Our Changing Planet

Aim

After completion of the course, the student should on an advanced level be able to:

• Investigate the implications of how the Earth is viewed and known as a system
• Discuss structures and functions of Earth systems, including physical, chemical, and biological sub-systems,
• Describe and apply fundamental concepts of drivers and trends of environmental change,
• Analyse how earth system processes relate to sustainability challenges and global environmental changes.
• Critically evaluate design and methodology for studying earth system processes and environmental changes.
• Communicate the relevant knowledge within earth system processes and environmental changes orally and in text.

Content

The course explores the ways in which the Earth continually changes through complex interrelationships between energy, matter and human activities in the fluid, solid and living Earth. The course will begin by investigating how the Earth is viewed and known as a system and related implications for how global environmental problems are represented. Fundamental processes related with biogeochemical cycles, feedback loops, regulation and sustainability will be analyzed. A critical evaluation of these processes and interactions will be undertaken to determine their role in global environmental changes and to what extent they link with sustainability challenges and planetary boundaries. The course examines how Earth system changes are studied, monitored and estimated.