Learning outcomes

After passing the course, the student must be able to:

• explain the processes that control the Earth's climate.
• compare and explain natural and human influence on the climate system over different time scales.
• describe the benefits and limitations of different climate data such as direct observations, proxy data and climate model data.
• explain possible scenarios for the future climate and the background to these.
• evaluate measures for societal adaptation and mitigation of climate change.

Content

The course provides an introduction to climate physics and climate systems such as: observations, proxy data, historical climate, extreme weather events, global radiation balance, radiative forcing, greenhouse effect, carbon cycle, climate sensitivity, feedback mechanisms, climate models, future climate and effects of extreme weather and climate change.

Instruction

Lecture, labs, seminar

Assessment

Lab and seminar (2hp), oral examination (3hp)