BB528: Climate change biology
The Study Board for Science
Teaching language: Danish or English depending on the teacher, but English if international students are enrolled
EKA: N100042112, N100042102
Assessment: Second examiner: Internal, Second examiner: External
Grading: 7-point grading scale
Offered in: Odense
Offered in: Spring
Level: Bachelor
STADS ID (UVA): N100042101
ECTS value: 5
Date of Approval: 22-10-2018
Duration: 1 semester
Version: Archive
Comment
Entry requirements
Academic preconditions
Students taking the course are expected to:
- Have a basic knowledge of ecology and of ecological relationships.
- To have knowledge of basic algebra.
Course introduction
This course is designed to introduce the students to current
thinking on how climate change is influencing the biology of the planet.
We will explore ecosystems ranging from the land to the sea. During the
course, the students will be asked read and critically analyze current
scientific literature on specific topics related to climate change
biology. The students will be asked to present at least one topic to the
class in a formal presentation and to lead a discussion stemming from
the presented material. Through the course, the students will explore
key issues related to the biology of climate change, and importantly,
the students will learn to critically evaluate the scientific
literature.
The course builds on the knowledge acquired in the courses BB531, BB510.
In relation to the competence profile of the degree it is the explicit focus of the course to:
- Enable to students to participate in scientific cooperation and structure their own learning.
- Enable to students to relate critically to biological theories and state, evaluate and solve biological issues.
- Give
knowledge and reflexive understanding of biological scientific
theories, current research subjects and the use of these subjects in
discussions about biological issues.
From a practical
standpoint, the students will learn the science behind climate and
climate change. They will be able to critically evaluate the scientific
evidence of climate change and develop scientifically informed
conclusions based on this evidence. The students will also gain
practical skills in organizing and delivering a class lecture. This will
give them the chance to critically structure a scientific talk and to
evaluate the appropriate level required to communicate scientific
information in a classroom setting. The students will also gain
experience in organizing a class discussion around the topic of their
lecture. These skills will be of broad use for the students in
communicating information, be it scientific or otherwise, and all sorts
of work or educational settings.
standpoint, the students will learn the science behind climate and
climate change. They will be able to critically evaluate the scientific
evidence of climate change and develop scientifically informed
conclusions based on this evidence. The students will also gain
practical skills in organizing and delivering a class lecture. This will
give them the chance to critically structure a scientific talk and to
evaluate the appropriate level required to communicate scientific
information in a classroom setting. The students will also gain
experience in organizing a class discussion around the topic of their
lecture. These skills will be of broad use for the students in
communicating information, be it scientific or otherwise, and all sorts
of work or educational settings.
Expected learning outcome
The learning objective of the course is that the student demonstrates the ability to:
- critically think on the subject of climate change including evidence for and against.
- explain the physics behind the regulation Earth’s climate.
- Provide an overview of the biological consequences of climate change both on land and in the oceans.
- explain past climate change and how it is evaluated.
- explain the basics of climate models, how they work, and what they can be used for.
- Work in teams and organize and deliver a course lecture.
Content
The following main topics are contained in the course:
- Radiation balance and greenhouse gases
- Controls on climate
- Climate models
- Paleoclimate
- Climate change and terrestrial ecosystems
- Climate change and biogeography
- Ocean acidification
- Climate change and marine ecosystems
- Climate change in the Arctic
- Carbon sequestration
- Climate change and sea level rise
Literature
Examination regulations
Exam element a)
Timing
Spring
Tests
Student presentation
EKA
N100042112
Assessment
Second examiner: Internal
Grading
7-point grading scale
Identification
Student Identification Card
Language
Normally, the same as teaching language
Examination aids
A closer description of the exam rules will be posted under \'Course Information\' on Blackboard
ECTS value
2
Additional information
The examination form for re-examination may be different from the exam form at the regular exam.
Exam element b)
Timing
June
Tests
Written Exam
EKA
N100042102
Assessment
Second examiner: External
Grading
7-point grading scale
Identification
Student Identification Card
Language
Normally, the same as teaching language
Duration
4 hours
Examination aids
A closer description of the exam rules will be posted in itslearning.
ECTS value
3
Additional information
The examination form for re-examination may be different from the exam form at the regular exam.
Indicative number of lessons
Teaching Method
Activities during the studyphase:
- Students will solve homework problems.
- Students will prepare for active participation in lectures..
- Students will prepare to give a course lecture.