MT2CC-The Science of Climate Change

Module Provider: Meteorology
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: GCSE Science Grade C. This module is suitable for all students (not just those in Part 2)
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

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;

• Demonstrate an understanding of the current scientific understanding of climate change, and how this informs policy.

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/Overview;

• The climate system;

• Past climate change;

• The evidence for current change;

• Modelling present and future climate;

• Projecting the future;

• The impacts of climate change: what is dangerous?;

• Adapting to climate change;

• Mitigating climate change.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module will be lecture-based, using a mix of live and recorded material.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	20
Guided independent study:	80
Total hours by term	100	0	0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	70
Written assignment including essay	30

Summative assessment- Examinations:

1.5 hours.  Multiple choice exam to test knowledge.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Written assignment to test critical evaluation and synthesis skills.

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

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

Resit examination in August/September.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 30 March 2023