Syllabus 2007/2008 FMIN01

Syllabus academic year 2007/2008

ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEM STUDIES: CLIMATE, SCIENCE AND POLITICS

FMIN01

Higher education credits: 6. Grading scale: TH. Level: A (Second level). Language of instruction: The course might be given in English. Optional for: W4, W4ea, W4ma. Course coordinator: Lars Nilsson, lars.nilsson@miljo.lth.se och Jamil Khan, jamil.khan@miljo.lth.se, Miljö- och energisystem. Prerequisites: The course FMI065. Recommended prerequisits: Minimum 130 credits within the program. Assessment: A small written exam at mid-term, oral and written presentation of project/seminar work and a final written take-home exam. Participation in the final practical exercise is also assessed. Active participation in 80% of time-tabled activities is required. Further information: The final examination consists of a take-home exam. Re-examination is possible during examination periods. Home page: http://www.miljo.lth.se.

Aim
The general aim of the course is to provide knowledge about the most important concepts and actors in the international climate debate, to study climate issues from a systems analytical perspective where independent critical analysis of the interaction between science and policy is central.

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

Be able to describe the most important concepts and actors in the international climate debate.
Be able to independently analyse international climate issues from a systems perspective, including and comparing natural science, social science, technical and ethical aspects.
Be able to explain the science behind climatic change, its causes and consequences.
Be able to describe the conditions and forms for communication of information regarding climate issues between different actors (researchers, politicians, the media, organisations), and be able to contribute to a discussion of these matters.

Skills and abilities
For a passing grade the student must

Be able to present independent critical analysis and show ability to handle a complex international source material connected to events, actions, proposed measures and information concerning climate issues.

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

Show ability to evaluate varying source material within the field of the course.

Contents

The primary focus of the course is on the description and analysis of the connections and interactions between science and policy/politics.
Natural science and technological aspects such as radiation balance, coal balance, atmospheric science and meteorology, palaeoclimatology and climate modelling are reviewed. This includes greenhouse gases, warming potential, climate sensitivity, albedo, carbon sink, scenario and carbon storage.
Social science aspects include international relations and negotiations, climate politics and economy, including policy, burden sharing, cost-benefit analysis, technology transfer and policy instruments.
The course is based on lectures and seminars where the different issues are presented, discussed and related to each other, and on the course literature. The final seminar consists of a practical exercise which integrates all the issues of the course.

Literature
Swedish Environment Protection & SMHI: A Warmer World; the Greenhouse Effect and Climate Change (Monitor 18). Swedish Environment Protection Agency 2003. ISBN 91-620-1229-0.
Books, articles and reports.
Due to rapid changes in the field, this list may be changed in 2007.