Module Specifications.
Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025
All Module information is indicative, and this portal is an interim interface pending the full upgrade of Coursebuilder and subsequent integration to the new DCU Student Information System (DCU Key).
As such, this is a point in time view of data which will be refreshed periodically. Some fields/data may not yet be available pending the completion of the full Coursebuilder upgrade and integration project. We will post status updates as they become available. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Date posted: September 2024 No Banner module data is available
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Description Within the lifespan of the present generation, global climate is changing more radically than at any time over the past several hundred thousand years. The primary cause of this is now recognised as being due to human activities in altering the composition of the atmosphere, particularly as a consequence of interfering with long wave radiative transfers as a result of increasing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. How big and how rapid the climatic changes resulting from this are likely to be are of acute concern for the entire global community and are the subjects of major research efforts worldwide. This module addresses the causes and consequences of climate change. It examines how various techniques enable a longer-term perspective on climate to be obtained. It examines how past and present climatic fluctuations can be seen to have social, economic and political consequences which technological advances have not eliminated and may even have exacerbated. The implications of model-based projections of the enhanced greenhouse effect for Ireland and other parts of the world will be analysed, as will options to mitigate and adapt to climate change. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Learning Outcomes 1. Appreciate the mechanisms which cause climate to fluctuate, and of the role of human intervention in shaping the current and future course of global climate. 2. Demonstrate a critical awareness of climate science and critically evaluate scientific literature to develop new and informed insights. 3. Comprehend the basis on which past and future climate change is quantified and measured, recognise uncertainties associated with future climate modelling and how decision-making can overcome these uncertainties. 4. Recognise the impacts which may be anticipated at different spatial scales (globally, regionally and in Ireland) caused by climate change. 5. Understand what dangerous climate change is and who or what is vulnerable to climate change. 6. Be aware of national and international commitments which will guide Irish policy in this area in the years ahead. 7. Evaluate potential solutions to decarbonise our economies. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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 |
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Indicative Content and Learning Activities
Indicative Content 1Introduction to how the climate is changingIndicative Content 2Radiation and energy balanceIndicative Content 3Simple climate modelIndicative Content 4Carbon cycleIndicative Content 5Forcings, feedbacks and climate sensitivityIndicative Content 6Why is the climate changing?Indicative Content 7Predictions of future climate changeIndicative Content 8Exponential growth/Limits to growthIndicative Content 9What is dangerous climate change?Indicative Content 10Mitigation and adaptation, including for IrelandIndicative Content 11Climate change: Fixing the problem | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other Resources 59579, 0, Additional journal articles/book chapters will be provided on Loop in advance of each class., 59580, 0, All students are expected to have read readings listed as required readings in advance of each week’s live lectures on Zoom., 59581, 0, Google Scholar is also particularly useful for locating academic articles., | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||