ENVR06056 2019 Climate Science
Full Title
Climate Science
Transcript Title
Climate Science
Code
ENVR06056
Attendance
N/A %
Subject Area
ENVR - Environmental Science
Department
ESCI - Environmental Science
Level
06 - Level 6
Credit
05 - 05 Credits
Duration
Semester
Fee
€
Start Term
2019 - Full Academic Year 2019-20
End Term
9999 - The End of Time
Author(s)
Steve Tonry
Programme Membership
SG_SECOL_B07 202000 Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science with Ecology
SG_SENVI_B07 201900 Bachelor of Science in Environmental Protection
SG_SECOL_H08 202000 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Environmental Science with Ecology
SG_SECOL_C06 202000 Higher Certificate in Science in Environmental Science with Ecology
SG_SENVI_H08 201900 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Environmental Science
SG_SSCIE_B07 201900 Bachelor of Science in Science
SG_SSCIE_H08 201900 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Science
SG_SSCIE_C06 201900 Higher Certificate in Science
SG_SECOL_B07 202100 Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science with Ecology
SG_SECOL_H08 202100 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Environmental Science with Ecology
SG_SECOL_C06 202400 Higher Certificate in Science in Environmental Science with Ecology
SG_SECOL_H08 202400 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Environmental Science with Ecology
Description
The module will impart the basis of meteorology and climatology, addressing the structure and function of the atmosphere and oceans in balancing earths’ energy budget. In combination, the student will gain an appreciation of the human impact on these planetary systems, with measures to mitigate the long-term effects in a range of sectors explored.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
1.
Describe and illustrate a range of basic fundamental scientific concepts, laws and principles which govern and give meaning to the role and behaviour of the atmosphere, weather and climate.
2.
Explain the earths global energy budget, the influence of solar radiation and planetary-scale motions in the atmosphere and ocean.
3.
Explain the key natural and human drivers of climate change.
4.
Review the likely impacts and consequences of contemporary climate change.
5.
Identify sector level strategies to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and adapt to climate change.
Teaching and Learning Strategies
This module will be delivered fulltime. This will include lectures and site visits augmented by independent learning and directed learning. This approach is expected to address student learning needs. Moodle will be used as a repository of educational resources and as a means of assessment
Module Assessment Strategies
This module will be assessed by Continuous assessment (40%) and Final Exam (60%)
Repeat Assessments
Repeat Continuous Assessment and/or Final Exam.
Indicative Syllabus
Introduction to climatology
Atmospheric composition, solar radiation and the global energy budget
Atmospheric moisture budget, instability, cloud formation and precipitation processes
Planetary-scale motions in the atmosphere and ocean
Modelling the atmospheric circulation and climate, meteorological data and synoptic systems
Interactions between Electromagnetic Radiation and the atmosphere with increasing levels of Greenhouse gases
Concept of Radiative Forcing (Natural and Human)
Climate Feedback Mechanisms which amplify or diminish climate change
Sources of, and global warming potentials of, Greenhouse gases
Carbon cycle and Fossil Fuels
Impacts, Vulnerability, Adaptation and Response to Climate Change by various sectors (e.g. Agriculture, Energy, Transportation, Water Resources, Ecosystems, Human Health etc.)
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework & Continuous Assessment
40 %
End of Semester / Year Formal Exam
60 %
Coursework Assessment
| Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Assignment Weather Data & Synoptic Charts | Coursework Assessment | UNKNOWN | 20 % | Week 4 | 1,3 |
| 2 | Assignment Climate Change | Coursework Assessment | Assignment | 20 % | Week 10 | 2,4 |
End of Semester / Year Assessment
| Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Final Exam | Final Exam | UNKNOWN | 60 % | End of Term | 1,2,3,4,5 |
Required & Recommended Book List
Recommended Reading
Climate Change What Everyone Needs to Know Oxford University Press
Climate Change What Everyone Needs to Know Oxford University Press
Recommended Reading
20/09/2019 Atmosphere, Weather & Climate. 9th Edition. Routledge. Routledge.
20/09/2019 Atmosphere, Weather & Climate. 9th Edition. Routledge. Routledge.
Module Resources
Non ISBN Literary Resources
Barry, R.G. & R. J. Chorley (2009) Atmosphere, Weather & Climate. 9th Edition. Routledge.
Dunlop, S. (2004) Collins Gem Guide: Weather. HarperCollins, London
Everett, B., Boyle G., Peake, S and Ramage, J. (2012). Energy Systems and Sustainability; Power for a Sustainable Future. (2nd ed). Oxford University Press, England.
Dessler, A.E. (2012). Introduction to Modern Climate Change. Cambridge University Press, England.
Journal Resources
Relevant information will be provided on the module moodle page.
URL Resources
Relevant information will be provided on the module moodle page.
Other Resources
IT Sligo learn online system (Moodle), with useful websites for students.
Additional Information
Additional resources will be made available on IT Sligo learn online system (Moodle). Will contain pdfs of powerpoint lectures and links to additional reading material for selected topics