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  3. Introduction to Climate Change

Introduction to Climate Change (UNIB10007)

Undergraduate level 1Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

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Semester 2
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This subject is an introduction to the major topics in climate change, including the scientific basis of the greenhouse effect, the history of Earth’s climate, energy options, economics and public policy, the effect of climate change on food, water and health, and the national and international legal frameworks for the management of climate change.

The issues around climate change are evolving rapidly, both politically and within the wider community. This subject is the first of a sequence of three subjects, aimed to provide a broad, cross-disciplinary approach to climate change. In particular, students will explore and debate the issues on a range of topics, with an emphasis on the international and global implications.

Intended learning outcomes

The subject will provide a comprehensive and up-to-date introduction to all aspects of the climate change debate. Students will be provided with the opportunity to explore current issues, and to interact with Australian scientific and political leaders with expertise and interests in climate change. In addition, students will be asked to evaluate and integrate this information within their own local context.

Generic skills

On the completion of this subject, students should have developed the following generic skills:

  • Quantitative skills, including the ability to compute estimates of relevant data required to understand the scientific issues;
  • The ability to write a logically argued and properly researched essay;
  • The ability to critically assess information from a range of sources, and assess its quality and relevance to the questions under consideration.

Last updated: 15 January 2025