Physical oceanography is a branch of fluid dynamics which offers many theoretical and practical challenges. The basic goal is an understanding of the structure and movement of the ocean waters at various time and space scales. Successful research in this field draws heavily on knowledge and the techniques of physics, the mathematical sciences, numerical modeling and engineering. Because many aspects of geophysical fluid dynamics are common to both the oceans and the atmosphere, students in the Department of Atmospheric & Oceanic Sciences are fortunate in being able to work in either field or on their interaction. In addition, a basic knowledge of physical oceanography is central to our understanding of many biological, geological and chemical processes in the ocean. With the development of important international programs in climate and global change, which focus on air-sea, air-ice-sea and environmental interactions, students graduating from McGill's Department of Atmospheric & Oceanic Sciences will be in an excellent position to take leadership roles in these fields.