The Earth's Climate and Climate Change - introductory course

This introductory course describes central climate processes like energy transports, radiation balance, the greenhouse effect and climate variations. The course will demonstrate how the large-scale circulation in the atmosphere and oceans creates the Earth’s climate zones. The course also looks at basic outlines for weather forecast and climate models, as well as scenarios for the Earth's future climate. A key subject is the anthropogenic effects on the Earth¹s climate, mainly through the emission of greenhouse gases.
 

Course code
MO1006

Application code on universityadmissions.se
SU-49187

Department
Department of Meteorology

Subject
Meteorology

Decision
This syllabus has been approved by the Board of the Faculty of Science at Stockholm University.

General admission requirements
You must provide complete transcripts/academic records of 60 ECTS credits or equivalent in the relevant field of study.

Proficiency in the English language has to be documented by an internationally recognized test such as TOEFL: internet based test with a total score of at least 90 and minimum score 20 in written test, paper based test with a total score of at least 575, and minimum score 4.5 in written test, or IELTS (academic) with an overall mark of at least 6.5 and no band less than 5.5.

Selection
The selection is based on an overall assessment of your previous qualifications such as previous education,  relevant work experience and statement of intent.

Course content
The course contains the outlines of basic physical descriptions of the atmosphere and ocean; radiation processes in the atmosphere, the greenhouse effect; the importance of different greenhouse gases, particles and clouds for the Earth's radiation balance; meteorological observations and weather maps; historical climate changes and natural climate variations; anthropogenic climate change; climate scenarios; climate change and the society.

Learning outcomes
After attending the course the student should be able to account for the outlines of: basic meteorological concepts and processes; the Earth's radiation balance and the greenhouse effect; the Earth's present climate and climate variations; how anthropogenic activities affect the climate.

Education
The teaching consists of lectures and exercises. Participaton in exercises and the associated tutorials is compulsory. If there are special reasons, the Examinator may, after consulting the course teacher, allow the student to omit certain parts of the compulsory teaching.

Forms of examination

• Examination is done by a written and/or oral test.
• Grading is done on a seven-step scale: A=excellent B=Very good C=Good D=Satisfatory E=Sufficient Fx=Unsatisfactory F=Entirely unsatisfactory.
• The grading criteria are handed out at the beginning of the course.
• For passing the course, at least grade E is required, as well as passed oral and/or written presentations of exercises and participation in compulsory teaching.
• Students that do not pass the regular test have a right to attempt at least four further tests as long as the course is given. As "tests" are understood also other compulsory parts of the course. Students that have passed a test are not allowed to attempt another test in order to receive a higher grade. Students that have failed an examinationtwice have a right to demand that another teacher is appointed to determine the grade. The request for thisshould be directed to the Board of the department.

Interim
Students may demand that the examination is performed according to this syllabys even after it has ceased to be valid. However, this may be done at most three times during the two years after the course was last given. The request for this should be directed to the Board of the department.

Limitations
A Bachelor's exam at the Faculty of Science, Stockholm University, can normally not contain more than 15 hp of orientation courses. Orientation courses can not be included in a Master's exam at the Faculty of Science, Stockholm University. Orientation courses at the Department of Meteorology can not be included in an exam together with other courses at the department (course code prefix ME or MO), with the exception of other orientation courses at the department. The course may not be included in a degree together with Jordens klimat och klimatförändringar, orientation course, 7.5p (MO1004). The course may not be included in a degree together with Jordens klimat och klimatförändringar, orientation course, 5p (ME1150).

Contact
Mr. Jörg Gumbel
Phone: +46 8 16 43 43

Mr. Jörg Gumbel