The Science of Climate Change (837F8)
The Science of Climate Change
Module 837F8
Module details for 2024/25.
30 credits
FHEQ Level 7 (Masters)
Module Outline
This course introduces students to the physical science basis of climate change, recognising that the audience is comprised substantially of non-climate specialists. The course provides an overview of how the global climate system operates. This includes explanation of the different components of the climate system and how they interact; the radiation budget and the concept of radiative forcing which is the main driver of climate change; the composition of the atmosphere, how heat is transferred around the planet through the general circulation of the atmosphere and ocean; how the concentration of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases is regulated by bio-geochemical cycles on land and ocean. The course then considers the natural and human influences on the radiation budget over recent millennia and how we can attribute observed climate changes to these. The course concludes with an evaluation of projections of the future climate and associated uncertainty. There is strong emphasis on how climate influences society and livelihoods, for example through extreme climate and weather events. Throughout, the course will explain the methods and tools used in studying climate, notably climate datasets and climate models. The course will document the history of climate change science, and exemplify the structures which steer science including the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).The course is specifically designed to be accessible for students from a range of academic and professional backgrounds.
Module learning outcomes
Demonstrate a sound understanding of the climate system with respect to climate forcings and feedbacks.
Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the causes of climate change and variability.
Understand the methods used in climate analysis and prediction through fundamental manual calculations.
Demonstrate a sound knowledge of climate projections and associated uncertainties i.e. what we know well, what we don’t know well, and the reasons why.
Critically evaluate literature on climate change and provide credible arguments on the issue.
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Essay (5000 words) | Semester 1 Assessment Week 2 Thu 16:00 | 100.00% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Semester | Lecture | 2 hours | 11111111111 |
| Autumn Semester | Seminar | 2 hours | 11111111111 |
| Autumn Semester | Laboratory | 2 hours | 00000110000 |
| Autumn Semester | Class | 2 hours | 00000001111 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
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