EAE4027 · Climate models: what are they good for?

Overview

Climate models are used to make predictions, for example, of the season ahead, and projections for the century ahead. They are also the main tool for understanding how the climate may change in the future. Their projected outcomes are used in many different applications, from water security to bushfire and other hazard preparedness and to international policy decisions. This unit will start with an overview of the physical basis of climate models and how their different components interact. An understanding of different types of experiments and configurations of these models will then be developed and how these are applied for various uses. Our confidence and uncertainty in their results and how these inform decision-making will be discussed. The unit will include hands-on experience in using climate models.

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. Identify the various components of climate models and understand how they are coupled together;
2. Describe the major interactions between the components of the climate system;
3. Understand the difference between predictions and projections and how they are evaluated;
4. Explain how confidence and uncertainty in model results is assessed.

Workload

A total of 12 hours per week comprising: • Two 1-hour lectures; • One 2-hour practical session; • Two hours of assignments, reports and preparation of a talk and • 6 hours of independent study per week

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.