GYM4370 - Applied Environmental Climatology

Leader: Professor Nigel Tapper

Offered

Clayton Second semester 2007 (Day)

Synopsis

Applied climatology addresses the role climate plays in the provision of food, shelter, energy and a healthy environment. The unit begins by acknowledging the role of traditional climate knowledge systems. Then a range of contemporary climate issues will be discussed along with approaches to addressing them. Issues include urban climate and design, air pollution, renewable (solar/wind) energy, and agriculture. Issues will be considered within the Australian context of climate change and variability (including extremes). Emphasis is placed on employment related theoretical, observational, analytical and modeling skills that will be developed through lectures, practicals and project work.

Objectives

On successful completion of this unit, students will:
Recognise that Western 'scientific' knowledge is not the only source of climate knowledge used in improving the human condition, and that there is a rich history of relevant traditional or indigenous knowledge.
Be able to understand the climatic context of and to apply climate knowledge to a range of human activities and environmental problems, for the betterment of society.
Have gained practical experience in problem formulation and solution using various combinations of class/project/field-based techniques of observation, modelling and analysis, along with appropriate presentation skills.
have developed specialised skills in research/project formulation, appraisal, budgeting and implementation strategies.

Assessment

Literature review 500 words 11%
Practicals (500 words) 11%
Group or Individual Project Report/Presentation (1500 words): 33%
Examination (2 hours): 45%

Contact hours

Two 1-hour lectures per week

Prerequisites

18 points of Geography and Environmental Science, Atmospheric Science or permission of the Head of SGES. Other interested undergraduate and level 4 students will need to obtain permission from the Head of SGES

Prohibitions

GES3370