Module: Global Climates

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Global Climates
Module Code	GY104 (ITS) / GEO1024 (Banner)
Faculty	Humanities & Social Sciences	School	History & Geography
Module Co-ordinator	Niamh Cullen
Module Teachers	Gránia Shanahan
NFQ level	6	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

None

Description

The purpose of this module is to introduce students to elements of the global climate, allowing them to understand how the atmosphere works, what causes and affects the weather, and what is the science behind climate change. In this module students develop knowledge and skills to classify global climates in relation to the dynamic processes and related physical structures on the ground influence climate and weather patterns across the globe as well as here in Ireland. The impact of climatic change will be discussed in terms of its effect on the spatial variation of weather and precipitation.

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe how the atmosphere works in terms of its energy budget
2. Explain global patterns of rainfall and weather
3. Describe how atmospheric circulation gives rise to various winds and the effect of this on global ocean currents
4. Explain how local factors both natural and human influence weather and climate.
5. Identify key factors and consequences for climate change in Ireland

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	24	No Description
Assignment Completion	20	Preparation and implementation of Assignment
Independent Study	81	Independent reading and expansion on in-class material
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

The atmospheric energy system: Energy budget

Atmospheric structure

Heat Transfer

Air masses and weather forming systems

Motion in the atmosphere

Moisture in the atmosphere

Global climate

Climate change

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	50%	Examination Weight	50%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Loop Exam	CA within Loop MCQs	40%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Arbogast, A.F: 2011, Discovering Physical Geography, 2nd, Wiley,
Smithson, P.: 2008, Fundamentals of the Physical Environment (4th Edition), Routledge, NJ, USA,
0: Readings on Loop,

Other Resources

None