ENVT 340 - Climate Change

Units: 3 ; Breadth Area: GE-UD-5; Sustainability
Pre-modern and modern variations in climate with emphasis on geological, geomorphological, and biological records. Causes (natural and anthropogenic) and consequences (natural and cultural) of climate change. Factors determining vulnerability to climate change impacts and strategies for adaptation and mitigation.

Breadth Area(s) Satisfied: GE-UD-5 - Upper Division Science or Mathematical Concepts/Quantitative Reasoning, Overlay - Sustainability
Prerequisites: Completion of GE Areas 1A, 1B, 1C and GE-2 with grade C- (CR) or better (GE Areas A1, A2, A3 and B4 for students on the 2024-25 or earlier catalogs).
Strongly Recommended Preparation: Upper division status (greater than 60 earned semester units) and completion of lower division GE Area 5 (Areas B1-B3 for students on the 2024-25 or earlier catalogs); and GEOG 200.
Possible Instructional Methods: On-ground, or Hybrid, or Online-Asynchronous, or Online-Synchronous.
Grading: A-F or CR/NC (student choice).
Cross-listed: GEOG 340.
Student Learning Outcomes - Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

identify, describe and explain the dynamics of the global climate system including the important regulatory feedback mechanisms and fluxes;
describe and explain the consequences, risks, and uncertainties of climate change;
interpret and critically evaluate scientific data related to global climate change;
describe biases/misconceptions about climate change science, the reasons these misconceptions exist, and strategies for overcoming them;
describe and explain the nature of and intended goals of implemented policies and strategies to address climate change and its impacts;
identify and characterize climate change vulnerability at different scales and describe and explain mitigation and adaptation interventions at multiple levels and for different actors;
effectively engage in a conversation about climate change.

GE-UD-5. Upper-division Science or Mathematical Concepts/Quantitative Reasoning Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate advanced and/or focused science or quantitative content knowledge in a specific scientific field, using appropriate vocabulary and referencing appropriate concepts (such as models, uncertainties, hypotheses, theories, and
Apply advanced quantitative skills (such as statistics, algebraic solutions, interpretation of graphical data) to scientific problems and evaluate scientific claims.
Demonstrate understanding of the nature of science and scientific inquiry and the experimental and empirical methodologies used in science to investigate a scientific question or issue.
Apply science content knowledge to contemporary scientific issues (e.g., global warming) and technologies (e.g., cloning), where appropriate.

Sustainability Overlay Learning Outcomes

Discuss multiple dimensions of sustainability, including the scientific, social, cultural, and/or economic.
Analyze interactions between human activities and natural systems.
Describe strategies taken by individuals, communities, organizations, or governments for mitigating and/or adapting to key threats to environmental sustainability.