Holocene Climates

地球科学, 理工类
英国, 欧洲
硕士
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专业详情

This MPhil offers an 11-month programme of advanced study and research into the natural and anthropogenic causes and ecological and societal consequences of Holocene climate variability. The course is intended for students with a strong first degree in geography or a related discipline, such as environmental sciences and (paleo)climatology.

The curriculum will:

  • enable students to acquire a critical and well-informed understanding of the accepted and contested academic, public and political understanding of natural and anthropogenic climate change over the past 12,000 years;
  • provide a comprehensive background of Holocene climate variability on different time scales with different levels of ecological and societal responses, in order to reconcile climate model simulations from an informed perspective;
  • give students the opportunity to acquire advanced subject expertise, and transferable skills, relevant to their research interests and career goals;
  • equip students for dealing with complex social, political and scientific issues, in the presence of incomplete data, and communicate their positions prudently to specialist and non-specialist audiences; 
  • provide the prerequisite exposure and familiarity with the many physical tools and techniques used in palaeoclimatology to prepare students for either pursuit of a Doctoral degree or professional position.  

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Students will acquire: 

  • a comprehensive understanding of Holocene climate variability; 
  • a proficiency in applying the many physical and sophisticated analytical tools used to acquire paleoclimatic data, as well as the skills to make objective interpretation of data and communicate findings in a scholarly manner;
  • the practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to advance knowledge in this field;
  • the ability to critically evaluate current research and methodologies and, where appropriate, propose new hypotheses to build upon previous knowledge.

Skills and other attributes

Students will obtain:

  • the ability to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate their conclusions cogently to specialist and non-specialist audiences;
  • proficiency in a range of analytical tools, IT resources, experience in survey methods, statistical methods, and a range of paleoclimatic and environmental concepts;
  • a strong sense of self-determination and confidence in tackling topical problems in a prudent and methodical manner.

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