Module Information

Module Identifier
BR12810
Module Title
The Science of Climate
Academic Year
2020/2021
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 1
Other Staff

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Due to Covid-19 students should refer to the module Blackboard pages for assessment details

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Exam 2 Hours   75%
Semester Assessment Group presentation and report  15 min / 2,000 words  25%
Supplementary Exam 2 Hours   75%
Supplementary Assessment Report  2,000 words  25%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Explain the roles of the Earth’s orbital characteristics, oceans and tectonic activity as drivers of climate.

2. Demonstrate an understanding of the difference between weather and climate, and the causes and impacts of extreme weather events.

3. Describe previous changes in the Earth’s climate, and the tools used to study these changes.

4. Outline ongoing and future climate change, and the potential to mitigate against these changes.

Brief description

This module will present the science underpinning climate and climate change. The roles of the Earth’s orbital characteristics, oceans and tectonic activity as drivers of climate will be studied. The module will also highlight historical and future climatic change, and identify potential solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Content

1. What is climate?
2. Atmosphere and oceans
3. Weather and climate
4. Extreme climate
5. Tectonics and climate
6. Global cooling / the Ice Ages
7. Future climate change
8. Fixing climate change

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number Analysis of existing literature / data
Communication Group presentation
Improving own Learning and Performance Literature research and working with a group to develop a presentation
Information Technology Use o literature / presentation
Personal Development and Career planning Report / presentation preparation
Problem solving Identification of potential challenges posed by climate change.
Research skills Examinatino of literature
Subject Specific Skills Knowledge of existing literature on climate / climate change
Team work Group presentation

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 4