Dr. Phil Austin

Associate Professor

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Biography

Phil Austin is an Associate Professor in the Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of British Columbia. His research specializes in Cloud Physics, with a focus on understanding the processes that determine the radiative properties of cloud layers. His work particularly examines how stratus and cirrus clouds form, persist, and dissipate, and the significant influence that these clouds exert on global climate. Austin is also a principal investigator on an NSERC strategic project titled 'Cloud Aerosol Feedbacks', which explores various critical aspects within the fields of Atmospheric Science, Climate Science, Environmental Science, and Oceanography. His academic credentials include a Bachelor of Arts in Honours Physics from Whitman College (1979) and a Ph.D. from the University of Washington (1987). He was a National Research Council Post-Doctoral Fellow at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center from 1987 to 1988 before joining UBC, where he has been a faculty member since 1988.

Research Interests

Requirements for University of British Columbia

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.3
IELTS
Listening
Required:6.5
Reading
Required:6.5
Writing
Required:6.5
Speaking
Required:6.5
Overall
Required:7
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:22
Writing
Required:21
Speaking
Required:21
Total
Required:100
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Philosophy or related field 3 credits in formal logic 6 credits at the upper level in history of philosophy 3 credits at the upper level in ethics or value theory 6 credits at the upper level in metaphysics, epistemology, or philosophy of science
Application Checklist
  • Online application form
  • Application fee
  • Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Writing sample (15-20 pages)
  • Statement of intent
  • Evidence of English language proficiency
Specialization Notes

Offers course-only and thesis routes. Focus areas include philosophy of science, mind, ethics, and Asian philosophy.