12942 - Introduction to Climate Variability and Climate Change Projections Modulübersicht

Module Number: 12942
Module Title:Introduction to Climate Variability and Climate Change Projections
  Einführung in Klimavariabilität und Klimaänderungsprojektionen
Department: Faculty 2 - Environment and Natural Sciences
Responsible Staff Member:
  • Dr. rer. nat. Will, Andreas
Language of Teaching / Examination:English
Duration:1 semester
Frequency of Offer: Every winter semester
Credits: 6
Learning Outcome:The students shall be made familiar with natural climate variability and the expected climate change in selected regions. They shall be enabled to understand and to use the results of Climate System Models. In this way a sound basis for climate impact assessment in different regions will be provided.
Contents:Part Lecture:
1. Climate state and climate variables
2. Physical basis of
  • 1. climate system dynamics
  • 2. anthropogenic climate change
3. Observational evidence of anthropogenic climate change
4. Design and history of climate system models
  • 1. Global Climate System Models
  • 2. Regional Climate System Models
  • 3. Statistical Climate Change Signal Models
5. Evaluation of climate system models
6. Emission Scenarios and Climate Change Projections
7. Climate Change Signal Assessment
  • 1. Climate Change Signal in selected regions
  • 2. Uncertainties of Climate Change Signals
  • 3. Climate sensitivity
  • 4. Reliability of climate projections
8. Climate System Model bias correction and Climate impact modelling
Part Exercise:
Exercises supporting the understanding of the lectures and the ability to use Climate System Model results are introduced by the lecturer. These exercises are to be solved by the students in form of self-organized studies. The solutions will be presented and discussed by the students during the exercise.
Recommended Prerequisites:Basic skills in mathematics, classical mechanics and thermodynamics are expected, Advanced skills in vector calculus and tensor analysis, statistics and discrete mathematics, in fluid mechanics and thermodynamics are very helpful in gaining understanding of the lectures and provide a sound basis for solving the exercises.
Mandatory Prerequisites:None
Forms of Teaching and Proportion:
  • Lecture / 2 Hours per Week per Semester
  • Exercise / 2 Hours per Week per Semester
  • Self organised studies / 120 Hours
Teaching Materials and Literature:Climate Change 2013: The Physical Science Basis, Working Group 1 Contribution to the fifth Assessment Report of the IPCC, Editor: IPCC.
Further literature together with lecture and exercise materials are made available in electronic form during the semester.
Module Examination:Continuous Assessment (MCA)
Assessment Mode for Module Examination:
  • Solution of 3 exercises (50%)
  • Written examination, 45 Min. (50%)
Evaluation of Module Examination:Performance Verification – graded
Limited Number of Participants:None
Part of the Study Programme:
  • Master (research-oriented) / Environmental and Resource Management / PO 2011
  • Master (research-oriented) - Double Degree / Environmental and Resource Management / PO 2021
  • Master (research-oriented) / Environmental and Resource Management / PO 2021
  • Master (research-oriented) / Umweltingenieurwesen / PO 2021
Remarks:No offer in winter semester 2024/2025.
Module Components:None
Components to be offered in the Current Semester:
  • no assignment
Phase-out Module: Follow-up Module since: 15.05.2023