Latest Module Specifications
Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026
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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. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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
Indicative Content 1 Introduction to how the climate is changing Indicative Content 2 Radiation and energy balance Indicative Content 3 Simple climate model Indicative Content 4 Carbon cycle Indicative Content 5 Forcings, feedbacks and climate sensitivity Indicative Content 6 Why is the climate changing? Indicative Content 7 Predictions of future climate change Indicative Content 8 Exponential growth/Limits to growth Indicative Content 9 What is dangerous climate change? Indicative Content 10 Mitigation and adaptation, including for Ireland Indicative Content 11 Climate change: Fixing the problem | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List Books: None Articles: None | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other Resources
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