ES1S201 - The Climate System 01 Jul 2022 - 31 Aug 2028 | Version 1
Associated Module Information
| Module Code: | ES1S201 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Module Title: | The Climate System | ||
| Faculty: | Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science | ||
| Faculty Group: | Chemical and Environmental Sciences | ||
| Faculty Sub Group: | Earth and Environmental Science | ||
| Module Leader: | Anthony Harris | ||
| Module Team: | Angela Morris, Anthony Harris | ||
| First Intended Intake: | SEP 2022 | Final Year of Intake: | 2027 |
| Date Closed: | |||
| Credit Value: | 20 | Credit Level: | 4 |
| Language: | English | ||
| Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: | 0 | ||
| Equivalent Module: | |||
| HECOS codes: | 100379 - climate science | ||
| HECOS Code Weighting: | 100 | ||
Document Version Information
| Version | 1 |
|---|---|
| Valid From | 01 Jul 2022 |
| Valid To | 31 Aug 2028 |
Module Aims
To provide an introduction to climate and the atmosphere, including its physical structure, features, processes, and the way in which it can be measured and considered.
To provide an introduction to the causes and consequences of climate change and the Earth’s systems that affect it, including the associated systems involving the hydrosphere, cryosphere, lithosphere and biosphere.
In engaging with the module appropriately, students will fully achieve level-appropriate Behaviour Domains of the following USW Graduate Attributes:
Commercial Awareness - Behaviour Domains 1, 2, 3
Communication - Behaviour Domains 1, 2, 3
Leadership - Behaviour Domains 1, 2, 3
Innovation and Enterprise - Behaviour Domains 1, 2, 3
Project Management - Behaviour Domains 1, 2, 3
Digital Literacy - Behaviour Domains 1, 2, 3
The Capabilities associated with these behaviours are found in the Graduate Attributes table at the end of the descriptor.
Content Summary
Climate and earth systems with atmospheric and climate processes.
Atmospheric composition, processes, energy, and circulation. Key aspects of weather and climate. Summary climatologies, microclimates.
Principles of hydrology. Hydrological cycle. Hillslope hydrology and surface drainage. Hydrology and flooding.
Introduction to oceanography, including ocean structure and circulation. Earth surface systems and productivity.
Introduction to past climatic change, records, causes and consequences.
The carbon cycle and other geochemical cycles. Analysis of carbon stores and transfers.
Introduction to recent and future climate change and associated sea level changes.
Global earth system interactions (atmosphere-hydrosphere-lithosphere-biosphere interactions).
Learning and Teaching Methods
| Activity Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Lecture | 28 |
| Practical classes and workshops | 12 |
| Fieldwork | 8 |
| Independent Study | 132 |
| Directed Study | 20 |
| Total Hours Selected | 200 |
Learning Outcomes
| # | Learning Outcome |
|---|---|
| LO1 | Explain circulation and features of the Earth’s atmosphere with the generation of weather and climate. |
| LO2 | Explain the importance of the interrelated lithosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere and biosphere systems that affect the climate |
Module Requisites
N/A
Assessment Criteria
| Assessment Category | Assessment Type | Description | Duration | Word Count | Weight (%) | Best of? | Pass Mark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asynchronous Assessment | Report 1 | A written report that draws on knowledge and material from the module on climatologies and microclimates. | 0 | 1000 | 50 | No | 40 |
| Synchronous Online Assessment | Classroom Test - Time Constrained (Online) 1 | A written test administered within the timetabled teaching session, which is time constrained, and takes place under controlled conditions, covering the breadth of syllabus. | 60 | N/A | 50 | No | 40 |
Assessment Matrix
| Assessment Type | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| LO1 | LO2 | ||
| Report 1 | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Classroom Test - Time Constrained (Online) 1 | ✔ | ✔ | |