麻豆原创

Climate impacts global environmental and ecological systems, human health, water availability, agricultural systems and food security, human migrations, and economic systems. Future climate change is projected to further worsen food insecurity, water scarcity, human migrations, and global conflict.

This major is designed to give the students a solid foundation on how the climate system works and competency in areas of data analysis, planning and mitigation, and science communication. Students will take core courses in climate science and complementary areas, and select at least one focus area for additional specialization. Focus areas include: advanced climate science; data visualization; design and planning for sustainability; food, agriculture and biodiversity; policy and human behavior; and science communication.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Graduates of the Climate Science degree will have the skills and knowledge to:

Understand scientific principles and their application to scientific inquiry and to societal concerns relating to climate science. Demonstrate a broad understanding of the climate system, how it works on multiple timescales, and the utility of tools, such as models, and their strengths and limitations in the context of climate science. Demonstrate a broad understanding of climate issues and policies. Think critically about the range of climate information, data, and literature coming from a variety of sources and distill application-relevant knowledge. Demonstrate proficiency in data analysis and problem-solving of relevant climate systems, issues, and challenges. Understand societal concerns related to climate change to develop and/or promote practical and applied research within the climate change research community. Work with diverse teams whose members have a range of professional and disciplinary skills relevant to climate issues. Work to identify climate-related needs and develop strategies to address these needs. Use systems thinking approaches to better understand/solve climate change issues. Effectively communicate in oral, written, and visual formats.

Students must complete one specialized pathway. All pathways require at least 15 credits; students choosing the Advanced Climate Science Pathway will complete 20 credits. All pathways require 9 credits at the 300-level or higher. Students are encouraged to carefully review course prerequisites when planning course selections in their chosen pathways.

Advanced Climate Science Data Visualization Design and Planning for Sustainability Food, Agriculture and Biodiversity Policy and Human Behavior Science Communication

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences