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ACM10090

Academic Year 2024/2025

Climate Change:Causes & Consequences (ACM10090)

Subject:
Applied & Computational Maths
College:
Science
School:
Mathematics & Statistics
Level:
1 (Introductory)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Conor Sweeney
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Distinction/Pass/Fail (GPA Neutral)

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module is for everyone with an interest in climate change!

We know that the Earth's climate is changing. However, there are often conflicting stories about how and why this is happening. What is right? How do we know? In this module, we aim to clear up this confusion by asking critical questions about the science behind climate change.

This module will provide an accessible introduction to the science of climate change, allowing students to understand this vital topic, and to appreciate the challenges and consequences for our future.

We will consider key questions about climate change, such as:
-- What is the Earth's climate?
-- How has it changed in the past?
-- What causes it to change?
-- How will the climate change in the future?
-- Have there been changes in climate extremes?

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successfully completing this module, you will be able to explain:
- the key factors that influence the Earth's climate,
- how these have changed in the past,
- and how they may change in the future.

You will also be able to:
- discuss the methods used to uncover the Earth's past climate
- explain the role of climate models in projecting changes in the future
- give some case studies on the impact of changes in climate
- appreciate how uncertainty is a part of climate change science

Indicative Module Content:

How do we know that the climate is changing?
What causes climate change?
How do we project future climate?

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Tutorial

12
Autonomous Student Learning

72
Total

108

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures, tutorials, class discussion, project work.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Quizzes/Short Exercises: 8 online short quizzes during term Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 7, Week 8, Week 9, Week 10, Week 11 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
40
 No
Group Work Assignment: Group project in two stages. Stage 1 is peer-assessed. Stage 2 is graded by instructor. Week 4, Week 7, Week 11 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
20
 No
Exam (In-person): Two Class Tests Week 7, Week 12 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
40
 No

Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Online automated feedback
• Peer review activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Online quizzes are automatically graded. Group projects will receive feedback from the lecturer as well as from peers.

Name Role
Dr Conor Sweeney Lecturer / Co-Lecturer

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Spring Tutorial Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Fri 10:00 - 10:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Mon 09:00 - 09:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Tues 13:00 - 13:50
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