Mathematics of Climate Change - 2019 entry
MODULE TITLE | Mathematics of Climate Change | CREDIT VALUE | 15 |
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MODULE CODE | MTH3030 | MODULE CONVENER | Dr Jennifer Catto (Coordinator), Prof F Hugo Lambert (Coordinator) |
DURATION: TERM | 1 | 2 | 3 |
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DURATION: WEEKS | 11 | 0 | 0 |
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) | 33 |
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This module will provide a background in the mathematics underlying human-induced climate change. It will provide you with a good general understanding of the climate system, against which to assess the likely role of anthropogenic forcing factors. You will learn to apply a range of mathematical methods, including differential equations, calculus and the use of small parameters to approximate and simplify climate system problems. Topics of study will include observations of climate change, the greenhouse effect, regimes of atmospheric absorption, climate feedbacks, climate tipping points and geoengineering.
Prerequisite module: MTH1002 Methods or equivalent
Climate change is a high-profile subject that is often covered in the media. However, debate about climate change is often presented in a polarized way, divided along political or ideological lines. In contrast, there is now an urgent need to develop a new generation of thinkers capable of objectively analyzing the evidence for climate change and its causes, and the options for dealing with it (including mitigation, adaptation and geoengineering). Mathematically-minded people are especially sort after by organizations such as the Met Office-Hadley Centre in Exeter. This module aims to develop the skills required to meet these needs, by providing a strong-background in the science surrounding the climate change issue to mathematically-minded undergraduates.
On successful completion of this module, you should be able to:
Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:
1 demonstrate a good general understanding of the climate system, and human-induced climate change;
2 use simple climate models to demonstrate this understanding.
Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:
3 demonstrate the application of a range of mathematical methods, including differential equations, calculus and the use of small parameters to approximate and simplify climate system problems.
Personal and Key Transferable/ Employment Skills and Knowledge:
- definition of climate and the climate system;
- observations of climate change and climate variability;
- the greenhouse effect;
- human-forcing of the climate system;
- climate feedbacks: water vapour, snow/sea ice albedo, ocean circulation, cloud cover, carbon cycle;
- energy balance models of the climate system;
- predictions of future climate change.
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities | 33 | Guided Independent Study | 117 | Placement / Study Abroad |
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Category | Hours of study time | Description |
Scheduled learning and teaching activities | 33 | Lectures/example classes |
Guided independent study | 117 | Lecture and assessment preparation; wider reading |
Form of Assessment |
Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) |
ILOs Assessed |
Feedback Method |
In-class problem sheets |
8 x 1 hour |
1,2,3 |
Verbal |
Coursework | 20 | Written Exams | 80 | Practical Exams |
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Form of Assessment | % of Credit | Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) | ILOs Assessed | Feedback Method |
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Coursework – based on questions submitted for assessment | 20 | 2 assignments, 30 hours | All | Annotated script and written/verbal feedback |
Written exam - closed book | 80 | 2 hours | All | Written/verbal on request, SRS |
Original Form of Assessment | Form of Re-assessment | ILOs Re-assessed | Time Scale for Re-reassessment |
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All above | Written exam (100%) | All | August Ref/Def period |
If a module is normally assessed entirely by coursework, all referred/deferred assessments will normally be by assignment.
If a module is normally assessed by examination or examination plus coursework, referred and deferred assessment will normally be by examination. For referrals, only the examination will count, a mark of 40% being awarded if the examination is passed. For deferrals, candidates will be awarded the higher of the deferred examination mark or the deferred examination mark combined with the original coursework mark.
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener
ELE – http://vle.exeter.ac.uk
Reading list for this module:
Type | Author | Title | Edition | Publisher | Year | ISBN |
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Set | Intergovermental Panel on Climate Change | Climate Change 2007 - the physical science basis | Cambridge University Press | 2007 | 978-0521705967 | |
Set | Houghton, J.T. | The Physics of Atmospheres | 3rd | Cambridge University Press | 2002 | 978-0521011228 |
Set | Houghton, J.T. | Global Warming - The Complete Briefing | 4th | Cambridge University Press | 2009 | 978-0521709163 |
CREDIT VALUE | 15 | ECTS VALUE | 7.5 |
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PRE-REQUISITE MODULES | MTH1002 |
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CO-REQUISITE MODULES |
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) | 6 | AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING | No |
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ORIGIN DATE | Tuesday 10th July 2018 | LAST REVISION DATE | Thursday 5th September 2019 |
KEY WORDS SEARCH | Climate; mathematics; climate change; mathematical modelling. |
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Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.