Key facts
UNE unit code: GEPL307
*You are viewing the 2027 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - On Campus
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information
The science of climate change is complex, balancing the geoscience physical record and scientific fact with politics, policy, and ethics.
This unit provides an opportunity to understand the physical and scientific processes as well as the political landscape currently shaping global climate change including policy changes.
Throughout your studies, you will examine the scientific evidence that underpins the notion of global climate change; current climate change (temperature changes, mean sea level rise, etc.) predictions based on mathematical modelling; and, finally, the resulting implications for global warming and climate change.
You’ll learn to evaluate scientific evidence for temperature anomalies, glacial retreat and changes in rainfall patterns for the 20th century. You will also explore paleaoclimates and analyse predictions from scientific models on the impacts of future climate change at the national and international levels. Lastly, you’ll examine arguments from climate change scientists for adaptation and mitigation measures for the benefit of urban and regional human communities, and the natural resource management and conservation sectors.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 2 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate knowledge on the scientific evidence of climate change (past, present and future) and the policy implications for adaptation and mitigation to ensure species survival;
- demonstrate an understanding of scientific and mathematical methodologies for forecasting or predicting future climate events from paleao - evidence;
- analyse and evaluate the planning implications arising from mankind's influence on earth's natural physical systems through the exploitation and utilisation of carbon based fossil fuels;
- demonstrate an understanding of the scientific evidence used in the arguments for 20th century global warming and the associated economic and environmental policy implications both locally and globally;
- demonstrate a capacity for developing cogent scientific based arguments surrounding global climate change and enhanced presentation skills; and
- apply enhanced skills in the use, interrogation, and interpretation of contextual scientific data from academic information sources.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Yes | 60% | All offerings | Written assignment on the impact of climate change on wild species or, alternatively, written assignment on the impact of climate change on the urban landscape. No. Words: 2500 |
| Take Home Exam | Yes | 40% | All offerings | Timed Quiz (3 hours) No. Words: 2000 |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Global Climate Change: Turning Knowledge into Action
ISBN: 9780367704957
Kitchen, D.E., Routledge, Member of Taylor and Francis Group 2nd 2024
Text refers to: All offerings
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