Global Climate Change: Environment, Technology and Society

This module explores the economic, societal and environmental impacts and implications of climate change, as well as the technological solutions available; focusing on research currently being done by academics at the University of Exeter. The course begins with a general introduction to Climate Change and then examines three main topics in greater detail: Water Resources and Engineering, Renewable Energy, and Earth Systems. This is a technical program, coordinated by the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, and is centred around the theory and application of climate change science. Although not a requisite, it is desirable to have a scientific background, and you can expect to come across technical terminology during this course
Specific topics related to Climate Change include:
• Causes and effects
• Social, economic and political impacts
• Environmental impacts and the threat to ecosystem services
• Modelling and prediction
• Adaptation and mitigation of catastrophic events
• Management of water resources and rainfall changes
• Renewable energy technologies and policies for a low carbon society
• Climate Tipping Points
We will explore these issues within a multidisciplinary framework with lectures, workshops and practical exercises led by world-class researchers in engineering, physics, mathematics, biological, and environmental sciences.
This module aims to give you a broad vision and perspective on global climate change: its mechanisms and underlying science, a look at impacts upon society and the environment, and the technologies that can be employed to mitigate its effects, including adaptation strategies.
Lectures, seminars and group workshops will be used to introduce topics that will provide the foundation for discussion and personal work. Supplemental reading lists issued before the start of the module will be used to ensure that all students have additional knowledge about each lecture session. Students will work individually through formative assessment and a final written work to develop a personal topic in light of the content provided by the course.

Please note this module is offered from our Penryn Campus

Course leader

Dr Paul Butler

Target group

Undergraduate students with a GPA of 3.0 or above; postgraduate students with an interest in the subject are also welcome.

Course aim

To explore the economic, societal and environmental impacts and implications of climate change, as well as the technological solutions available.

Fee info

GBP 1250: Tuition Fees, Registration Fee, On Campus Events, Field Trips
GBP 1250: Accommodation, Airport Transfer, Day Trips, Programme Transport, London Orientation Multi Day Trip

Scholarships

We offer a number of partial scholarships.