Study information

Climate Change Science and Solutions - 2024 entry

MODULE TITLEClimate Change Science and Solutions CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODEMTHM054 MODULE CONVENERProf Peter Cox (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 11
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 60
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

This module will expose you to some of the most vibrant frontiers in the science of anthropogenic climate change. It will provide an overview of the natural science underlying projections of future climate change, enabling you to distinguish between what is known with high-certainty from aspects that remain uncertain. These latter ‘Frontiers in Climate Change Science’ will be introduced by a number of international experts from the University and other renowned research institutions (such as the nearby Met Office-Hadey Centre). Though natural science led, the module is interdisciplinary with a focus on understanding the climate change problem as part of the wider sustainability agenda. 

AIMS - intentions of the module

The module will equip you with an understanding of the science that underpins projections of anthropogenic climate change, and separate what is well known from what remains unknown. It will help you to understand the frontiers of climate change science, through guest lectures by international experts (from the university, the Met Office and other centres), and through student-led discussions. There will be opportunities for peer-to-peer as well as independent learning, and expectations for you to engage in debate and discussion during module sessions. As part of the module assessment, you will work in interdisciplinary groups to explain a proposed climate change solution through a pamphlet and a short group presentation.  

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

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

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge

1 Describe the key scientific principles of the operation of the Earth’s climate
2 Identify and explain frontiers in the scientific understanding of human-caused climate change
3 Critically evaluate proposed climate change solutions

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge

4 Separate what is known from what is still uncertain in future climate projections
5 Synthesise and critically evaluate data, theory, and evidence from across physical and social sciences
6 Understand and evaluate major international efforts to address climate change such as the IPCC

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge

7 Digest, interpret, and explain complex ideas
8 Undertake independent, self-directed study and research

 

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module
Led by experts in the field, the module will be delivered through guest lectures, lectures delivered by the module leaders, and student-led workshops. The frontiers to be discussed each year will vary depending on the availability of guest lecturers and topicality, , but core lectures and guest lectures are collectively likely to include:
  • Climate sensitivity
  • Climate-carbon cycle feedbacks
  • Sources of uncertainty in climate projections
  • Crops and climate change
  • Permafrost and climate change
  • Communication of climate change science through social media
  • Detection and attribution of climate change
  • Geoengineering
LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 20 Guided Independent Study 130 Placement / Study Abroad 0
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled learning and teaching 5 Core lectures
Scheduled learning and teaching 5 Problem classes after core lectures
Scheduled learning and teaching 5 Guest lectures
Scheduled learning and teaching 5 Discussion after guest lectures
Guided independent study 130
Reading and research for tutorials and assessment

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Mentimeter quizzes and problem sheets         5x45 minutes 1–9 in-class feedback from lecturers
       
       

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 100 Written Exams 0 Practical Exams 0
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Questions on core lectures+mini-essays on guest lectures 75 3 hours 1-8 Written/oral on request
Group work: Pamphlet on a climate chnage solution 15 Two A4 pages 3, 5, 6–8 Written/oral on request
Group work: presentation on a climate change solution              10 10 minutes 3, 5, 6–8 Oral
         

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-assessment
All above Written coursework (100%) 1-8 Referred/deferred period
       

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

Reassessment will be by a single piece of coursework only. For referred candidates, the mark will be capped at 50%. For deferred candidates, the mark will be uncapped.

RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

Reading list for this module:

Type Author Title Edition Publisher Year ISBN
Set Houghton, J. T. Global Warming: The Complete Briefing Cambridge University Press 2015
Set McGuffie, K. and Henderdson-Sellers, A. The Climate Modelling Primer John Wiley & Sons 2014
CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES None
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 7 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Tuesday 12th March 2024 LAST REVISION DATE Tuesday 12th March 2024
KEY WORDS SEARCH Anthropogenic climate change, greenhouse effect, climate feedbacks

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.