| Module Title |
Climate Change: Causes & Consequences |
| Module Code |
GEO1003 (ITS: GY218) |
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Faculty |
History & Geography |
School |
Humanities & Social Sciences |
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NFQ level |
8 |
Credit Rating |
5 |
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Description
The purpose of this module is to give the student a sound introduction to climate change and climate change science. In this module students develop knowledge on the basics of climate change, the history of climate science, the current state of the knowledge of climate change and how climate science is used to develop projections of the future and how it can be used to inform national, supra-national and global policy. The 2013 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report is examined to assess anthropogenic climate forcing, indicators of climate change, observations in climate system, climate models as well as an examination of COP21 and its impact on human activities and climate change.
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Learning Outcomes
1. Identify the causes of climate change and describe and explain climate forcing factors
2. Describe and interpret observations of change in the climate system
3. Critically assess the role of human activities in modern climate change
4. Assess future climate change scenarios and their potential impact on the Earth
5. Conclude how climate change science informs the agenda and how this agenda impact on policy
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| Workload | Full time hours per semester | | Type | Hours | Description |
|---|
| Lecture | 24 | Formal Lectures | | Assignment Completion | 20 | MCQ preparation and completion | | Independent Study | 55 | Work through class material outside class time | | Independent Study | 26 | Preparation and completion of formal exam |
| Total Workload: 125 |
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| Section Breakdown | | CRN | 12149 | Part of Term | Semester 1 | | Coursework | 0% | Examination Weight | 0% | | Grade Scale | 40PASS | Pass Both Elements | Y | | Resit Category | RC1 | Best Mark | N | | Module Co-ordinator | Darren Clarke | Module Teacher | Jean Williams |
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| Assessment Breakdown |
| Type | Description | % of total | Assessment Date |
|---|
| Short Answer Questions | MCQs x2 | 10% | As required | | Assignment | Essay | 40% | As required | | Formal Examination | Answer ONE question from FOUR | 50% | End-of-Semester |
| Reassessment Requirement Type |
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
RC1: A resit is available for both* components of the module.
RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module.
RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment
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Pre-requisite |
None
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Co-requisite |
None |
| Compatibles |
None |
| Incompatibles |
None |
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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
Methods of analysing climate change and archival data
Climate forcings and feedbacks
Biogeochemical cycles and their influence on climate through time
Examination of observations of change in the climate system
Near-Term Climate Change
Long Term Climate
Climate Models
Anthropogenic impact on climate change
Climate change policy
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Indicative Reading List
Books:
- William F. Ruddiman: 2013, Earth’s Climate, Past and Future, W. H. Freeman and Company,
- Barry R. G. and E.A. Hall-McKim: 2014, Essentials of the earth's climate system, Cambridge University Press,
- O’Hare, G., Sweeney, J., Wilby, R.L. .: 2014, Weather, Climate, and climate change: Human Perspectives,
- Dessler, A. E.: 2015, Introduction to Modern Climate Change. (2nd Edition)., Cambridge University Press,
- Middleton, N..: 2013, The Global Casino: An Introduction to Environmental Issues 5th Ed., Routledge,
Articles:
None |
Other Resources
- 1: Stocker, T.F., D. Qin, G.-K. Plattner, M. Tignor, S.K. Allen, J. Boschung, A. Nauels, Y. Xia, V. Bex and P.M. Midgley (eds.), IPCC, 2013: Climate Change 2013: The Physical Science Basis. Contribution of Working Group I to the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge and New York
- 419222: 1, Dwyer, N., 2012, The Status of Ireland’s Climate, EPA. Johnstown Castle.,
- http://www.epa.ie/pubs/reports/research/climate/ccrpreport26.html#.Vm6sjbiyOko: 419223, 1, Sweeney, J., 2008, Climate Change – Refining the impacts for Ireland. EPA. Johnstown Castle.
- https://www.epa.ie/pubs/reports/research/climate/sweeney-report-strive-12-for-web-low-res.pdf: 419224, 1, Additional resources including journal articles will be made available on Loop.
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