Syllabus 2009/2010 FMIN05

Syllabus academic year 2009/2010
(Created 2009-08-11.)

ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEM STUDIES: CLIMATE, SCIENCE AND POLITICS

FMIN05

Higher education credits: 7,5. Grading scale: TH. Level: A (Second level). Language of instruction: The course will be given in Swedish. FMIN05 overlap following cours/es: FMIN01 och FMIN01. Alternative for: I3. Optional for: F4, F4mi, Pi4mrk, W4, W4ea, W4ma. Course coordinator: Lars Nilsson, lars.nilsson@miljo.lth.se, Miljö- och energisystem. Recommended prerequisits: Minimum 6 higher education credits in environmental studies and 130 higher education credits within the programme. Assessment: A small written exam at mid-term; a written project, individual or in small groups which is presented and discussed at a seminar. Participation in seminars is mandatory. A final written take-home exam. 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 in climate science and actors in the international climate debate and negotiations, 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 in climate cience, the actors and positions in the international climate debate and negotiations.
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, including uncertainties regarding the causes and consequences of climate change.
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.

Literature
Naturvårdsverket & SMHI, En ännu varmare värld. 2007. Växthuseffekten och klimatets förändringar, 2007. ISBN 9789162012618.
Books, articles and reports.
Due to rapid changes in the field, this list may be changed in the coming year.