ESSC 105 Climate Change in Human Times [GEGA]


An introduction to the study of climate and its' variability through time. We will discuss how the climate system works, examine past climate changes and possible causes, investigate the current global warming and its effect on the environment and human population, and analyze the predicted changes for the future and possible solutions.

Credit 3 hrs May not be repeated for additional credit
Grade Mode Normal (A-F) Course Rotation Fall, Winter, and Summer

Prerequisites -
Other Restrictions -
Restriction by Major -
Restriction by Class - Undergraduate standing


Rationale for Perspectives on a Diverse World - Scientific research indicates that the Earth's climate is warming and that it will continue to do so for generations to come. It is, therefore, important to produce a generation of students who are well informed about climate and climate change, and hence able to be spokespeople for changes in policy. For this purpose, students need to gain an understanding of the essential components of the climate system that are involved in global change processes, the feedbacks that link these components, and the nature of climate variability before the beginning of the industrial revolution. This will enable them to evaluate critically the logic and evidence that underlie various hypotheses about the nature of global warming. The knowledge obtained in this course will help students to make informed, scientifically based decisions about their personal role and responsibilities as human beings who influence - and are influenced by - a globally changing world. As such, this course fulfills the Global Awareness  requirement of the General Education  program.

Keywords: Earth Science Earth Systems , Global Awareness (GEGA)  
Updates: Course Rotation added 12/2014


Summer 2024 Course Sections

Fall 2024 Course Sections




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