COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the science of climate change and the engineering technologies available to mitigate its effects. Delivered in alignment with the Coursera course “Science and Engineering of Climate Change” offered by EDHEC Business School, the course is built around four core modules: the current climate change context, climate modelling, technologies to control CO₂ concentration, and non-fossil energy sources. Students will explore how scientists measure climate and its evolution, how climate models work, and why greenhouse gases play a central role in determining the climate. The course then examines the main technologies that can reduce carbon emissions and atmospheric carbon concentration, and how these technologies can be combined most effectively. No previous specialist knowledge is required, but students will engage with quantitative and conceptual material at a graduate level.
COURSE TEACHING OBJECTIVES
Analyze the scientific evidence for contemporary climate change and its anthropogenic origins.
Evaluate the physical principles and mathematical foundations of climate modelling and the carbon cycle.
Assess the range of technologies available to control and reduce atmospheric CO₂ concentrations.
Critically examine the engineering, economic, and feasibility dimensions of non-fossil energy sources.
Synthesize scientific understanding and engineering options to formulate integrated mitigation strategies.
COURSE STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
Explain how climate is measured and how the evidence for anthropogenic climate change is established.
Describe the structure and function of climate models, including their capabilities and limitations.
Analyze the role of the carbon cycle and greenhouse gas concentrations in driving climate change.
Evaluate carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies and their potential contribution to mitigation.
Compare non-fossil energy sources—including solar, wind, hydro, nuclear, and others—on technical, economic, and sustainability criteria.
Design an integrated mitigation portfolio that combines scientific understanding with engineering options.
Communicate complex climate-science and engineering concepts to technical and policy audiences.
ORGANIZATION OF COURSE STUDIES
The course is organized into two parts. The first portion will be completed at Coursera through the following link: https://www.coursera.org/learn/science-and-engineering-of-climate-change
The student will then be guided to write a suitable MP.