Module manager: Prof. Roel Brienen
Email: r.brienen@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2024/25
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module provides an outline to the physics of the climate system, and the nature of climate change past, present and future. Over the last 20 years, climate change has become one of the most pressing concerns for society. This module explores the Earth’s atmosphere and the dynamics of the climate system. It considers anthropogenic and natural changes to the atmosphere and oceans that lead to climate change over a range of timescales from inter-annual to millions of years.
After taking this module students will be able to
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the climate system and allied processes within the ocean and atmosphere.
2. Appreciate the patterns and scale of natural variations in the climate over a variety of timescales from millions of years to sub-decadal.
3. Have a detailed understanding of the causes and nature of recent (last ~100 years) climate change.
4. Understand the interactions between the atmosphere, ocean and land.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
LO1: Be able to explain the theories and concepts related to the functioning of the climate system.
LO2: Be able to describe the major changes in the earth climate system over different time scales and describe the main drivers behind these changes.
LO3: Be able to gather data in laboratory setting using appropriate equipment and gather secondary data sources and attain the ability to manipulate and analyse data using graphical and statistical methods.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
Academic skills:
SLO1: Abstraction and synthesis of information from a variety of sources.
SLO2: Critical analysis and interpretation of data and text.
SLO3: Developing reasoned arguments.
SLO4: Solving problems and making reasoned decisions.
Work-ready skills:
SLO5: Plan, design, execute and report geographical research.
SLO6: Collect, interpret and synthesise different types of quantitative and qualitative geographical data.
SLO7: Communicating effectively and time management skills and organisational skills.
Digital:
SLO8: Use information technology effectively (including use of spreadsheet, database and word processing programmes; Internet and e-mail).
SLO9: Ability to find, evaluate and share information across a variety of formats and media.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practicals | 3 | 2 | 6 |
| Lecture | 20 | 1 | 20 |
| Practical | 1 | 3 | 3 |
| Private study hours | 171 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 29 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Coursework will provide formal opportunities for feedback between staff and students. Informal class tests will be used allow students to obtain individual feedback and also allow us to monitor the engagement of individual students with the module. An informal formative ‘quiz’ will be set on VLE (independent online learning).
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Coursework | 40 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 40 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 1.0 Hrs 30 Mins | 60 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 60 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 4/29/2024
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team