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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY
COURSE CODE: "NS 202"
COURSE NAME: "Global Warming"
SEMESTER & YEAR:
Spring 2014
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SYLLABUS
INSTRUCTOR:
Alan Bates
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS:
MW 7:30 PM 8:45 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS:
45
CREDITS:
3
PREREQUISITES:
OFFICE HOURS:
by appointment
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COURSE DESCRIPTION:
We look at some of the climate, chemical, biological and geological processes involved in climate change. The human impact upon the “greenhouse effect” is explained, the merits of the scientific theory are examined in light of scientific evidence to date. Climate changes apparent at the century time-scale, and longer, are introduced; the physical forcings responsible for these changes are presented. We also look at the international treaties (the UNFCCC and Kyoto Protocol) that address greenhouse gas emissions.
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SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
Lectures, discussions and presentations will address the following:
Greenhouse Effect, Global Warming, and Climate Change…what do they mean?
What are the Primary Controls, or Forcings, of Earth’s Temperature?
What is the Temperature on Earth?
What is the Carbon Atom?
Basic Chemical Equations with Carbon.
What are the Greenhouse Gases?
The Global Carbon Cycle.
What are “normal” precipitation patterns?
What key role are Aerosols playing?
What is long-term climate change?
Do Ice Ages occur regularly?
What are the predictions for climate change in the 21st century?
What are “impacts?”
How do Human Activities produce greenhouse gases?
What is a Greenhouse Gas Inventory?
How much greenhouse gas do I produce?
Which international treaties address greenhouse gases?
What is currently “being done” to reduce greenhouse gas emissions?
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LEARNING OUTCOMES:
The class provides the non-science oriented student with a basic scientific understanding of climate change and the greenhouse effect. The student is also introduced to some of the policy instruments being developed, to address climate change. Students should appreciate various scientific points of view on climate change and understand the complexities in measuring global-climate related quantities.
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TEXTBOOK:
| Book Title | Author | Publisher | ISBN number | Library Call Number | Comments | Format | Local Bookstore | Online Purchase |
| Global Warming, the Complete Briefing | John Houghton | Cambridge University Press | 9780521709163 | | | | | |
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REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
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GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
| Assignment | Guidelines | Weight |
| Quiz #1 | Related to topics on The Greenhouse Effect. | 10% |
| Quiz #2 | Related to topic on Climate Change | 10% |
| Quiz #3 | Related to topics on zero CO2 energies | 10% |
| Quiz #4 | Related to topics on treaties, and on measures citizens can make to reduce carbon emissions. | 10% |
| Midterm exam | | 20% |
| Final exam | | 20% |
| Paper & presentation | In class presentation | 20% |
-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the course.
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.
-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Class attendance is required, more than three unexcused absences will lower the grade partially, (e.g from B to B minus), more than seven unexcused absences will lower the grade by one whole point (e.g. from B to C). Please refer to the university catalog for the attendance and absence policy.
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ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic
dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred.
In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment,
may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of
academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student
who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from
the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation
to the President, who will make the final decision.
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STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap.
Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning
of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.
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SCHEDULE
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Week #1
Intro, Overview of Course
Surface Air Temperature, Global Average
Week #2
Greenhouse theory, electromag. spectrum
Surface Air Temperature, station data
Atmospheric Composition, Greenhouse Gases, CO2 concentration
Temperature, exercise with gistemp
Week #3
Forcings, Radiative Forcing, EM Spectrum, Albedo
Articles related to Radiative Forcing & Earth’s Energy Balance
Week #4
Albedo; Aerosols according to IPCC 2007
Carbon and CO2, Emissions vs. Concentration, Sources and Sink
Quiz #1
Week #5
Carbon Cycle (basic equations), Human Involvement
Calculate your CO2 Footprint/Carbon Emissions, e.g. BP carbon footprint calculator
Week #6
Carbon Biogeochemical Cycle Summary, Sources & Sinks
Carbon Cycle Questions (in class, I hope)
Methane and Review Questions
Week #7
Midterm exam week
Week #8
Introduction to Climate Impacts
Climate Impact: Less Arctic Sea Ice
Precipitation Patterns
Week #9
Climate Impacts
Climate Impacts: Hydrological Cycle, Tropical Cyclones
Climate Impacts: Scenarios, Hydrological Cycle-Drought
Quiz #2
Week #10 -11
Climate Mitigation: wind, solar, tidal, nuclear energies, and biofuels
Climate Impacts: Fuel Efficiency
Quiz #3
Week #12
Climate Impacts: Sea Level Rise, the Uncertainty
Climate Mitigation, Conclusion (Pacala Socolow Wedges)
WEEK #13
Presentations
Week #14
International treaties
Quiz #4
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