Kursplan

SYLLABUS

Climate Science and Policy, 15 ECTS Credits

COURSE CATEGORY   Master´s programme in Science for Sustainable Development
MAIN FIELD OF STUDY   Environmental Science - MXA
SUBJECT AREA   Environmental Science – MV1

COURSE CODE

746A66

AIM OF THE COURSE

After completion of the course the student should be able to
- analyse the driving forces of climate change over time and understand basic climate modeling
- describe the biogeochemical processes of major elements influencing the climate system in terms of inventories, transformations and transports
- link biogeochemical cycles to anthropogenic interactions
- analyse feedbacks mechanisms of climate change on biogeochemical cycle
- evaluate the major scientific arguments for natural and anthropogenic drivers of climate change
- analyse historic and recent developments in the interstate negotiations on climate change
- evaluate the effectiveness and legitimacy of new modes of climate governance
- critically assess the potential of alternative policy responses to climate change
- formulate and constructively evaluate low carbon development trajectories
- discuss central concepts for climate change assessments such as impacts, vulnerability, adaptation and mitigation
- orally present and scrutinise individual and group assignments

CONTENTS

The course consists of three blocks: (i) the basic science on climate change, (ii) biological, geological, chemical processes, and (iii) the policy of climate change and climate change assessments.
The course starts with an understanding of the processes resulting in changes, in particular with ideas of the natural and anthropogenic caused change. Students will also familiarise with the state of the art in climate change modeling. Scientific controversies will be discussed.
Further, the student will test and get engage in methods useful in the study of climate, biological, geological and chemical processes and change related to policy and science.
Finally, the evolution of policies associated with these will be studied, including the major lines of conflict. Students also discuss a current negotiation situation. Here, the course is based on three basic concepts: impacts, vulnerability, adaptation and mitigation. Students will discuss current ideas on for example climate change impacts on nature and society at different levels such as regional or sectoral impact.

TEACHING

The course is organised around lectures, laboratory exercises, seminars, role play and a written examination.
Language of instruction: English

EXAMINATION

Examination is primarily based on the individual paper but will also require active participation in tutorial groups and on seminars, laborations, oral presentation and comments on other papers are also basis for grading of the students. Detailed information about the examination can be found in the course’s study guide.

Students failing an exam covering either the entire course or part of the course two times are entitled to have a new examiner appointed for the reexamination.

Students who have passed an examination may not retake it in order to improve their grades.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree/kandidatexamen (equivalent for example a professional degree) of at least 180 ECTScredits, including a 15 ECTS credit degree paper or equivalent. Relevant background is studies within natural science, socialscience, health science, humanities or engineering that relate to the environmental, social or economic aspects of sustainabledevelopment.
Documented knowledge of English equivalent to Engelska B/Engelska 6; i.e. English as native language or an internationally recognized test, e.g. TOEFL (minimum scores: Paper based 575 + TWE-score 4.5, and internet based 90), IELTS, academic (minimum score: Overall band 6.5 and no band under 5.5), or equivalent.

GRADING

The course is graded according to the ECTS grading scale A-F

CERTIFICATE

Course certificate is issued by the Faculty Board on request. The Department provides a special form which should be submitted to the Student Affairs Division.

COURSE LITERATURE

The course literature is decided upon by the department in question.

OTHER INFORMATION

Planning and implementation of a course must take its starting point in the wording of the syllabus. The course evaluation included in each course must therefore take up the question how well the course agrees with the syllabus.

The course is carried out in such a way that both men´s and women´s experience and knowledge is made visible and developed.

Climate Science and Policy
Climate Science and Policy

Department responsible
for the course or equivalent: TEMA - Department of Thematic Studies

Registrar No: 2009-01025

Course Code: 746A66

Exam codes: see Local Computer System

Subject/Subject Area : Environmental Science - MXA

Level		Education level			Subject Area Code		Field of Education
A1X		Advanced level					NA

The syllabus was approved by the Board of Faculty of Arts and Science 2010-12-17
Latest revision 2013-03-12