Introduction to Climate Change (UNIB10007)

Undergraduate level 1Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
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: 12 April 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

None

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.

Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home

Last updated: 12 April 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

An abstract and outline for the essay, including bibliography (equivalent to 400 words), worth 10% of the final grade, due Week 5

  • 400 words
Week 510%

Essay worth 50% (2,000 words) Due Week 10

  • 2000 words
Week 1050%

Tutorial Discussions Paper (equivalent to 600 words), worth 15% of the final grade, due throughout semester.

  • 600 words
Throughout the semester15%

1-hour exam will be 25% (equivalent to 1,000 words) Due in the examination Period

  • 1 hours
During the examination period25%

Last updated: 12 April 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 2
    CoordinatorJon Barnett
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours24 hours lectures (two per week) and 12 hours tutorials (one per week).
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period23 July 2018 to 21 October 2018
    Last self-enrol date 3 August 2018
    Census date31 August 2018
    Last date to withdraw without fail21 September 2018
    Assessment period ends16 November 2018

    Semester 2 contact information

    jbarn@unimelb.edu.au

Time commitment details

Estimated total time commitment: 170 hours

Last updated: 12 April 2025

Further information

Last updated: 12 April 2025