Module description
Specific aims of the module:
This module will explore the processes and patterns of climate variability and change and consider how these aspects of climate impact on society. Emphasis will be placed on the concepts that climate is not only a determinant of human activities but is one of humankind's greatest resources while also being one of its greatest threats through the occurrence of climate extremes and anthropogenic related changes to the global climate system.
Learning outcomes:
At the completion of the module, students should be able to demonstrate a conceptual understanding of the relationship between climate and society; have knowledge of climate oscillations and teleconnections as well as the mechanisms underlying climatic variability; the knowledge required to undertake a basic climate impact assessment; an understanding of the nature of direct and indirect impacts of climate on society and the the science of climate change and how climate climate change impact assessments are conducted; a conceptual knowledge of climate risk and its assessment; the ability to describe how climate knowledge can be applied to the problem of sustainable development
Module structure
The topics covered in this module include an overview of the principal components of the climate system as well as aspects of the science of climate change, the mechanisms of climatic variability, climate oscillations and teleconnections. Moreover, interactions between climate and society from the individual to societal level are discussed. This includes the question of problem climates and how climate is perceived, the impacts of climatic variability, the characterisation of extreme climate events, and climate impact assessment. Further topics include climate change and policy, adaptation to a changing climate, climate risk management, and seasonal climate forecasting.
*Please note that module information is indicative and may change from year to year.
Staff information
George Adamson
Teaching pattern
20 lectures
Module assessment - more information
Examination in the summer