Catalog Course Search Details

 Department:    EASC

 Course #:    120

 Credits:    5

 Variable:     No

 IUs:    5.5

 CIP:    n/a

 EPC:    n/a

 REV:    2024

 Course Description  

An exploration of the Earth�s changing global climate system and of solutions. We will review the atmospheric, oceanic, solid Earth, biological and extraterrestrial controls on climate and examine climate forecast scenarios in the context of societal and environmental impacts. Strategies for reducing emissions and reversing carbon dioxide buildup will be a focus. Lab included.

 Prerequisite  

Prerequisite: ENGL 099 with a grade of "C" or higher (or placement into college-level English); and either placement into OR co-enrollment in OR completion of a college-level Math course with a grade of "C" or higher.

Contact Hours (based on 11 week quarter)

Lecture: 44

Lab: 22

Other: 0

Systems: 0

Clinical: 0

Intent: Distribution Requirement(s) Status:  

Academic Natural Sciences  

Equivalencies At Other Institutions

Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, the student will be able to:

1. Identify the Sun as the primary source of energy for Earth�s climate system.
2. Explain some of the complex interactions among components of the Earth system that regulate the climate.
3. Explain why life on Earth depends on, is shaped by, and affects climate.
4. Describe how climate varies spatially and has varied over time due to both natural and man-made processes.
5. Give examples of how our understanding of the climate system is improved through observations, theoretical studies, and modeling.
6. Explain the physical basis for the greenhouse effect.
7. Describe how, and the degree to which human activities are causing Earth�s climate system to change.
8. Describe the consequences for the Earth system and human lives that climate change is having and is forecast to have.
9. Be able to identify the action that humans can take to mitigate and adapt to climate change and its impacts.

General Education Learning Values & Outcomes

Revised August 2008 and affects outlines for 2008 year 1 and later.

Course Contents

1. Module 1: Climate of the Present
   • Earth�s Climate in the Context of the Earth System Atmospheric Structure, Composition & Circulation Controls on the Climate System What is the greenhouse effect? Atmospheric Interactions with the Other ""Spheres"" Global Hydrologic Cycle and Surface Water Balance Global Carbon Cycle, Sources / Sinks and Biological Controls Energy, Matter, and Momentum Exchanges Near the Surface General Atmospheric Circulation and Secondary Circulations Climatic Classification and Climate Differences Between the Hemispheres
2. Climatic Variability in Earth�s past on geologic & human time scales
   • What evidence is used in paleo-climatic reconstructions? How have geological processes and the evolution of life and the atmosphere both driven and been effected by climate change? How has climate changed impacted human history and pre-history?
3. Climatic Change and Variability Forecasts
   • What is the evidence that global climate change is occurring?
4. Anthropogenic Climate Changes
   • How is the greenhouse effect being altered by human activities? How do we know that humans are the primary cause of global warming? What is the reality of sea-level rise?
5. Linking Spatial and Temporal Climate Data
   • How do scientists project future climate?
6. Applied Climatology, Climate Impacts, and Climatic Data
   • How does global warming affect our community? What is the latest word on climate change?