Climate Science and Society
The course aims to provide a detailed yet accessible understanding of what is expected to happen due to climate change, why these changes are occurring, the uncertainties involved, and how society might adapt to these changes. We'll explore topics like the greenhouse effect, sea level change, heat waves, forest fires and more, and dig into the physical or chemical reasons behind them. You'll also get to know about the uncertainties tied to current observational data and future projections. Learning outcomes are evaluated through Python workshops, essays, and critical reading seminars. These activities will help you not only grasp the complexities of climate change but also become capable of explaining these complex issues to the general public.
The course is mandatory for students enrolled in the Bachelor’s Program in Earth Sciences with focus on Physical Geography. It is also open to students who wish to take it as an elective within the Bachelor’s Program in Geography or as a freestanding course.
Modules
1. Physical Mechanisms of Climate Change, 10 credits
This module addresses the greenhouse effect and consequences of increasing greenhouse gas
concentrations in the atmosphere. It includes fundamental knowledge of the physical and
chemical mechanisms behind observed and projected changes, and the uncertainties associated with current observations and future projections. Covered topics include glacier melt, sea-level rise, ocean acidification, and extreme weather events (heatwaves, floods, droughts, and storms).
2. Climate Change Impacts on Society, 5 credits
This module examines future climate change scenarios and discusses potential consequences for society at local, regional, and global scales.
Teaching Format
Teaching includes lectures, seminars, exercises, project work, and excursions.
Assessment
For details see syllabus.
Plagiarism and regulations for disciplinary matters
As a student you must be conscientious about clearly accounting for the material used in the texts that are submitted for examination. To use another person’s expressions or ideas without stating the source is plagiarism. To translate and/or change some words in someone else’s text and present it as your own is also a form of plagiarism. Plagiarism is considered cheating and if discovered in an exam or paper, the exam or paper will be failed immediately and disciplinary measures may be taken.
Any student who is caught cheating or disrupting academic activities may be suspended from lectures and exams for a period of up to six months. The Vice Chancellor or the Disciplinary Council decide whether the student is to be subject to any disciplinary measures.
The link to Stockholm University's guidelines for disciplinary matters and expulsion can be found on the website:
During your studies/Plagiarism and regulations for disciplinary matters
Course responsible
Qiong Zhang
E-mail: qiong.zhang@natgeo.su.se
Study counsellor, student office and other contacts
