Meteorology - Master's Programme in Physics

Name: Páll Ágúst Þórarinsson
From: Iceland

Why did you choose this programme?
I was introduced to meteorology during my BSc in Geophysics at home, in Iceland. I was fascinated by the subject and have been obsessed with the weather ever since. I was continued to do a Master’s degree and when the time came I chose to study the weather. The programme at Uppsala University has a good balance between practical and theoretical sides of the physics behind weather, as well as offering courses with opportunities to work with real life problems. The four period set up of the academic year was also a plus. To be able to do fewer courses at time, dive in to the subject and then move on to another one.

How did you hear about the programme?
When I was finishing my BSc I knew of another student studying meteorology in Sweden. In the end I chose to come to Uppsala where a friend of mine was studying another subject within the department of Earth Sciences.

Is the programme what you expected?
Most definitely yes! The variety of courses focusing on different aspects of meteorology is great. I got to know the physical dynamics behind different processes of weather, clouds, climate as well as practical things such as reading, drawing and understanding various kinds of weather maps.

What do you like and appreciate the most?
The atmosphere and size of the department and the great mindset of the teachers. My class was small and the professors are not too many. Classes were great, each student received plenty of attention and the teachers as well as PhD students were always willing to help and discuss different matters. In Uppsala you are pretty close to everything, it is a great city; full of incredible student life while at the same time being close to nature.

What is most challenging?
Well, I would say it is physics but although it can be very challenging at times it is manageable with the support of the department and the cooperation between us students. Relocating as an international student will always be a project, but Uppsala offers so many great things. Uppsala as a city probably has the biggest selection of student life I have ever heard of so you quickly adapt and you can make loads of new friends.

How is the atmosphere and camaraderie within your programme?
It is great, relaxed and fun. Meteorology is taught at Geocentrum where all the other geosciences are located. We got the opportunity to do some team building with the geology, hydrology, geography and other students which then can become lunch- and study mates since we are always meeting in the school building. The small size of my class also allowed for good cooperation on projects which was great.

Is there a specific area within meteorology that interest you in particular?
I’m almost all over the place… I like the physical dynamics as much as I like the synoptic meteorology. Looking at complex airflow in mountainous terrain or close to surface interactions are just as exciting as the big weather systems travelling over the North Atlantic over to Europe. And then there is the numerical modelling part, we got to try to set up and run our own weather forecast. There, everything comes together and merges. You get a chance to try most subjects which is great.

How are the international options during and after the programme?
The international cooperation at Uppsala University is very good. You can travel abroad literally almost anywhere in the world for course studies, internships or to do the degree projects, your thesis. Most of them have financial aid. I did one course abroad in Finland as well as my thesis in cooperation with the Icelandic Meteorological Office.

What is the best about being a student at Uppsala University?
Uppsala is a great place with good commuting options, short distances, an incredible student life, great teachers and classmates and much more. The city revolves around the university and a very big part of the population is directly or indirectly connected to the university.

What is your goal with your education?
I plan to get some experience before coming back for a PhD. It does not suit everyone to take this programme, but for those that choose this path, it opens up possibilities; you can get a weather specific or non-weather specific job as well as continuing towards a research career. A Master's in physics opens up many opportunities.

Three fast questions
Favourite subject in school?
Clearly weather. Just make a connection to the weather and it will be fun!

The best place in Uppsala?
The downtown by the river is great, or perhaps Stadsskogen (The City forest) might be better, or maybe Hågadalen just outside in the country side (with trails and nature). There are many great places to be.

What do you hope to do in five years time?
I hope I am in the process of obtaining a PhD. After doing the degree project I can see how fun it can be working in research and making new findings and work on real world problems. Hopefully I’ll be able to come back to Sweden for that!

Spring 2021