1. Formal lectures and guest lectures from specialists in field (12 hours)

2. Seminar and poster presentations by students in an end of module `conference' (6 hours).

3. Independent learning through (i) group work (ii) individual directed reading and assessment

In recent years global temperatures have increased dramatically and climate change is now recognised as an important environmental issue by both environmental groups and politicians. However, there is considerable uncertainty and much debate about the causes and consequence of climate change making it difficult to identify and implement effective mitigation strategies. This module will examine: the causes and consequences of climate change - i.e. the science of climate change; the use of models to predict climate change - confidence in these models, worst and best 'case scenarios'; the use of climate change models at different spatial scales - national, regional, local; impacts of climate change as predicted by key models; strategies for the mitigation of climate change; and implications of climate change for sustainable development at national, regional and local scales.

Examination - 2 hours (50% of module) consisting of two essay questions and addressing learning outcomes 1 and 2.

Group seminar presentation and defence (50%) during themed sessions at an end of module conference. 25 minute time limit per group, addresses learning outcomes 1 - 3.

Additional Assessment Details:
The conference will be run at the end of the module with Honours Level (3) students presenting and defending group research papers and students studying on the Intermediate level (2) version of the module presenting and defending group posters. Honours Level students will be involved in the assessment of the Intermediate Level group posters and the Intermediate Level students will be involved in the assessment of the Honours Level group research papers.

Formative Assessment: Opportunities will be provided during class sessions for students to: (a) discuss ideas for their conference papers with tutors and receive formative feedback on their ideas and paper plans; (b) discuss the key concepts and ideas delivered during the formal lectures and therefore enabling them to evaluate their understanding of the module materials.

Good quality lecture theatre fully equipped with interactive media hardware. Access to sciences IT suite and internet and Sciences Learning Resource Centre. University Library. Will need access to lecture theatre with nearby display area for posters for the `conference'.

Minimum / Maximum
IPCC Climate Change 2007 and the documents produced by the working groups of IPCC:
- Working Group I: The Science of Climate Change
- Working Group II: Impacts, adaptation and vulnerability
- Working Group III: Mitigation of climate change
Department for Communities and Local Government (2006) Consultation - Planning Policy Statement: Planning and Climate Change - Supplement to Planning Policy Statement 1. HMSO, London
Downing, T.E, Butterfield, R.E., Edmonds, B., Knox, J.W., Moss, S., Piper, B.S. and Weatherhead, E.K. (and the CCDeW project team) (2003). Climate Change and the Demand for Water, Research Report, Stockholm Environment Institute Oxford Office, Oxford
Gagnon-Lebrun, F. and S. Agrawala (2006), Progress on Adaptation to Climate Change in Developed Countries: An Analysis of Broad Trends, ENV/EPOC/GSP(2006)1/FINAL, OECD, Paris.

Lynas, M. (2007) Carbon Counter. Collins, London

Monbiot, G. (2006) Heat: How to stop the Planet Burning. Allen Lane, London

ODPM (2004) The Planning Response to Climate Change. Advice on Better Practice. HMSO,

None