MTMCC-The Science of Climate Change (M-level)

Module Provider: Meteorology
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: GCSE Science Grade C
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Prof Nigel Arnell
Email: n.w.arnell@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module provides an introduction to the science of climate change, aimed at students who do not necessarily have a scientific background.

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.

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 lecture-based, using a mix of live and recorded material, and will include small-group seminars.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

1.5 hours.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

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

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy 􀀓Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes􀀔, which can be found here: