Hobart
Introduction
View the Science of Climate Change landing page for information on this unit and the Undergraduate Certificate in Sustainable Living for information on Sustainable Living study options.
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 unit, 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.
Summary 2021
| Unit name | Introduction to the Science of Climate Change |
|---|---|
| Unit code | KGA104 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| Faculty/School | College of Sciences and Engineering School of Geography, Planning, and Spatial Sciences |
| Discipline | Geography, Planning, and Spatial Sciences |
| Coordinator | Rebecca Harris |
| Teaching staff | Nick Earl and Gabi Mocatta |
| Level | Introductory |
| Available as student elective? | Yes |
| Breadth Unit? | No |
Availability
Note
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* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (see withdrawal dates explained for more information).
Learning Outcomes
1 Explain the drivers and impacts of climate change and climate variability at different times-scales, using key climate science concepts
2 Describe the information we get from global and regional climate models and the importance of accounting for uncertainty in planning for the future
3 Explain the science of climate change using evidence-based information in a range of formats (verbally, short written pieces and graphically).
4 Discuss the impacts of climate change on physical, biological and human systems on local and global levels.
Fees
Teaching
| Teaching Pattern | Delivered on-line. Note there are 3 x online tutorials in weeks 3, 6 and 10 to discuss respective Assessment Tasks. Additional optional tutorial in week 11. Tutorials are optional and will be recorded for those students unable to attend at the time. |
|---|---|
| Assessment | AT1 - Infographic (20%) AT2 - Field Notes/Report (40%) AT3 - Presentation (40%) |
| Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Flexible Study Options
Textbooks
| Required | None |
|---|
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