1. Basic information
This syllabus is ratified by the Education Committee of the Faculty of Science 2012-05-24. The syllabus is valid from 2012-09-01. The course is at the advanced level (A1N).
2. General information
The course is part of the internet based programme ‘GIS and Earth Observation for Environmental modeling and Natural resource management’ (iGEON). The course is an elective for the double degree: Master of Science in Geographical Information Science and Earth Observation, University of Twente, Faculty ITC, the Netherlands and Master of Science in Geographical Information Science of Lund University, Sweden. The course is also given as a single subject course. The language of instruction is English. The course is fully based on distance learning, with all material distributed over the Internet. It is flexible in the sense that students can study full time (100%), half time (50%), or with a 25% study tempo.
The course is part of the main field of study in Physical Geography and Ecosystems Science at the Faculty of Science. The course is an elective course on advanced level for a Master’s degree in Geographical Information Science, Faculty of Science, Lund University, Sweden.
3. Learning outcomes
The aim of the course is that students, after having successfully completed the course, should have acquired the following knowledge, understanding and skills:
Knowledge and understanding
After the course the student is expected to be able to:
- Describe climatic conditions and reasons for climate change
- Describe the principles of climate modelling and how climate models operates
- Describe the consequences of climate change in a global and regional perspective
- Describe on-going efforts to minimise climate change globally
- Describe regional and local consequences of climate change
- Develop and describe how GIS can be used to study these consequences
- Analyse data requirements and data quality issues for climate change consequences analysis using GIS
Proficiency and skills
After the course the student is expected to be able to:
- Collect information and knowledge regarding GIS and climate change in an independent manor
- Use simple climate change models with provided geographical input data
- Plan and execute analysis of consequences at detailed and regional level using relevant geographical data
- Critically evaluate results from different analysis and propose suitable mitigation to reduce the negative effects
- Present analysis results in writing and as maps for different types of audiences
Attitude and ability to appraise
After the course the student is expected to be able to:
- Compile, evaluate and discuss choice of analysis and methodology in order to solve a given problem
- Critically evaluate and discuss the viability of different analysis
- Describe and evaluate the use of GIS for climate change consequences analysis in society
4. Course contents
The course consists of the following parts:
Basic Climatology
Climates of the earth, connections between biosphere, atmosphere and land use. The cycles of carbon, water and nutrients
Climate modelling
Principles for the most common climate models currently in use. Problems with validation of results, different scales and transfer of results from global to regional and local levels.
Consequences of climate change
Possible and expected consequences of climate change on ecosystems, politics and the society.
Responses to climate change
International efforts to mitigate climate change within the UN framework of agreements and efforts at regional and local level. How can our society be adapted to an on-going climate change.
GIS and climate change
How is GIS applied to to facilitate and improve mitigation and understanding of climate change in e.g. a municipality or a region? What are the data requirements for consequence analysis and which methods are suitable to deploy? How precise are the results and where are the major issues? What solutions are available and what other possibilities should be developed to improve analysis and results?
5. Teaching and assessment
Teaching consists of lectures, practical and theoretical exercises and seminars. Exercises and seminars are compulsory.
Examination is in the form of a written exam, and through approved individual exercises.
6. Grades
Students are graded for the course according to the following levels: High Pass (distinction), Passed, and Failed.
In order to pass the course the student is required to have passed the exam, all compulsory exercises, and to have participated in all compulsory course elements.
The final grade for the course is determined by the result of the written exam.
7. Entrance qualifications
The following are required for admission to the course: Basic admission requirements of Lund University, and at least 1.5 years full time studies at university level, including half a year (30 higher education credits) basic GIS, including iGEON compulsory courses of semester 1 and 2 (35 ECTS).
8. Literature
According to a list established by the department, available at least five weeks before the start of the course.