Study information

Physics of Climate Change - 2023 entry

MODULE TITLEPhysics of Climate Change CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODEPHY2222 MODULE CONVENERDr Raphaëlle D. Haywood (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 11
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 30
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content
Human-induced climate change is the defining issue of our time, and how we act over the next 10-15 years will determine humanity's future over the next millennium. Global temperature has already risen 1.1ºC above pre-industrial levels. We are already seeing many of the environmental and socio-economic consequences of climate change today. Climate change leads to rising seas, flooding, fires and drought. As a result, millions of people worldwide are being displaced, driven to poverty and hunger, denied access to health and education. Climate change is expanding inequalities, stifling economic growth and causing conflict.
 
Prerequisites: PHY1025 or equivalent, PHY2023 beneficial but not required
 
AIMS - intentions of the module
This purpose-driven Physics module will give you an understanding of the physics underlying climate and climate change and empower you to take action. We will examine anthropogenic climate change in context of planetary climates and build our own toy models of climate. We will look at evidence for, and future predictions of climate change; and consider scenarios for mitigation and adaption.
 
During the course,  you will actively engage with the lecturer(s), guest lecturers and your peers. You will work together to apply your understanding of the physics concepts at play. Throughout the module, you will be expected to develop your own critical, evidence-based positions on contemporary news and reports about climate change impacts and predictions.
 
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge

1. Demonstrate a strong understanding of the climate system, the causes and mechanisms of anthropogenic climate change;
2. Place anthropogenic climate change within the context of natural variability;
3. Describe experiments, observations and how they evidence climate change, and be familiar with current predictions of future climate change
4. Discuss what controls the response time of the climate to anthropogenic activity and natural variability ;
5. Demonstrate understanding of the greenhouse effect using simple energy-balance models, radiative forcing and feedback, and how they relate to anthropogenic climate change;
6. Apply simple models of climate to Earth and other planets;
7. Describe the carbon and water cycles and explain their climate feedbacks;
8. Explain the Gaia hypothesis, describe life's influence on climate and discuss implications for Earth's habitability;
9. Have an appreciation of the non-linearity of the climate and Earth systems; demonstrate understanding of the concept of tipping points, explain the main tipping points in the climate system, provide examples of tipping points in both physical and social systems, and discuss them critically;
10. Critically assess the main scenarios for climate change mitigation and adaptation, within the context of predictions of future climate change;
11. Explain and discuss how environmental monitoring and modelling influence legislation and policy. 
 

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge

12. Demonstrate a good understanding of atmospheric physics;
13. Describe the main events in the early history of Earth and its climate;
14. View climate and anthropogenic activities as part of a complex system wherein all agents are intrinsically connected via stabilising or self-reinforcing feedbacks that can result in tipping points;
 
Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge
15. Critically access, analyse and synthesize information about climate and climate change from a wide range of sources;
16. Provide context to what is read or seen in all forms of media about climate and climate change;
17. Process, interpret and present data using appropriate techniques and tools;
18. Communicate ideas and information confidently, effectively and critically;
19. Work efficiently as part of a group as well as individually;
20. Prepare and present information via a range of media;
21. Have a professional, yet also personal position on ideas and actions regarding climate change mitigation and adaptation.
 

 

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module
  • Overview of the challenges facing humanity today, introduction to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals;
  • Definition of climate and anthropogenic climate change;
  • Causes, current status and future predictions of anthropogenic climate change;
  • Overview of the history of Earth and its climate;
  • Monitoring and modelling climate change and climate variability;
  • Atmospheric physics: thermodynamics, radiative processes, vertical structure, energy budget, greenhouse effect;
  • Water and carbon cycles and climate feedback;
  • Gaia hypothesis, influence of life on climate, planetary climates, planetary habitability;
  • Non-linearity and tipping points: in climate systems, and in other physical and social systems;
  • Scenarios for climate change mitigation and adaptation.
 
LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 20 Guided Independent Study 130 Placement / Study Abroad 0
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 20x1 hour lectures Lectures, guest lectures, discussions
Scheduled learning and teaching activities Approx. 10 hours Problems sets delivered during term and discussed in class
Scheduled learning and teaching activities Approx. 40 hours Individual Report
Scheduled learning and teaching activities Approx. 20 hours Group Presentation
Guided independent study Approx. 60 hours Readings discussed in class

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Class discussions Weekly 1-21 Verbal discussion in class
Problem sets During the module 1-21 Written and verbal feedback
       
       
       

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 100 Written Exams 0 Practical Exams 0
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Group work and oral presentations 40 During the module 1-21 Given during lectures and tutorials
Individual report 60 Near end of module 1-21
Written feedback
         
         
         

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-assessment
Group work and oral presentations Individual recorded presentation (40%) 1-21 Ref/Def period
Individual report Individual report (60%) 1-21 Ref/Def period
       

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES
RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener
Web-based and electronic resources: 
 
 
Other resources: 
• The Ministry for the Future, 2020, by Kim Stanley Robinson, published by Orbit Books

Reading list for this module:

Type Author Title Edition Publisher Year ISBN
Set NA Carbon Brief: https://www.carbonbrief.org
Set Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change IPCC Reports https://www.ipcc.ch
Set Krauss, L. M. The Physics of Climate Change Apollo 2021
CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES None
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 5 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Wednesday 1st March 2023 LAST REVISION DATE Wednesday 1st March 2023
KEY WORDS SEARCH Climate Change, Sustainability, Earth, Physics

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.