spring 2013
FYS-2018 Global climate change - 10 ECTS
Course content
The course is separated into two parts. The first part gives a general introduction to the physical causes of global warming and climate change and their physical and societal impacts. This part should be accessible to non-science students. There will be many numbers and graphs, but no equations or derivations. The second part requires a certain background in mathematics, physics and programming. It gives an introduction to climate dynamics. We start with simple energy balance models, which will provide understanding of the basic mechanisms of global warming and the greenhouse effects. Then the students will be given an introduction to the basic principles in the dynamics of the circulation of the atmosphere and oceans. This leads into an introduction to the structure of complex climate models.Objectives of the course
Knowledge - The student will be able to:
- describe the greenhouse effect
- identify important greenhouse gases
- explain natural and anthropogenic causes of global climate change
- describe the impact of global warming
- identify the main circulation systems in the earth atmosphere and ocean
- explain how circulation systems influence the thermal balance of the earth
Skills - The student will be able to:
- obtain and interpret relevant new theories about global climate change
- analyze and interpret proxy data as e.g. ice-cores
- solve basic problems in fluid motion and thermodynamics
- calculate the Earth's temperature using solar irradiation and radiation balance in the Earth's atmosphere and surface
- run basic climate model simulations
General expertise - The student will be able to:
- incorporate current event and new scientific information into a critical thinking
- communicate theories, problem descriptions and solutions regarding global climate change, both verbally and in writing
Assessment
5 hour written examination counting 100 %.Assessment scale: Letter grades A-F.
Re-sit examination (section 22):
Students having failed the last ordinary examination are offered a re-sit examination early in the following semester, if the course is compulsory in their study programme.
Postponed examination (sections 17 and 21):
Students with valid grounds for absence will be offered a postponed examination early in the following semester.
New ordinary examination (section 25):
Given that a re-sit or postponed examination is already being arranged, other students may at the same time sit for a new ordinary examination.
See indicated sections in Regulations for examinations at the University of Tromsø for more information.
Recommended reading/syllabus
Textbook to be used in the first part will be:"Global Warming: The Complete Briefing", John Houghton, 4th edition, Cambridge University Press, 2009
Textbook to be used in the second part will be:
"Atmosphere, Ocean and Climate Dynamics: An Introductory Text", John Marshall and R. Alan Plumb, 1st edition, Academic Press, 2007
Syllabus and reading list are available in Fronter, or by contacting the teacher or the student adviser.
Error rendering component
- About the course
- Campus: |
- ECTS: 10
- Course code: FYS-2018
- Responsible unit
- Department of Physics and Technology
- Contact persons
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