The Science of Climate Change (837F8)
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The Science of Climate Change
Module 837F8
Module details for 2025/26.
30 credits
FHEQ Level 7 (Masters)
Module Outline
The module provides students with an overview of the scientific basis of climate change recognising that many students in the cohort have non-scientific academic backgrounds. The lectures cover: The physical principles of the natural and anthropogenic drivers of climate variability and change; The evidence from the historical period including attribution of climate changes; Future climate projections, and the key information relevant to policy in mitigation and adaptation. The seminars provide a deep-dive into the science informing specific policy-relevant challenges, often with a direct alignment with the other core module on the MSc course.
Module learning outcomes
Demonstrate an appropriate level of understanding of climate/earth system science and the causes of climate change, including the nature of human influence in the context of natural climate variability and change.
Demonstrate a critical understanding of the methods used in climate science for hypothesis testing and future projections.
Demonstrate an appropriate level of understanding of the changing nature of climate risk under different warming scenarios, the associated uncertainties and the implications for society both in terms of mitigation and adaptation.
Demonstrate an appropriate level of understanding of the relationship between climate science and policy. This includes the nature of scientific information provided to policymakers (including UNFCCC) via the IPCC WG1 and its relationship to WG2 and WG3
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 20.00% | |
| Coursework components. Equal weighting for all components. | ||
| Problem Set | T1 Week 7 | |
| Essay (4000 words) | Semester 1 Assessment Week 2 Mon 16:00 | 80.00% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Semester | Seminar | 2 hours | 11111111111 |
| Autumn Semester | Laboratory | 2 hours | 00000110000 |
| Autumn Semester | Lecture | 2 hours | 11111111111 |
| Autumn Semester | Workshop | 2 hours | 00000001111 |
| Autumn Semester | Lecture | 1 hour | 11111111111 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Dr David Armstrong McKay
Convenor
/profiles/646652
Miss Camila Supervielle
Assess convenor
/profiles/535431
Prof Martin Todd
Convenor
/profiles/249692
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