Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2026-2027

Module GEOL40215: Climate Change, Management and Mitigation

Department: Earth Sciences

GEOL40215: Climate Change, Management and Mitigation

Type	Tied	Level	4	Credits	15	Availability	Available in 2026/2027	Module Cap

Tied to	MSc Environmental Sustainability

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None

Excluded Combination of Modules

None

Aims

This module aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of climate change, its impacts, and the strategies for mitigation and adaptation at both national and international scales. It will equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute to the development and implementation of effective climate policies and solutions.

Content

Greenhouse Gas Budgets:
o Global carbon cycle
o Greenhouse gas emissions and their sources
o Climate sensitivity and tipping points
o Carbon budgets and pathways to net-zero emissions
Climate Policy:
o International climate agreements (UNFCCC, Paris Agreement)
o National climate policies and strategies
o Carbon pricing mechanisms (taxes, emissions trading)
o Sustainable development and climate action
Adaptation:
o Impacts of climate change on ecosystems, societies, and economies
o Vulnerability assessment and adaptation planning
o Climate-resilient infrastructure and development
o Adaptation finance and governance
Mitigation:
o Decarbonization of energy systems (renewables, energy efficiency)
o Sustainable land use and forest management
o Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS)
o Technological innovation and climate solutions
Climate Finance:
o Public and private climate finance flows
o Green investment and sustainable finance
o Climate risk management and insurance
o Climate finance governance and accountability

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

Deep understanding of the science of climate change and its impacts.
Knowledge of international climate policy frameworks and governance.
Familiarity with climate adaptation and mitigation strategies.
Awareness of climate finance mechanisms and challenges.

Subject-specific Skills:

Ability to analyze climate data and assess climate risks.
Skill in developing climate adaptation and mitigation plans.
Capacity to evaluate climate policies and governance frameworks.
Competence in assessing climate finance options and their effectiveness.

Key Skills:

Critical thinking and problem-solving.
Effective communication and collaboration.
Ethical decision-making and sustainability awareness.
Research and analysis skills.
Data visualization and interpretation.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

This module will be delivered through a series of flexible 2 hour workshops comprising both lectures and practicals, supported by surgeries.
The practicals form an important component of the module allowing "hands on" learning and experience.
Summative assessment is made up of a class test and a mini-project.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity	Number	Frequency	Duration	Total/Hours	Attendance Monitored
Workshops	10	Weekly	2 hours	20	Yes ■
Online Learning Activities				130
Total				150

Summative Assessment

Component: Summative Assessment		Component Weighting: 100%
Element	Length / duration	Element Weighting	Resit Opportunity
In-Year Test	1 hour	50%
Project		50%

Formative Assessment:

The formative assessment consists of classroom-based exercises on specific data topics of relevant to the learning outcomes of the modules. Oral feedback will be given on a group and/or individual basis as appropriate.

■ Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University.