MSc Climate Change

Course Code DNT1F860101
Duration 1 Year
Attendance Full Time
Award Degree of Master of Science

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Overview

The MSc in Climate Change is based in the Climatic Research Unit (CRU) at the School of Environmental Sciences (ENV). The course is designed to provide you with in-depth interdisciplinary knowledge of climate change science, society and policy. The course content equips our graduates for careers in areas as diverse as government agencies, business consultancies and academia.

Climate change and variability has played a major role in shaping human history and the prospect of global warming as a result of human activities presents society with increasing challenges over the coming decades.

This course provides an authoritative assessment of the subject, including recent climate history, present-day variations and climate prediction, the ways in which ideas of climate change impact on the environment, society and human welfare, and the role of climate science in policy development. Its temporal focus spans the Holocene period through to the year 2100, with particular emphasis on contemporary issues. You are encouraged to interact with the course content through a series of student-led debates.

The course covers the fundamentals of the changing climate, including the Earth’s energy balance, the general circulation of the atmosphere, causes of climate change and variability and the greenhouse effect. You will also learn about research methods, consisting of empirical approaches to climate reconstruction (e.g. tree ring analysis), data preparation and analysis, detection of anthropogenic changes and theoretical or model-based approaches to climate prediction. You will study the evidence and causes of recent climate change with a focus on the period from 1 AD to the present, including the atmospheric build-up of greenhouse gases and its consequences for the behaviour of the Earth system.

The ways in which climate change is understood by societies and how it influences the development of policy and stimulates social action is a key component of the course. This covers the social history of climate change, climate risk perception, climate economics, mitigation and adaptation. This includes an assessment of the Framework Convention of Climate Change, prospects for emissions control at the national and international level, climate geo-politics and equity and reconciling development issues with climate change.

Recent Dissertation Titles

Mainstreaming climate change adaptation policies within the National Development Plan in Egypt
UK tree phenology and its relationship to climate, past and present
Local community responses to climate change in Chiang Mai, Thailand
The cement industry and climate change - motivations, drivers and barriers for change

“Studying the MSc in Climate Change at UEA was a great opportunity, both professionally and personally. Thanks to the experience, I found a job that really fulfills my expectations - and I also met some great people that have become some of my best friends.”

Javier Sabogal Mogollón Former Student

"Spending a year studying with the experts in climate change at UEA and doing research for my dissertation has helped me perform better in my job. In addition, the relationships that I built during the course will be useful throughout my career working on climate change related issues in Egypt."

Saber Osman Former Student

Related Courses
MSc Water Security and International Development (DNT1FL87103)

Course Organiser

Prof Philip Jones

Disclaimer

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules and regular (five-yearly) review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff or sabbatical leave. Where this is the case, the University will endeavour to inform students.

Year 1

Year 1

Compulsory Study (120 credits)

Students will select 120 credits from the following module(s).

Name	Code	Credits	Period
Climate Change: Physical Science Basis Climate change and variability has played a major role in shaping human history and the prospect of a warming world as a result of human activities (global warming) presents society with an increasing challenge over the coming decades. This module covers the science of climate change and our current understanding of anthropogenic effects on climate. It provides details about the approaches, methods and techniques for understanding the history of climate change and for developing climate projections for the next 100 years, supporting further study of the scientific or policy aspects of the subject in either an academic or applied context. Co-taught with ENV-3A49. TO TAKE THIS MODULE YOU CANNOT HAVE PREVIOUSLY TAKEN ENV-3A49 OR EQUIVALENT more...	ENV-MA49	20	Semester 1
Dissertation (Msc) The dissertation is an individual research project under the guidance of an academic supervisor either within one of the research groups in the School or, as some project placement opportunities with outside organisations are facilitated, with an outside collaborator. Research undertaken normally involves the analysis and interpretation of data collected in the field, from measurements of a sample in the laboratory or from data gathered from other sources including the media, questionnaire surveys, interviews, etc. This module is reserved for MSc students and all students must have taken ENV-MB2Y. more...	ENV-MB6X	70	Semester 2
Ecological Responses to Climate Change The aim of this module is to examine biological responses to climate change over a range of levels from species to ecosystems. In this module students will examine the most recent literature on the effects of global environmental change on biological systems and will become familiar with different approaches and methods used for modelling biological responses to climate change. Students are recommended to take ENV-MA49 and ENV-MA74. more...	ENV-MA46	10	Semester 2
Energy and Climate Change The module will critically assess the assumptions and projections of social and technological change represented in climate change mitigation scenarios, with an emphasis on energy systems. This will include a review of the drivers and dynamics of historical energy transitions. more...	ENV-MA66	10	Semester 2
Research Skills The primary purpose of this module is to provide support and training for the dissertation to ensure that the necessary research is well planned in advance. In order to get the best possible start for the dissertation, advice is given on how to make the best use of UEA library resources, and how to undertake a literature review. Research design is covered to ensure there is a sound understanding of the fundamental concept and requirements of good research, and survey design is explained to help those who need to undertake questionnaire or interview work. Finally, there is an explanation of the assessment for this module, which is a dissertation proposal. This module must be taken before ENV-MB6X Dissertation. more...	ENV-MB2Y	10	Year Period

Option A Study (60 credits)

Students will select 60 credits from the following module(s).

Name	Code	Credits	Period
Air Pollution Chemistry This module is concerned with the chemistry that informs the management of air pollutants. It focuses on urban and regional issues and is concerned with pollution in the widest sense. It will unashamedly shift the viewpoint between chemical, legislative, economic, historical and social interpretations of pollution problems. Students within this module will come to appreciate the necessity of a broad perspective of environmental problems. The module looks largely at urban air pollution - high and low temperature sources of pollutants, their effect and control, reactions in classical and photochemical smogs, effect on health, effect on plants and animals, effect on materials. Past and current trends. Indoor pollution. Heterogeneous chemistry - aerosols; sources and sinks, size spectra, elemental enrichment on particles, scavenging. Chemistry of rainfall; chemical equilibria, kinetics of thermal and photochemical reactions in solutions, snow and dew chemistry, acid rain. In covering sources of trace gases in the atmosphere it is fairly wide and where possible we will touch on geological, biological, and marine sources of gases in the atmosphere. more...	ENV-MA02	20	Semester 2
Atmospheric Chemistry and Global Change Atmospheric chemistry is in the news: stratospheric ozone depletion, acid rain, greenhouse gases, and global scale air pollution are seen as some of the most significant environmental problems of our age. Chemical composition and transformations underlie these issues, and drive many important atmospheric processes. This module covers the fundamental chemical principles and underlying physical processes in the atmosphere from the stratosphere to the surface, and considers the role of chemistry in current issues of atmospheric chemical change through a series of lectures, seminars, laboratory sessions and some field work. A secure background in maths and chemistry (e.g. AS-level or equivalent) is recommended. ENV-MA80 and ENV-MA02 are natural follow-on modules, and build on some of the concepts introduced here. more...	ENV-MA37	20	Semester 1
Atmospheric Composition: Measurement and Modelling Emissions of gases and other pollutants from human activities are critical drivers of phenomena such as climate change, stratospheric ozone depletion, degradation of air quality in urban and rural areas, long-range transport of air pollution, and changes in aerosol and cloud physical properties. To understand these impacts it is necessary to make atmospheric measurements of chemical composition and physical parameters, and to interpret these observations with a range of statistical, conceptual, and computer-based models. In this module you will be introduced to a range of modern atmospheric measurements techniques, both those used in the field and in the laboratory. Consideration will be given to the relevant chemical and physical processes that are required to understand these observations. You will also learn about a range of interpretive techniques including numerical models, and you will put some of these in to practice. Co-taught with ENV-3A80. It is recommended that students have previously taken ENV-MA37. TO TAKE THIS MODULE YOU CANNOT HAVE PREVIOUSLY TAKEN ENV-3A80 OR EQUIVALENT more...	ENV-MA80	20	Semester 2
Biodiversity Conservation and Human Society This is an inter-disciplinary module focusing on the interaction between ecology, biodiversity and human societies. It examines the human drivers of biodiversity loss, the importance of biodiversity to human society, conflicts between human society and conservation and how these can be resolved, and institutions for biodiversity conservation and environmental management. It is designed for students of Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Environmental Geography and International Development. This inter-disciplinary module does not require previous detailed knowledge of ecological mechanisms: where a simple understanding of key ecological processes is important, this will be reviewed and taught in class. Key principles, issues and theory are covered in lectures by UEA faculty. These are supported by case studies from external speakers working in conservation, environmental and resource management agencies and NGOs. The module will comprise two core lectures plus one workshop / seminar / outside speaker each week. Co-taught with ENV-3A17. TO TAKE THIS MODULE YOU CANNOT HAVE PREVIOUSLY TAKEN ENV-3A17 OR EQUIVALENT more...	ENV-MA17	20	Semester 1
Catchment Water Resources This module will adopt an integrated approach to studying surface water and groundwater resources in river basins. Approaches to catchment management will be considered in the context of improving water-dependent terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Topics of climate change impacts on water resources in terms of droughts and floods, as well as water quality issues arising from changing land-use patterns will be considered, together with the engineering and socio-economic methods necessary to adapt to future pressures on water resources. Co-taught with ENV-3A60. TO TAKE THIS MODULE YOU CANNOT HAVE PREVIOUSLY TAKEN ENV-3A60 OR EQUIVALENT more...	ENV-MA60	20	Semester 2
Climate Change Policy for Development This module aims to develop critical knowledge of the contextual and policy components of climate change (CC) and development issues. Teaching is mainly through weekly lectures and workshops, supplemented by seminars and video presentations. Topics include: the international negotiations on climate change; the North-South politics of climate change; carbon markets (Voluntary and compliance based); World Bank finance for energy and climate change; adaptation and vulnerability; gender and climate change; sector and region specific analysis of climate impacts. more...	DEV-M093	20	Semester 1
Earth and Life This module introduces Earth system science, taking a top-down approach to the Earth as a whole system, and tracing its development since its formation 4.5 billion years ago. The main focus is on the coupled evolution of life and its environment through a series of revolutions. Theoretical approaches are introduced, including Gaia, feedback mechanisms and systems theory, and practical sessions use models to build up conceptual understanding. The subject is inherently inter-disciplinary, including aspects of biology, chemistry and physics, and unifying the study of climate and global biogeochemical cycles. Co-taught with ENV-3A38. TO TAKE THIS MODULE YOU CANNOT HAVE PREVIOUSLY TAKEN ENV-3A38 OR EQUIVALENT more...	ENV-MA38	20	Semester 2
Earthquake and Volcanic Hazards Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions have significant environmental and societal impacts. This module focuses on the physical basis and analysis of each hazard, their global range of occurrence and their global impact. The module also addresses approaches towards hazard mitigation and minimising vulnerability, with an emphasis on their practical implication. Scenarios and probabilities of mega-disasters are also investigated. This module is co-taught with ENV-3A04. TO TAKE THIS MODULE YOU CANNOT HAVE PREVIOUSLY TAKEN ENV-3A04 OR EQUIVALENT more...	ENV-MA04	20	Semester 2
Earthquake and Volcanic Hazards With Fieldcourse Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions have significant environmental and societal impacts. This module focuses on the physical basis and analysis of each hazard, their global range of occurrence and their global impact. The module also addresses approaches towards hazard mitigation and minimising vulnerability, with an emphasis on their practical implication. Scenarios and probabilities of occurrence of mega-disasters are also investigated. A one week field trip in Scotland takes place to introduce you to various aspects of natural hazards and in particular to faulting and earthquake hazards. This module is co-taught with ENV-3A04K. The total Field Course module's cap of 25 is inclusive of ENV-3A04K. TO TAKE THIS MODULE YOU CANNOT HAVE PREVIOUSLY TAKEN ENV-3A04K OR EQUIVALENT more...	ENV-MA04K	20	Semester 2
Ecological Modelling Modelling is a crucial methodology for answering many kinds of ecological questions and complement experimentation and field observations. The aim of this module is to introduce the use of modelling techniques to answer ecological questions. This module will provide an introduction to building ecological models using a combination of taught classes and project work. After completion of this module students will: understand the basic principles and approaches to ecological modelling and its potential applications; acquire the numerical skills required to develop quantitative ecological models; be able to develop basic quantitative models to answer ecological questions; learn to formulate hypotheses, write a project proposal and develop verbal and written communication and team working skills. This module is primarily reserved for those students studying on the European MSc in Applied Ecology but can also accommodate limited number of students from other programmes. more...	ENV-MA72	10	Semester 2
Environmental Assessment Effectiveness Environmental Assessment is considered to be more effective when conducted at strategic levels of decision making, and is usually perceived to have a goal of achieving sustainable development. This module provides experience of conducting a particular form of strategic assessment, Sustainability Appraisal (SA), which incorporates environmental, social and economic considerations into plan making. Through practice of SA, a field course involving hands-on application of environmental assessment techniques, and consideration of effectiveness theory, this module will examine what makes assessment effective. more...	ENV-MA64K	20	Semester 2
Fundamentals of Meteorology This module is designed to give a general introduction to meteorology and its relation to climate and climate change, concentrating on the physical processes in the atmosphere and how these influence our weather. The course contains both descriptions and mathematical treatments of meteorological topics and the assessment is designed to allow those with either mathematical or descriptive abilities to do well; however, a reasonable mathematical competence is essential, especially in rearranging equations, and a familiarity with basic calculus is helpful. Co-taught with ENV-2A23. TO TAKE THIS MODULE YOU CANNOT HAVE PREVIOUSLY TAKEN ENV-2A23 OR EQUIVALENT more...	ENV-MA23	20	Semester 1
Gis for Ecology & Environmental Management Geographical Information Systems (GIS) are computer programs for the capture, management, analysis and display of spatially referenced data. They are now increasingly widely used in ecology and environmental management, both in the organisation and analysis of pre-existing data sets and for analysis of data collected during fieldwork. This module aims to introduce their basic principles, capabilities, applications and limitations. Only basic familiarity with a PC is required and there will be weekly practical classes using the ArcGIS software. The main emphasis will be on imparting an understanding of what a GIS is, the strengths and weaknesses of such systems, and their practical use in research contexts (including MSc dissertations). more...	ENV-MA94	10	Semester 2
Modelling Environmental Processes The aim of this course is to show how physical environmental problems may be solved from the initial problem, to mathematical formulation and numerical solution. There is a focus on examples within meteorology, oceanography and the solid earth. The course consists of lectures on numerical methods and computing practicals. These concentrate on the solution of ordinary and partial differential equations. The computing practicals will be run in Matlab. The module will guide students through the solution of a geophysical problem of their own choosing. The problem will be discussed and placed into context through an essay, and then solved and written up in a project report. Co-taught with ENV-3A11. TO TAKE THIS MODULE YOU CANNOT HAVE PREVIOUSLY TAKEN ENV-3A11 OR EQUIVALENT more...	ENV-MA11	20	Semester 1
Natural Resources and Environmental Economics Have you ever wondered why human economic activity seems to be so bad for the environment? Does it have to be like that? Is it possible for human beings to enjoy high standards of living and a high quality environment? Through the study of the principles of Environmental Economics this course sets out to answer those questions. Addressing a wide-range of economy-environment problems including car pollution, over-fishing, climate change and declining oil stocks, the course shows that most environmental problems can be solved through the adoption of policies crafted with the careful application of economic reasoning. Co-taught with ENV-3A44. TO TAKE THIS MODULE YOU CANNOT HAVE PREVIOUSLY TAKEN ENV-3A44 OR EQUIVALENT more...	ENV-MA44	20	Semester 2
Ocean Circulation This module gives you an understanding of the physical processes occurring in the basin-scale ocean environment. We will introduce and discuss large scale global ocean circulation, including gyres, boundary currents and the overturning circulation. Major themes include the interaction between ocean and atmosphere, and the forces which drive ocean circulation. Co-taught with ENV-2A39. TO TAKE THIS MODULE YOU CANNOT HAVE PREVIOUSLY TAKEN ENV-2A39 OR EQUIVALENT more...	ENV-MA39	20	Semester 1
Palaeoclimatology This module investigates the geological evidence for major environmental changes through Earth history. It will explore selected topics that relate to the extent, timing and causes of past variations of climate as expressed through changes in the fossil and geological record. Lectures will draw on information from marine, ice core, terrestrial and lacustrine climate archives. Radiometric dating techniques and geochemical/quantitative methods of palaeoenvironmental reconstruction will be examined in practical classes. The module includes half-day excursions to examine key geological field sites in East Anglia. Co-taught with ENV-3A58. TO TAKE THIS MODULE YOU CANNOT HAVE PREVIOUSLY TAKEN ENV-3A58 OR EQUIVALENT more...	ENV-MA58	20	Semester 2
Participatory Environmental Decision-Making This module explores the rise of deliberative and participatory approaches to science and decision-making as one of the most significant recent developments in the environmental field. It examines: the theories, rationales and methods of participatory environmental decision-making (PEDM); their application in different institutional, social and geographical contexts; evaluation of participatory process effectiveness; and emerging critiques of participation. There is an emphasis on case studies to address these themes, developing practical as well as theoretical understandings of participatory approaches, and associated skills in facilitating environmental deliberation. Co-taught with ENV-3A54. TO TAKE THIS MODULE YOU CANNOT HAVE PREVIOUSLY TAKEN ENV-3A54 OR EQUIVALENT more...	ENV-MA54	20	Semester 2
Research Topics in Earth Science The module allows engagement in Earth science research topics at an advanced level and involves advanced study skills. The module will be strongly research lead and based around student-centred learning. The module will involve a) engagement with appropriate research seminars in the School of Environmental Sciences and b) directed research based around key topics with discussions and student seminars. The topics included will vary from year to year, depending on current research programmes, but they are likely to include topics in sedimentary geology, sedimentology, palaeoclimate, geological resources, Earth history, the Earth system, nuclear waste repository sites, carbon dioxide sequestration. more...	ENV-MA59	20	Semester 1
Stable Isotope Geochemistry From supernovae and the early condensation of the solar system, through the climate history of the planet and on to modern stratospheric chemistry, studies using stable isotopes have made a significant contribution to our understanding of the processes that shape the Earth. In this module we look at the theory and practice of isotope geochemistry, covering analytical methods and mass spectrometry, fractionation processes, and isotope behaviour in chemical cycles in the geosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere and atmosphere. The course consists of lectures, practicals, including hands-on experience in the stable isotope laboratory, and student led seminars. more...	ENV-MA81	20	Semester 1
Statistics for Research The module gives a basic grounding in a variety of statistical methods commonly used in postgraduate environmental research projects. A limited amount of essential statistical theory will be covered, but the main emphasis will be on the practical implementation of techniques using the SPSS package and the interpretation of results. more...	ENV-MA14	10	Semester 2
Sustainable Consumption This module investigates the impacts of consumption on social and environmental systems, and how these might be reduced. It presents the key theories and debates around sustainable consumption, and critically examines a range of strategies for achieving it, covering governmental, business, community and individual actors. A mainstream policy approach to sustainable consumption is contrasted with an alternative `new economics' model, and we examine a range of perspectives on what drives consumption patterns. Workshop exercises to apply these theories to `real world' examples will provide experiential learning opportunities. We then critically assess a selection of sustainable consumption initiatives in detail, for example local organic food, eco-housing, Transition Towns, local currencies and community-based behaviour-change campaigns. Co-taught with ENV-MA85, which is restricted to Norwich Business School students taking the MBA course. more...	ENV-MA83	20	Semester 1
The Carbon Cycle and Climate Change Carbon dioxide is the greenhouse gas which has, by far, the greatest impact on climate change. Carbon dioxide is becoming even more important owing to continued fossil fuel emissions and its very long lifetime in the atmosphere. Predicting future climate or defining `dangerous' climate change is challenging, in large part because the Earth's carbon cycle is very complex and not fully understood. You will learn about the atmospheric, oceanic and terrestrial components of the carbon cycle, how they interact with each other, and how they interact with climate in so-called `feedbacks'. The understanding of the carbon cycle gained from this module is a vital foundation for all climate change research. Emphasis is given to the most recent, cutting-edge research in the field. Co-taught with ENV-3A31. TO TAKE THIS MODULE YOU CANNOT HAVE PREVIOUSLY TAKEN ENV-3A31 OR EQUIVALENT more...	ENV-MA31	20	Semester 1
Theory of Environmental Assessment Environmental assessment is a term used to describe procedures for evaluating the potential environmental consequences of policies, programmes, plans and projects. It is a well established tool for environmental policy integration, being routinely employed in more than 100 nations and by many international aid and funding agencies. This multidisciplinary module focuses on the theory and methods of environmental assessment and the decision-making contexts in which they are employed. It explains the procedural stages of, and selected methodologies for, environmental assessment and provides practical experience in applying them. Co-taught with ENV-3A63. Students are recommended to take ENV-MA64K. TO TAKE THIS MODULE YOU CANNOT HAVE PREVIOUSLY TAKEN ENV-3A63 OR EQUIVALENT more...	ENV-MA63	20	Semester 1

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MSc Climate Change

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