Climate Data Applications

The course inclueds 7,5 credits at the undergraduate level. The course is offered as an elective course subject to availability.

The course can be part of the following programme:

N1GVS Bachelor's Programme in Earth Sciences

Admission to the course requires basic skills in data analysis equivalent to the course GV2500 Data Analysis for Earth Sciences, 7,5 credits, and at least 90 credits in the main field of Earth Sciences. Students with equivalent education may be admitted to the course after review and approval.

Climate data applications are conceptually-based, semi-emperical models which link weather conditions to particular events that effect society or the environment. They are the basis for turning climate knowledge into a useful application for operational planning or risk calculations. The course shows how to create such models using real world examples, covering for examples surface hydrology, urban air quality or agricultural systems.

After completion of the course, students can create and use quantitative models that encapsulate relationships between climate and weather-sensitive aspects of society and the environment.

On successful completion of the course the student will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

Describe and discuss essential elements from which climate data applications are built.

• semi-emperical models.
• time-step models (simulations): parameters and state variables; calibration.
• emperical statistical models; parametric models.
• alternatives for interpreting and presenting results; simple visualizations; trend lines; multi-criteria analysis; hypothesis testing.
• climate model projections; scenarios; bias correction; precentile-based thresholds.

Competence and skills

• perform a quantitaive climate change impact assessment using time-series based modelling.
• implement simple climate data applications in a programming environment.
• work in group environments. 
• cite scientific literature authentically.
• use oral and written communication skills, including tables and graphs, to convey technincal information effectively and accuratley. 

Judgement and approach

• think creatively to encapsulate partially-defined or absract assignments into a form that they can be addressed using systematic procedures.
• critically evaluate and synthesize multiple analyses of climate-related vulnerabilities and opportunities. 
• objectively weigh the costs and benefits of response strategies to climate-related risk.

The teaching consists of lectures, compulsory class-exercises (mainly computer-based) with short reports, and group project including written report and presentation.

Language of instruction: English

The courses has two components:

1. Reports, written report, 5 credits: U/G/VG
2. Exercises and presentations - participation in obligatory class exercises and student presentations, 2,5 credits: U/G

If a student who has been failed twice for the same examination element wishes to change examiner before the next examination session, such a request is to be granted unless there are specific reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6 Section 22 HF).

If a student has received a certificate of disability study support from the University of Gothenburg with a recommendation of adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment, an examiner may decide, if this is consistent with the course's intended learning outcomes and provided that no unreasonable resources would be needed, to grant the student adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment.

If a course has been discontinued or undergone major changes, the student must be offered at least two examination sessions in addition to ordinary examination sessions. These sessions are to be spread over a period of at least one year but no more than two years after the course has been discontinued/changed. The same applies to placement and internship (VFU) except that this is restricted to only one further examination session.

If a student has been notified that they fulfil the requirements for being a student at Riksidrottsuniversitetet (RIU student), to combine elite sports activities with studies, the examiner is entitled to decide on adaption of examinations if this is done in accordance with the Local Rules Regarding RIU Students at the University of Gothenburg.

The grading scale comprises: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass G and Fail (U).

For the grade Pass (G) on the entire course, all mandatory components must be passed. For the grade Pass with Distinction (VG) on the entire course, VG is required for the Reports component.

Students are given the opportunity to make a written, anonymous evaluation of the course.

The result and any changes in the course structure must be communicated to both the students, who completed the evaluation and to the students who will start the course.

Students admitted to N1GVS Bachelor's Programme in Earth Sciences, are given priority for the course.