Course overview
To develop students’ awareness of the Earth’s weather systems and climate change, their skills in investigating, analysing and reporting, and their dispositions towards ecological sustainability, with a particular focus on the Earth’s atmosphere. Students will develop knowledge of the nature and operation of weather and climate systems, and issues around human impact on them. Ecological and carbon footprints, weather data gathering and reporting, integrally informed futures-oriented scenarios and climate change will be explored. This course will assist students develop their skills in investigating, analysing and reporting scientific data, and challenge their attitudes towards ecological sustainability, with respect to carbon footprint, weather parameters and climate change.
Course learning outcomes
- Describe major components and circulation patterns of the Earth's atmosphere, with a focus on the Southern Hemisphere
- Demonstrate sound understandings of the history of, and human interactions with, the Earth's atmosphere and the implications of these for humans and other species
- Use the techniques of integral Futures Studies to explore possibilities for future atmospheric management
- Work individually and collaboratively to report on data collected from the literature and from field experiences
- Communicate the value of individual and collective action to mitigate against deleterious effects of human interactions with the Earth's atmosphere and other natural systems