New Major Added to the University of Maryland's List of Majors: Atmospheric and Oceanic Science

On October 18, 2011 the department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Science announced on its website the addition of an undergraduate major to its educational programs.


Adding this major to the long list of majors available at the University of Maryland was much needed, and can only benefit those students who declare themselves Atmospheric and Oceanic Scieance (AOSC)  majors. Jeff Stehr, Assistant Research Scientist , and Associate Director, Professional Masters & Undergraduate Programs for the department discusses why the new major is better than any other universities atmospheric programs.

 The Atmospheric and Oceanic Science major has been designed to teach broad based knowledge in meteorology, oceanography, climate and air pollution. The degree satisfies the requirements for federal service positions as a meteorologist or oceanographer, and also follows the American Meteorological Society's statement on bachelor's degrees in Atmospheric Science.The process the department went through to get the major approved was long, and tedious. Dr. Jeff Stehr explains what had to be done in order for the department to be recognized as a major. 

Dr. Jeff Stehr went on to explain from a departmental prospective why the new major was much needed on the University of Maryland's campus. 

There are many concepts that are learned about, and applied in the Atmospheric and Oceanic science major. The departments website explains the major: 

"Fundamental concepts from mathematics, chemistry, physics, and computer science are applied to understand the basic principles that control our weather and climate, from extreme events like tornadoes to the millennial changes of ice ages and the results of human modification of our environment. Coursework in the first two years emphasizes mastery of these fundamentals. Coursework in the last two years provides a comprehensive survey of atmospheric and oceanic science, while specialty courses and guided research allow the student to develop expertise in an area of concentration. The Department has particular strengths in computer modeling and remote sensing of the atmosphere and ocean, atmospheric chemistry, and climate studies. In addition to the Department, nearby research laboratories such as the NOAA National Centers for Environmental Prediction and NASA Goddard Space Flight Center offer the student many research opportunities."

For more information on the newly added Atmospheric and Oceanic Science major visit their website. 

WAMU 88.5 - Washington D.C.'s National Public Radio

There are 2 National Public Radio stations located in our nations capitol, Washington D.C..WAMU 88.5 is Washington D.C.’s only full- time national public radio station.

listen to ‘What does "full time" public radio mean?’ on Audioboo

WAMU utilizes and broadcasts information from four news organizations; National Public Radio, American Public Media, Public Radio International, and British Broadcasting Corporation.

listen to ‘Why do you think NPR, APM, PRI, and BBC are utilized by WAMU? Do all public radio stations use these 4 organizations?’ on Audioboo

There are many benefits to using multiple sources within a broadcast

listen to ‘What do you feel is the benefit of public radio broadcasts coming from a variety of news sources?’ on Audioboo

National Public Radio, or NPR is a privately and publicly funded non-profit media organization. NPR serves as a syndicate to a network of 900 public radio stations in the United States.

listen to ‘How do you feel D.C's public radio stations would differ from those in any other cities/states?’ on Audioboo

WAMU 88.5 focuses on its surrounding community, in regards to news, events, politics, the environment, and the arts. Due to WAMU’s location in the nations capitol, the information presented is both relevant on a national, and a local level.

Working Out:Staying in Shape While Having Fun

     Did you know that you should workout at least three times a week? According to a study by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 13 percent of people in our area engaged with sports or activity on a daily basis.

   Working out is something that I used to dread, and avoid all together. However, this summer me and working out just seemed to click. Working out, and eating right is something that is important to me, and I plan on learning how to teach an aerobics class.

     My favorite classes are Zumba, cycling, and boxing. I think the key to wanting/ liking to work out is the activity you do. Making working out fun is what will keep you going. I asked someone who was working out at the gym about his fitness routine, and what he does to make his workout enjoyable.

listen to ‘What do you do to stay motivated?’ on Audioboo

listen to ‘How do you keep your workouts interesting?’ on Audioboo

      The University of Maryland offers so many great classes, and has amazing equipment in our gym(s). We even have personal training opportunities at our gym(s)!