MTMCC-The Science of Climate Change (M-level)

Module Provider: Meteorology
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: GCSE Science Grade C
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Module version for: 2016/7

Email: n.w.arnell@reading.ac.uk

Summary module description:

Aims:
This module provides an introduction to the science of climate change, aimed at students who do not necessarily have a scientific background. It provides the background for a deep and informed understanding of one of today’s key global challenges. Why is climate changing, and how will it change in the future? How can we predict future climate? What is a “dangerous” climate change? And how can we construct and use knowledge of climate change to inform adaptation and mitigation?

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module, the student will be able to:

•Demonstrate an understanding of the mechanisms and processes behind climate change
•Demonstrate an ability to interpret and critically evaluate projections of future climate and its impacts
•Demonstrate an

Additional outcomes:
The student will gain a sound scientific background for further study into other scientific, social, economic, legal and political dimensions of climate change and responses to it.

Outline content:
Introduction
The climate system
Modelling past, present and future climate change
Projecting the future
The impacts of climate change: what is dangerous?
Adapting to climate change
Mitigating climate change
Overview

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
The module will be largely lecture based but with a practical session using a simple computer based climate model

Other information on summative assessment:

Formative assessment methods:
A Blackboard Quiz on lectures 1-4 in week 4 (unassessed).

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Length of examination:
1.5 hours

Requirements for a pass:
A mark of 50% overall

Reassessment arrangements:
Re-sit examination in August / September

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books: Reading lists for meteorology modules are available here
https://reading.rl.talis.com/departments/mps_met.htmlhttps://reading.rl.talis.com/departments/mps_met.html

2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 21 December 2016