Vår 2013

FYS-2018 Global climate change - 10 stp

The course is administrated by

Institutt for fysikk og teknologi

Course contents

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.

Admission requirements

The course is available as a singular course. Admission requirements are generell studiekompetanse + REALFA.

Local admission, application code 9336 - enkeltemner i realfag.

The course is also available to exchange students and free-movers.

Objective 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

Language of instruction

The language of instruction is English and all of the syllabus material is in English. Examination questions will be given in English, but may be answered either in English or a Scandinavian language.

Teaching methods

Lectures: 48 hours
Project work and supervision: 24 hours

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.