Introduction to the Science of Climate Change
UndergraduateTAS-KGA1042025
Enrolments for this course are closed, but you may have other options to start studying now. Book a consultation to learn more.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR needed, No prior study
- Duration
- 14 weeks
- Start dates
- 24 Feb 2025,
- 21 July 2025
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Introduction to the Science of Climate Change
About this subject
Upon successful completion of this subject, the student should be able to:
- Explain the drivers and impacts of climate change and climate variability at different times-scales, using key climate science concepts
- Describe the information we get from global and regional climate models and the importance of accounting for uncertainty in planning for the future
- Explain the science of climate change using evidence-based information in a range of formats (verbally, short written pieces and graphically)
- Discuss the impacts of climate change on physical, biological and human systems on local and global levels
- Climate science concepts
- Natural climate variability
- Human influence on the climate system
- Understanding future climate
- Climate science communication
- Climate tipping points and feedback loops
- Earth's climate regulation systems
- Current climate change impacts/ weather patterns
- Extreme events
- Climate change and biodiversity
- Climate change and human systems
- Local impacts of a global problem
Human-induced climate change is the most serious problem currently facing our planet - a global problem with increasingly obvious local impacts. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has said that the next 10 years will be critical to averting catastrophic climate change. The science is complex, but there is strong international consensus around much of our climate change knowledge. Gaining an understanding of the science of climate change and appreciating where the certainty and uncertainty lie are important first steps to more confidently engaging in the action that is so urgently required.
In this subject, you will learn why scientists are so certain that climate change is occurring, is caused by humans, and is causing impacts on human and other natural systems. Tasmania has a global reputation as a centre for climate research, and UTas has many internationally renowned researchers working in diverse disciplines with relevance to climate impacts and adaptation. We will hear from many of these experts, including IPCC authors, regional climate modellers and climate impact scientists.
- Timeline (20%)
- 5-Minute Video Presentation (40%)
- Short Report (40%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
No entry requirements
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
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