Undergraduate TAS-KGA104-2023
Introduction to the Science of Climate Change
$2,922 $0
Your upfront cost: $0
Duration
14 weeks
Study method
100% Online
Available loans
- HECS-HELP
- FEE-HELP
Assessments
100% online
Prior study
Not required
Start dates
- 20 Feb 2023
- 10 Jul 2023
Australia’s fourth oldest university, the University of Tasmania, is highly regarded internationally for teaching and academic excellence. The university offers more than 100 undergraduate degrees and more than 50 postgraduate programs across a range of disciplines. The university offers students a diverse range of opportunities, the chance to learn from leading experts, and excellent preparation for their future careers.
Learn more about UTAS.
QS Ranking 2022
18
Times Higher Education Ranking 2022
23
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Subject details
Upon 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
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- Week 1 - Why study climate change now? (Dr Bec Harris)
- Week 2 - Climate science concepts (Dr Nick Earl)
- Week 3 - Natural climate variability (Dr Nick Earl)
- Week 4 - Human influence on the climate system (Dr Bec Harris)
- Week 5 - Understanding future climate (Dr Nick Earl)
- Week 6 - Climate science communication (Dr Gabi Mocatta)
- Week 7 - Climate tipping points and feedback loops (Dr Noel Pedro)
- Week 8 - Earth’s climate regulation systems (Dr Bec Harris)
- Week 9 - Current climate change impacts/weather patterns (Dr Nick Earl)
- Week 10 - Extreme events (Dr Tom Remenyi)
- Week 11 - Climate change and biodiversity (Dr Bec Harris)
- Week 12 - Climate change and human systems (Dr Gabi Mocatta)
- Week 13 - Local impacts of a global problem (Dr Tom Remenyi)
No eligibility requirements
Additional requirements
No additional requirements
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).