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Geography (GEOG)

GEOG 412W Climatic Change and Variability (3) Theories and observations of past, present, and future climatic change and variability; introduction to techniques used in climatic change research.

GEOG 412W

GEOG 412W Climatic Change and Variability (3)

(BA) This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.

Geography 412W introduces students to the physical dimensions of climate change and variation. Climate change topics include radiative forcing, greenhouse gases, scenarios, equilibrium models, and time-dependent models. Important Climate variation topics are teleconnections and the El Nino-Southern Oscillation phenomenon. Geography 412W would appeal to students with interests in Earth and atmospheric sciences, as well as environmental protection.

As a writing-intensive course, Geography 412W aims to help students improve their ability to communicate scientific information. The course devotes considerable class time to the mechanics of reading, writing, speaking, and especially report production. Students not only write, but also learn to edit and critique writing.

Because most professional research on climate change and variation involves collaborative science teams, Geography 412W focus on collaboration and participation. Students form teams, conduct research, and compile formal collaborative reports on climate change and variation. Students document their individual contributions by producing portfolios.


General Education: None
Diversity: None
Bachelor of Arts: Social and Behavioral Science
Effective: Spring 2007
Prerequisite: GEOG 110 orMETEO 003

Note : Class size, frequency of offering, and evaluation methods will vary by location and instructor. For these details check the specific course syllabus.