69371 Science of Climate Change for Leaders
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Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Description
The impacts of climate change are seen throughout every aspect of the world we live in. These impacts may start minor and isolated, however without significant intervention strategies they will continue to grow and will be realised in more industries and communities. In order to support and develop these intervention strategies, leaders need to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to understand the science of Climate Change. This subject explores the key scientific concepts of Climate Change such as atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations, global warming and ocean acidification. Building on this, students investigate the impact that climate change has on human health, food production and society. With a strong understanding of the science behind Climate Change, the impacts it has across sectors and current strategies to reduce these impacts, students are able to influence and lead change within their organisations and their communities.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Identify and explain the main drivers for climate change and the impacts within local, national and international contexts |
|---|---|
| 2. | Critically evaluate scientific evidence and data on climate change |
| 3. | Discuss climate science and assess the impacts on human health, agriculture and society |
| 4. | Synthesise climate science data presented in various reports and scientific literature to influence stakeholders |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of following course intended learning outcomes:
- Critically appraise, synthesise and apply advanced skills and knowledge to contribute to professional practice and scholarship relevant to sustainability and leadership. (1.1)
- Analyse data and information to design, disseminate and conduct appropriate independent research to solve complex sustainability and leadership problems. (2.1)
- Critically reflect on self and others' practices related to sustainable leadership, seek and act on feedback and take responsibility for their professional practice and learning. (4.1)
- Present and justify complex ideas around sustainability and leadership independently or in collaborative contexts using various communication approaches from a variety of methods (oral, written, digital and visual) to discipline experts, policy makers, consumers, scientists, industry, and the community. (5.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
The Faculty of Science has six graduate attributes that you will develop during your course at UTS. This subject is intended to develop four of these attributes:
Graduate Attribute 1 - Disciplinary knowledge
Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of the vital role that science play in developing adaptation and mitigation strategies to climate change. This program will equip students to effectively respond to the pressing real-world challenge of climate change. Furthermore, it will demonstrate how combining climate, environmental, health and data science is integral to a scientifically sound approach for combatting the global issue of greenhouse gas emissions. These concepts will be nurtured through a rich learning curriculum, which will be further enriched by engaging online independent learning activities. Upon completing this course, students will be well-prepared to analyze and formulate hypotheses based on diverse scientific information and design perspectives. Additionally, students will develop the critical acumen necessary to evaluate various hypotheses while maintaining a flexible methodological approach to their investigations into climate change. Students are expected to emerge from this program with a strong understanding of the demands placed on experts in the field of climate science. They will be adept at identifying and implementing best practices. Assessment will be conducted across tasks 1, 2 and 3 to gauge the depth and breadth of their knowledge in these crucial areas.
Graduate Attribute 2 – Research, inquiry and critical thinking
Students will develop a foundation of current theoretical knowledge of climate change and understand the fundamental principles of climate, environmental, health and data science that govern adaptation and mitigation strategies. They will also explore current possibilities for climate solutions across a range of sectors. They will learn about research techniques and how to approach different forms of evidence including scientific literature. This knowledge will then be applied to case studies and practical examples throughout the subject. Students will be guided through case studies using an inquiry-based approach framed in a professional context. Students will use their own reflection to investigate realistic scenarios during the workshops and extract relevant information from them. Each scenario presents a challenge and encourages students to use their collaborative problem-solving skills to investigate, interpret and find a solution. Students will be encouraged to think critically about the materials presented and display these skills in the final assessments.
Graduate Attribute 4 – Reflection, innovation and creativity
This refers to the ability to critically reflect on their own and others’ practices, seek and act on feedback and take responsibility for their professional practice and learning. In this subject, the students are expected to be able to learn to analyse information ethically and accurately as well as to provide and communicate climate change mitigation strategies. During the subject students will advance their knowledge and skills to think critically about climate change and develop innovative solutions to complex issues related to Climate Change. Students will be introduced and assessed on these skills developed during the zoom sessions/workshops and assessment tasks 2 and 3.
Graduate Attribute 5 – Communication skills
Students will be able to develop their communication skills as they will be able to interact with each other and the teaching staff in online space. They will also develop their scientific vocabulary through these interactions and engagement with the online learning materials. They will be given feedback on their writing skills in both their online short answer questions and individual reports, designed to further help them communicate in professional scientific contexts. Students will be assessed and given feedback on an oral/video presentation which will improve their ability to communicate climate change to a range of audiences.
Teaching and learning strategies
"Science of Climate Change for Leaders" is a fully online educational program tailored for students to learn at their own pace. Students should be expected to dedicate 15-20 hours per week to complete the learning activities and work on assessment items. The course delves into the fundamental scientific principles behind Climate Change and key strategies for adaptation and mitigation, offering a variety of engaging interactive content and media. Experts lead the learning process, while students engage in collaborative activities with peers through discussion boards and social polls, fostering essential skills and knowledge in a supportive online environment.
During the course, students will explore the scientific concepts underpinning climate change, while delving into the its far-reaching impacts on diverse sectors, and the current strategies to mitigate its effects. They will develop critical thinking skills to address climate change and devise innovative solutions. Throughout the course, authentic case studies will be presented, and students will have opportunities to share their thoughts and experiences in discussions and live sessions.
Assessments in this course are thoughtfully designed to complement student learning, providing them with a chance to apply and monitor their skill development and grasp of essential concepts. Formative feedback will be consistently provided to guide students throughout the session.
Content (topics)
- Understanding Earth's climate system and its regulation
- Drivers of climate change
- Impacts of climate change: Environment
- Impact of climate change: Public health
- The history of climate change science
- Consensus in climate change research
- Climate change data
- Climate change scenarios
- Strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
- Carbon pricing
- Engaging with stakeholders
- Policy frameworks and international agreements
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Task 1: Conceptual quiz
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s):
1. Disciplinary Knowledge 2. Research, inquiry, and critical thinking 4. Reflection, innovation and creativity 5. Communication
|
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 2.1, 4.1 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Quiz/test |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 10% |
| Criteria: | Submitted work will be marked against the marking rubric provided in Canvas. |
Assessment task 2: Task 2: Recorded video presentation
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s):
1. Disciplinary Knowledge 2. Research, inquiry and critical thinking 4. Reflection, innovation and creativity 5. Communication |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 2 and 3 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 2.1, 4.1 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Presentation |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 35% |
| Criteria: | Submitted work will be marked against the marking rubric provided in Canvas. |
Assessment task 3: Task 3: Project report
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s):
1. Disciplinary Knowledge 2. Research, inquiry and critical thinking 4. Reflection, innovation and creativity 5. Communication |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 2, 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 2.1, 4.1 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Report |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 55% |
| Length: | 2000-2500 words |
| Criteria: | Feedback from learning on Assessment Task 2 including AT2’s feedback will be considered in this assessment. Submitted work will be marked against the marking rubric provided in Canvas. |
Minimum requirements
In order to pass this subject the sum total of all assessment components must be greater than or equal to 50%.