions and radiochemical labs that measure a broad spectrum of isotopes. We have wide analytical capabilities for the major elements, including carbon and the nutrients, and for organic chemistry. One unique laboratory is on a tourist cruise ship, the Royal Caribbean Explorer of the Seas, which efficiently collects marine and atmospheric data. Additionally, the school's 90-foot research catamaran, the R/V WALTON SMITH, spends more than half of the year at sea on research missions.

Other perks:

Research endeavors include shipboard and submersible oceanographic expeditions to distant sites, remote island-based atmospheric sampling stations, and aircraft- and land-based measurements of particles and gases.

Requirements:

Applicants need a BS with strength in chemistry, physics and math. Also useful are courses in biochemistry and/or geochemistry. Applicants must take the GRE, and those whose first language is not English must pass the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a score of at least 550.

Funding opportunities:

The majority of MAC students are supported as research assistants. These assistantships, which are awarded competitively, provide a monthly stipend and cover tuition costs. Teaching assistantships are available as well. Students not supported as research or teaching assistants are generally supported on special fellowships provided by their employer or, for some non-US students, their home country.

Contact:

Dennis A. Hansell, Chairman
RSMAS/MAC
University of Miami
4600 Rickenbacker Causeway
Miami, FL 33149

tel: 305.421.4731
fax: 305.421.4689
mac@rsmas.miami.edu.