EHS4030 ¨C Environmental Sciences: Understanding Climate Change

Course content

This course introduces the basics of climate change science and the different spheres of the climate system. An overview of key concepts such as climate, weather and the greenhouse gas effect will be given, and the students will learn about the human contribution to climate change including important greenhouse gases and their main sources. Material from the Assessment Reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) will be used to learn about some of the main observed changes in the climate system and projected future trends in various climate variables. This will also include a discussion about the development and use of climate and socio-economic scenarios. Further insights will be provided particularly on changes in weather and climate extremes and their implications for society. The course will conclude with discussing the importance of interdisciplinary climate science for supporting adaptation and mitigation policy and decision making.

Learning outcome

Students will be able to:

• Explain the basic concepts of climate change science.
• Identify the anthropogenic drivers of climate change.
• Explain observed and projected trends in the climate system.
• Understand different climate change scenarios and their implications.
• Read and discuss scientific literature about climate change.

Admission to the course

This course is part of the Environmental Humanities and Sciences (honours certificate) (being phased out).

Students not enrolled in the certificate programme can be admitted to the course if this is cleared by their own study programme.

Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.

Teaching

The course will be held over 8 weeks (1 lecture block per week). Each lecture block (2x 45min) will consist of a lecture, student presentations and discussions. Each lecture topic is accompanied by compulsory preparatory reading and preparation of short student presentations/interventions.

Lectures 2-8 will start with a 30min discussion of the preparatory reading material which will be initiated by 3-4 short student interventions (reflections of the reading material).

Compulsory activities:

• At least 80 percent attendance with active participation in class, preparatory readings, and discussions.

This is how you apply for valid absence from compulsory activities/compulsory attendance.

Examination

Multiple choice questions on the topics discussed in the lectures.

Language of examination

The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in English.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a pass/fail scale. Read more about the grading system.

More about examinations at UiO

• Use of sources and citations
• Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
• Withdrawal from an exam
• Illness at exams / postponed exams
• Explanation of grades and appeals
• Resitting an exam
• Cheating/attempted cheating

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.