The Science of Climate Change

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 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 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

Summative Assessment Methods:

Written exam 70%
Written assignment including essay 30%

Other information on summative assessment:

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

Penalties for late submission:
The Module Convener will apply the following penalties for work submitted late, in accordance with the University policy.
where the piece of work is submitted up to one calendar week after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for the piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Length of examination:
1.5 hours.

Requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall