METEO 7 - An Introduction to Climate Sciences: Climate Change, Variability, and Society
This is a sample syllabus.
This sample syllabus is a representative example of the information and materials included in this course. Information about course assignments, materials, and dates listed here is subject to change at any time. Definitive course details and materials will be available in the official course syllabus, in Canvas, when the course begins.
Overview
METEO 7 is a General Education course offered by the Department of Meteorology. The course is designed specifically for distance learners seeking general science credit.
METEO 7 seeks to provide you with a deeper understanding of climate systems and processes, empowering you to better interpret the climate information you encounter. With this knowledge of how the climate operates, you'll grasp the factors that drive climate patterns and variability and appreciate why long-term climate projections can be challenging. You will also learn to recognize signs of climate shifts and understand their implications, allowing you to interpret and assess media reports and make informed decisions in your daily life. Additionally, you'll be better equipped to critically talk about the widespread concerns about climate change and its impacts on our environment and society.
Objectives
When you successfully complete this course, you will be prepared to:
- define climate, understand the components of the climate system, and discuss why climate is important to our day-to-day lives
- understand basic statistics used in climate science and how models, observations, and experiments are used to study climate
- understand the basic physics surrounding energy in the climate system, define "the greenhouse effect," and how simple budgets can explain what we observe
- be able to describe large-scale climate patterns (such as rainy versus non-rainy areas and why the atmosphere moves the way it moves)
- understand the concept of natural variability and know how the climate has evolved in recorded history
- understand anthropogenic climate change, why theory predicts climate warms with increasing greenhouse gases, and how we have observed climate change over the past century
- discuss how scientists use climate models to predict how climate may evolve in the future and how these models are built
- list some of the potential impacts of climate change on society
- talk about the concepts of climate justice and inequities in how people respond to climate change
- discuss potential solutions to climate change and their pros and cons.
Required Materials
Typically, there are no required materials for this course. If this changes, students will find a definitive list in the course syllabus, in Canvas, when the course begins.
Prerequisites
None
Expectations
We have worked hard to make this the most effective and convenient educational experience possible. How much and how well you learn is dependent on your attitude, diligence, and willingness to ask for clarifications or help when you need them. We are here to help you succeed. Please keep up with the class schedule and take advantage of opportunities to communicate with us and with your fellow students. You can expect to spend an average of 8 - 10 hours per week completing assigned readings and other exercises.
It is important to log into the course at least three times a week (on different days) to check your course e-mail, the discussions, and any course announcements. Falling out of touch with course happenings for weeks at a time is a big way to jeopardize your chances of success in an online course.
Major Assignments
Your final grade in METEO 7 will be composed of the following:
- 12 "Taking Your Temperature" Surveys ...10%, drop the lowest 2
- 6 Required Lab Exercises ... 30%, drop the lowest 1
- 12 Lesson Quizzes ... 30%, drop the lowest 2
- 1 Final Exam ... 30%
- 6 Extra Credit Lab Exercises
Course Schedule
| Week | Lesson Title | Assignments and Assessments |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Start Here | Upload Academic Integrity certificate |
| 2 | Lesson 1: What is climate? |
|
| 3 | Lesson 2: How do we make climate observations? |
|
| 4 | Lesson 3: Energy drives everything! |
|
| 5 | Lesson 4: The role of water in climate |
|
| 6 | Lesson 5: The general circulations in the climate system |
|
| 7 | Lesson 5: The general circulations in the climate system (cont.) |
|
| 8 | Lesson 6: Modes of natural variability in the climate system |
|
| 9 | Lesson 7: Changes in climate over the past 4 billion years |
|
| 10 | Lesson 8: Anthropogenic climate change |
|
| 11 | Lesson 9: Observations of changes in climate |
|
| 12 | Lesson 10: Climate models and projections |
|
| 13 | Lesson 11: Climate impacts, inequities, and climate justice |
|
| 14 | Lesson 12: How to address climate change and climate solutions |
|
| Final Exam | Final Exam |