FYS1035 – Physics of Climate Change

Course content

This course gives a basic introduction to the physics of the climate system, with a focus on concepts such as energy balance and heat transport. The goal of the course is to give the students sufficient understanding of the processes in the climate system to be able to discuss climate-related issues and in particular the causes and effects of anthropogenic climate change, with a quantitative approach.

The course gives insight into the observations that are used to understand the Earth’s climate, both today and historically, and in the fundamental principles of climate modeling. We will also discuss the meaning of emission pathways and the carbon budget, and some technical solutions that might be used to limit future climate change

Learning outcome

After having completed the course, you will:

• have gained a fundamental understanding of the most important mechanisms for heat transport in the Earth’s climate system.
• understand how one may use simple models to calculate the equilibrium temperature of the Earth, based on energy balance.
• have gained insight into observations of the current and past climate, natural and anthropogenic climate change, the concepts of carbon budget and emission pathways, and know of some technical solutions for limiting climate change.
• have training in gathering data and background information from external sources in order to analyse a chosen topic within the issue of climate change.
• have training in clear argumentation through at least two genres of scientific communication.

Admission to the course

Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.

Formal prerequisite knowledge

No prior knowledge beyond Higher Education Entrance Qualification.

This course does not require in-depth knowlede in physics or mathematics, and is suitable for physics students at the start of their studies, as well as students from other areas. For physics students in different levels of study, the course gives good examples of how the fundamental physics from other courses is put to use in climate issues.  

Overlapping courses

• 5 credits overlap with GEO1000 – Klima og bærekraft: Naturlige prosesser og menneskets påvirkning.

Teaching

The course runs through a whole semester. The teaching is divided into three parts:

1. Self study with videos and weekly seminars
2. Work on individual assignments, including one writing seminar
3. Work on group projects, including 3 guidance meetings and one seminar where the submitted projects are presented

You will need to have the individual assignment approved before you can proceed to the group projects. An approved individual assignment is valid for 3 years.

Rules for mandatory assignments can be found here.

It is mandatory to be present at the presentations of group projects.

Examination

Home exam (project assignment) which is to be presented orally

• Students are divided into groups of 3 to 4 students who will write a project assignment together.
• The assignment should not exceed more than 20 pages including tables and figures, but excluding references.
• The assignment is to be presented to the group approximately one week after it is submitted.
• Both the project assignment and the oral presentation must be passed in order to pass the course.

You will need to have the individual assignment approved before you can proceed to the group projects. An approved individual assignment is valid for 3 years.

Language of examination

The examination text is given in Norwegian. You may submit your response in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a pass/fail scale. Read more about the grading system.

Resit an examination

Students who can document a valid reason for absence from the regular examination are offered a postponed exam at the beginning of the next semester.

We do not offer a re-scheduled exam for students who withdraw during the exam, or who do not successfully complete the exam during the previous semester.

More about examinations at UiO

• Use of sources and citations
• Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
• Withdrawal from an exam
• Illness at exams / postponed exams
• Explanation of grades and appeals
• Resitting an exam
• Cheating/attempted cheating

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.