Entry requirements

15 credits in environmental science, earth science or biology.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• describe the relationship between the geological and climatic development of the Earth
• explain the basic physical principles of the global climate system
• give an account of natural climatic and environmental changes which have occurred over different time scales
• describe the large-scale changes which have occurred in vegetation, ecosystems, and landscape in northern Europe since the last glaciation
• descrive how the soil and water environment have changed as a result of human activity
• describe current energy politics and energy systems related to climate change
• account for the effect of climate charnge on society and how society works with the effects of climate change and climate adaptation
• present group work in an oral presentation and written report

Content

The course examines environmental and climate change from the latest glacial maximum (about 20,000 years before present). Natural climate archives as well as vegetation and landscape development over time are examined as evidence of environmental and climate change. The physical basis for the climate system is investigated including effects of atmospheric circulation and ocean currents on global climate. Basic oceanography and hydrology related to climate processes. Other processes such as volcanism that can initiate global change are presented. Impact of human activity on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems with focus on environmental hazards as well as contaminated soil and water. Impact on different social institutions and infrastructure, and how to work with climate change and to limit climate change today. Basic energy policy and energy system concepts are presented in connection with environmental and climate change.

Instruction

The course contains lectures, exercises, seminars, study visits and group work. Oral and written presentation of a project is included.

Assessment

Examination in the course is divided between two written exams (3 and 4 credits, respectively), exercises and seminars (4 credits), and a course project to be presented orally and in written form (4 credits).

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the disability coordinator of the university.