MT1CC-The Science of Climate Change
Module Provider: Meteorology
Number of credits: 10 [5ECTS credits]
Level:
4
Terms in which taught: Autumn
Module Convenor: Professor
NW
Arnell
Pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Module version for: 2009/0
Email: n.w.arnell@reading.ac.uk
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 understanding of the current scientific understanding of climate change, and how this informs policy
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 present and future climate
The evidence for change: detection and attribution
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
Contact hours:
| |
Autumn |
Spring |
Summer |
| Lectures |
18 |
|
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| Tutorials/seminars |
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|
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| Practicals |
2 |
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| Other contact (eg study visits) |
|
|
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| Total hours |
20 |
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|
| Number of essays or assignments |
1 |
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| Other (eg major seminar paper) |
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Assessment:
Coursework:
Either an essay selected from a list of titles or a practical based on using a simple spreadsheet climate model
Relative % of coursework: 30%
Requirements for a pass: 40% overall
Reassessment arrangements:
Resit examination in August/September
Last updated: 23 November 2009