Visa svensk 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:
- understand the natural and anthropogenic driving forces shaping Earth’s climate
- link biogeochemical carbon cycle to natural and anthropogenic interactions and climate change
- analyse feedback mechanisms for climate change and the evolution of the ‘climate-culture’ relationship
- model simple climate change scenarios using available data
- analyse the dynamics of international climate diplomacy
- critically assess multilevel and transnational climate governance initiatives
- formulate and critically evaluate low carbon development trajectories
- orally present and scrutinize individual and group assignments
CONTENTS
The course is organised around two interlinked themes; i) Climate science and ii) Climate policy and governance. During the first theme the students situate climate science in a historical perspective (Archean-Anthropocene) and analyze the role of orbital movements, plate tectonics, insolation, and human-induced changes on climate. This theme includes laboratory exercises focusing on soil carbon storage and examines scientific data for modelling climate change and its impacts at local and global scales. During the second course theme the students address the political interpretation of and response to climate change at international and transnational levels. The students assess the dynamics of UN conference diplomacy, how climate adaptation and mitigation strategies are articulated and enacted across multiple levels of governance, and explore the potential of low carbon development pathways.
TEACHING
The course combines a broad range of teaching forms including lectures, laboratory exercises, literature seminars and a role play. Language of instruction: English
EXAMINATION
The course contains written exam, oral and written presentation as well as a critical discussion on others' written work. The examination forms requires active participation in laboratory work, group work, and seminars. Detailed information can be found in the Study guide.


Students failing an exam covering either the entire course or part of the course twice 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, social science, health science, humanities, or engineering that relate to the environmental, social or economic aspects of sustainable development.
Documented knowledge of English equivalent to Engelska B/Engelska 6.
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: 2012-01411   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 2016-02-02