Courses & Units
Our Changing Climate KGA320
Hobart
Introduction
Human induced climate change is arguably the most serious problem currently facing our planet. Detection and attribution of human induced climate change requires an understanding of the mechanisms of natural climate variability as well as trends in climate. Earth's climate is a coupled system between atmosphere, ocean, land surface, biota, snow and ice. Gaining an understanding of how our climate system works is an important first step to more confidently diagnosing and predicting the effects and impacts of human induced climate change. In this unit we will learn how Earth's climate works. We will begin to understand mechanisms underpinning important known natural climate variations such as El Nino Southern Oscillation and the Antarctic Oscillation. To achieve these ends, we examine global observations (in situ and by satellite) and learn about global climate models; consider detection and attribution techniques to discern human induced climate change above natural variability; and examine recent statements by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) on human induced climate change.
Summary
| Unit name | Our Changing Climate |
|---|---|
| Unit code | KGA320 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | College of Sciences and Engineering School of Geography, Planning, and Spatial Sciences |
| Discipline | Geography, Planning, and Spatial Sciences |
| Coordinator | Doctor Kathryn (Kathy) Allen |
| Available as an elective? | |
| Delivered By | Delivered wholly by the provider |
| Level | Advanced |
Availability
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | On-Campus | Off-Campus | International International | Domestic Domestic |
Key
- On-campus
- Off-Campus
- International students
- Domestic students
Key Dates
| Study Period | Start date | Census date | WW date | End date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 2 | 12/7/2021 | 10/8/2021 | 30/8/2021 | 17/10/2021 |
* 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 (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).
Unit census dates currently displaying for 2021 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2021 will be available from the 1st October 2020. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).
Learning Outcomes
- Explain climate concepts relevant to our understanding of climate change
- Describe the components of the climate system and their interactions and feedbacks
- Evaluate spatial and temporal climate variability and trends using historical observations and simple climate model simulations
- Evaluate the impacts of climate change on physical, biological and human systems
- Present scientific information in a range of formats
Fee Information
| Field of Education | Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 | Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 | Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 | Domestic Full Fee 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 010701 | $993.00 | $993.00 | not applicable | $2,354.00 |
- Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
- HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility3
- FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility4
1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.
If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.
Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.
Requisites
Prerequisites
(KGA204 - Earth, Climate and Life OR KGA209 - Biogeography and Climatology OR KSA205 - Introduction to Oceanography)Teaching
| Teaching Pattern | 2 x 1-hr lectures weekly, 10 x 3-hr practicals |
|---|---|
| Assessment | Monash Simple Climate Model (10%)|Examination (25%)|Online Quizzes (15%)|Group oral presentation and discussion (20%)|Introduction to palaeoclimatology (10%)|Essay (20%) |
| Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Textbooks
| Required |
Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes. |
Links | Booktopia textbook finder |
|---|
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