EOSC 112 · The Climate System

Introduction to Earth's climate system: radiation balance, greenhouse effect, atmosphere and ocean circulation, plate tectonics, biosphere interactions, and the carbon cycle. Applications to understand the causes of climate change, from long-term climate evolution to modern human-induced climate change.

Course Topic(s):
Climate & Environment Oceans & Atmosphere Biology Physics Chemistry
Face to Face Course
Hybrid Course
Non Specialist Course

Course Content

Course Objectives:

The broad course objective is to introduce students with no prior experience with Earth and climate sciences to fundamental concepts and tools in these disciplines, as well as to equip students with basic literacy in the scientific basis and understanding of climate change.

By the end of the course, students should be able to

  1. Describe how Earth’s atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere comprise an integrated system driven by a continuous supply of energy
  2. Explain the primary factors determining Earth’s climate
  3. Evaluate evidence and hypotheses explaining why Earth’s climate changes on different time scales
  4. Compare today’s climate to the climate of the past
  5. Using scientific principles and evidence, evaluate information about climate change

Course topics subdivide into two parts with distinct objectives. The first part seeks to teach students an understanding of how the Earth’s climate system works by covering topics such as radiation balance, atmosphere and ocean circulation, the roles of the lithosphere and biosphere in Earth’s climate, and the carbon cycle. The second part aims to enable students to use this understanding to understand variations in Earth’s climate over the full extent of Earth’s history. There is an increased emphasis put on modern climate change since the industrial revolution owing to its contemporary importance to society.

 

Course format:

This is a lecture-based course, consisting of 3 50-minute lectures per week.  This course uses active learning, with in-class clicker questions, in-class individual and group activities, 2-stage exams, and adaptive practice questions using the PrairieLearn platform.

New in 2025W1, we will offer a hybrid section, where in-class participation will be replaced by lecture videos and adaptative quizes. Mid-terms and final exams will be in-person, on campus. 

Assessments include:

  • clicker question participation (or online quiz for hybrid section)
  • concept sketches and worksheets (for participation)
  • course surveys
  • knowledge quizzes, for a grade (best 4 of 5)
  • mid-term tests (best 2 of 3)
  • final exam

Recommended reading:

There is no required textbook. We provide “Instructor’s Notes”, as well as readings accessible via links from the notes and posted as supporting materials for various modules. 

We recommend the following resources for optional additional reading: