Students
ENVS704 – Climate Change and the Climate System
2017 – S1 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Kevin Cheung
Level 4, 12 Wallys Walk
Anytime (email for appointment)
Stuart Browning
Level 4, 12 Wallys Walk
Email for appointment
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MRes
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
Global climate change is one of the important issues facing humanity in the 21st century; the ability to mitigate or adapt to projected climate changes depends on developing an integrated perspective on the physical, biological, biogeochemical, socio-economic and cultural factors that influence the climate system. This unit focuses on the scientific framework for understanding the mechanisms of climate change, and covers (a) the physics of the climate system, (b) the multiple drivers of climate change, (c) the role of physical and biogeochemical feedbacks in the climate system, (d) climate change projections and (e) how socio-economic, biophysical and biogeochemical feedbacks could modulate future changes. It will provide students with the background to critically evaluate current understanding of the complex interactions that determine climate trajectories and the reliability of the tools used to make climate-change and climate-impact projections.
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Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- Capable of analysing, questioning, and synthesising knowledge about the causes of climate change from a range of sources
- Capable of researching, interpreting, and assessing data on climate change and drawing connections across fields of knowledge
- Able to handle scientific uncertainty and complexity with respect to current climate change and its impacts on the Earth System
- Able to apply climate change theory to novel situations in order to diagnose and solve problems
- Confidently communicate and convey opinions on climate change science in forms appropriate to different audiences
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Test | 10% | No | 24/03/17 |
| Research Report | 40% | No | 26/05/17 |
| Final examination | 50% | No | S1 exam period - TBC |
Online Test
Due: 24/03/17
Weighting: 10%
This test will require you to understand the material and interpret data in the light of information covered in the first 3 weeks of lectures and tutorial readings, which include topics
- Atmospheric composition and climate
- Timescales and patterns of climate variability
- The climate sytem: Atmospheric Circulation
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Capable of analysing, questioning, and synthesising knowledge about the causes of climate change from a range of sources
- Capable of researching, interpreting, and assessing data on climate change and drawing connections across fields of knowledge
- Able to handle scientific uncertainty and complexity with respect to current climate change and its impacts on the Earth System
Research Report
Due: 26/05/17
Weighting: 40%
The major assessment for this unit is to write a review article suitable for submission to the journal Nature Climate Change, which is one of the most widely read peer-reviewed journals in environmental sciences (2015 5-year impact factor 19.257) and covers all aspects of research on global warming.
Many global warming articles in popular press and social media are based on peer-reviewed research published in academic journals such as Nature Climate Change.
Your task is to select a weather or climatic phenomenon, which can be a type of extreme weather event such as tropical cyclones or a large-scale phenomenon such as El Nino Southern Oscillation, and write a review article crtically summarising recent research on a topic related to that phenomenon.
Author guidelines for a review article can be found at the Nature Climate Change website:
http://www.nature.com/nclimate/authors/gta/content-type/index.html
Prior to selecting your topic you should read some existing review articles to gain an appreciation of the type and standard of article expected. A good example would be:
Jones, J. M., et al., 2016: Assessing recent trends in high-latitde Southern Hemisphere surface climate. Nature Climate Change, 6, 917-926.
In your article you should
- address current knowledge and uncertainties surrounding your selected phenomenon
- detail how your selected phenomenon is expected to change (including uncertainties) over the next 100 years with reference to current research and the latest IPCC report
- focus on the implications to the environment, society and to the economy
- discuss the viability of any proposed mitigation and/or adaptation policies
You may use previously published figures where appropriate. However, at least one of your figures must be produced by yourself using data obtained from a reliable source. Examples would be ploting storm frequency over the past 100 years from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology tropical cyclone database, or ploting historical rainfall maps based on the Bureau's climate data archive.
Your article - including word length, number of figures and citation style - must conform to the Nature Climate Change Author Guidelines for a Review Article.
You must submit your assignment via Turnitin.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Capable of analysing, questioning, and synthesising knowledge about the causes of climate change from a range of sources
- Capable of researching, interpreting, and assessing data on climate change and drawing connections across fields of knowledge
- Able to handle scientific uncertainty and complexity with respect to current climate change and its impacts on the Earth System
- Able to apply climate change theory to novel situations in order to diagnose and solve problems
- Confidently communicate and convey opinions on climate change science in forms appropriate to different audiences
Final examination
Due: S1 exam period - TBC
Weighting: 50%
The examination will consist of multiple choice questions, short answers and a choice of essay questions.
This will test your ability to appropriately use terminology, concepts and contemporary climate change issues learnt in lectures, tutorials and practicals, subject readings as well as materials that have been uploaded to the iLearn Discussion Forum.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Capable of analysing, questioning, and synthesising knowledge about the causes of climate change from a range of sources
- Capable of researching, interpreting, and assessing data on climate change and drawing connections across fields of knowledge
- Able to handle scientific uncertainty and complexity with respect to current climate change and its impacts on the Earth System
- Able to apply climate change theory to novel situations in order to diagnose and solve problems
- Confidently communicate and convey opinions on climate change science in forms appropriate to different audiences
Delivery and Resources
Resources:
The basic resource for this unit is the Working Group I Contribution to the Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), particularly the Technical Summary and the Summary for Policy Makers. For more details, read the individual chapters from the WG1 report. These documents can be downloaded from the IPCC website:
http://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar5/wg1/
Delivery:
Lecture and Tutorial:
Wednesday 9:00 am to 11:00 am at EMC G220
Lectures, readings and other supporting material will be available on iLearn. Email and iLearn will be the principle methods of communication in this unit. The lectures and tutorials/practicals will be recorded using the ECHO360 system.
https://ilearn.mq.edu.au/login/index.php
We expect you to use iLearn to:
- Regularly check subject announcements
- Read and contribute to the Discussion Forum
- Download lecture materials
- Download tutorial and practical materials and resources
- Download reference materials
- Check your grades
Assessment Tasks:
It is your responsibility to ensure that you understand all the requirements for the assessment tasks. Contact the Unit Convenor or lecturers if you have any concern or query with the unit content or assessments.
No extensions will be granted on assessment tasks unless an application for "Disruption of Studies" has been submitted and approved.
http://studentadmin.mq.edu.au/disruption_to_studies.html
You must notify the University if any type of potential disruption to your studies via Ask MQ.
Students who have not submitted an assessment task by the due date will be penalised 5% per day.
Attendance:
Students enrolled in "internal mode" for this unit are expected to attend all lectures and tutorials/practicals. Students enrolled in "external mode" are expect to contribute to online discussions and tutorials sesions. Please notify the Unit Convenor for any queries related to attendance.
Unit Schedule
Lecture Schedule:
WEEK 1 (1 March) - Atmospheric Composition and Climate (KC)
WEEK 2 (8 March) - Timescales and Patterns of Climate Variability (KC)
WEEK 3 (15 March) - The Climate System: Atmospheric Circulation (KC)
WEEK 4 (22 March) - The Climate System: Ocean Circulation (KC)
Friday 24 March - Assessment 1 Online Test Due
WEEK 5 (29 March) - Climate Modelling and Climate Change (KC)
WEEK 6 (5 April) - Evaluation of Model Uncertainty (KC)
WEEK 7 (12 April) - Future Climate Forcings: Projections and Uncertainties (KC)
Semester Break
WEEK 8 (3 May) - Projections of Climate Changes in the 21st Century (SB)
WEEK 9 (10 May) - Projections of Changes in Water Balance and Hydrology (SB)
WEEK 10 (17 May) - Projections of Sea-level and Oceanic Changes (SB)
WEEK 11 (24 May) - Projections of Extremes: Castrophic Events, Tipping Points and Climate Surprises (SB)
Friday 26 May - Assessment 2 Research Report Due
WEEK 12 (31 May) - The NARCliM Project (SB)
WEEK 13 (7 June) - Unit Summary and Revision (SB)
Session 1 exam period (date and time to be confirmed) - Assessment 3 Final Exam
________
Lecturers: KC = Dr Kevin Cheung, SB = Dr Stuart Browning
Tutorial and practical topics will be available on iLearn.
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html
Disruption to Studies Policy (in effect until Dec 4th, 2017): http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html
Special Consideration Policy (in effect from Dec 4th, 2017): https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration
In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
Results
Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Graduate Capabilities
PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative
Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Capable of analysing, questioning, and synthesising knowledge about the causes of climate change from a range of sources
- Capable of researching, interpreting, and assessing data on climate change and drawing connections across fields of knowledge
- Able to handle scientific uncertainty and complexity with respect to current climate change and its impacts on the Earth System
- Able to apply climate change theory to novel situations in order to diagnose and solve problems
- Confidently communicate and convey opinions on climate change science in forms appropriate to different audiences
Assessment tasks
- Online Test
- Research Report
- Final examination
PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills
Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Capable of analysing, questioning, and synthesising knowledge about the causes of climate change from a range of sources
- Capable of researching, interpreting, and assessing data on climate change and drawing connections across fields of knowledge
- Able to handle scientific uncertainty and complexity with respect to current climate change and its impacts on the Earth System
- Able to apply climate change theory to novel situations in order to diagnose and solve problems
- Confidently communicate and convey opinions on climate change science in forms appropriate to different audiences
Assessment tasks
- Online Test
- Research Report
- Final examination
PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Capable of analysing, questioning, and synthesising knowledge about the causes of climate change from a range of sources
- Capable of researching, interpreting, and assessing data on climate change and drawing connections across fields of knowledge
- Able to handle scientific uncertainty and complexity with respect to current climate change and its impacts on the Earth System
- Able to apply climate change theory to novel situations in order to diagnose and solve problems
- Confidently communicate and convey opinions on climate change science in forms appropriate to different audiences
Assessment tasks
- Online Test
- Research Report
- Final examination
PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability
Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Capable of analysing, questioning, and synthesising knowledge about the causes of climate change from a range of sources
- Capable of researching, interpreting, and assessing data on climate change and drawing connections across fields of knowledge
- Able to handle scientific uncertainty and complexity with respect to current climate change and its impacts on the Earth System
- Able to apply climate change theory to novel situations in order to diagnose and solve problems
- Confidently communicate and convey opinions on climate change science in forms appropriate to different audiences
Assessment tasks
- Online Test
- Research Report
- Final examination
PG - Effective Communication
Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Capable of researching, interpreting, and assessing data on climate change and drawing connections across fields of knowledge
- Confidently communicate and convey opinions on climate change science in forms appropriate to different audiences
Assessment tasks
- Online Test
- Research Report
- Final examination
PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens
Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Capable of analysing, questioning, and synthesising knowledge about the causes of climate change from a range of sources
- Able to handle scientific uncertainty and complexity with respect to current climate change and its impacts on the Earth System
- Able to apply climate change theory to novel situations in order to diagnose and solve problems
- Confidently communicate and convey opinions on climate change science in forms appropriate to different audiences
Assessment tasks
- Online Test
- Research Report
- Final examination