Atmosphere, Biogeosphere and Climate Change
A fundamental understanding of our environment and climate requires an intimate understanding of large-scale natural element cycles, human activity and its effect on the environment, and the way that these anthropogenic effects, in turn, impact how nature works.
This course, commonly called “ABCC”, will acquaint you with these complexities and equip you to contribute to 21st century solutions.
The topics in this course are arranged to start with natural systems, explore changes that impact the equilibrium and these systems (both natural and anthropogenic), and finally explore the extent of upcoming climate changes and what is or can be done to mitigate and/or adapt to these changes.
Topics:
- Functioning of the climate and the biogeosphere-atmosphere systems (cycles of water, carbon, etc., energy balances, and ocean and atmosphere circulation)
- Mechanisms and concepts in the Earth system (emissions of greenhouse gases and aerosols, climate forcing, earth system and climate feedback, climate sensitivity)
- Natural variations in the climate (before industrialisation)
- Anthropogenic climate change: (evidence, causes, observational methodologies, and variations over space and time)
- The future of climate change over decades/centuries/millennia (scenarios for emissions and aerosols that impact climate and their effects on natural cycles, ecosystem services and humanity)
- Climate change mitigation and adaptation (international efforts such as the UN Framework Convention for Climate Change (UNFCCC) and efforts in the private and civil sectors)
Information for admitted students autumn 2024
Congratulations! You have been admitted at Stockholm University and we hope that you will enjoy your studies with us.
In order to ensure that your studies begin as smoothly as possible we have compiled a short checklist for the beginning of the semester.
Follow the instructions on whether you have to reply to your offer or not.
universityadmissions.se
Checklist for admitted students
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Activate your university account
The first step in being able to register and gain access to all the university's IT services.
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Register at your department
Registration can be done in different ways. Read the instructions from your department below.
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Read all the information on this page
Here you will find what you need to know before your course or programme starts.
IMPORTANT
Your seat may be withdrawn if you do not register according to the instructions provided by your department.
Information from the department - courses
Registration
Admitted students
Register on the web (Ladok for students). The registration will open 5 August for all courses, but check the last day of registration for each course in Ladok. If you have not studied at Stockholm University before, you first need to activate your university account (Get access to IT services).
Conditionally admitted
If you are conditionally admitted you must be able to show the appropriate documents to prove your eligibility to be able to register for the course. To show that you fulfil the requirement and to remove the conditional admittance, please contact us at the department, studeranu@aces.su.se.
How to decline your offer
If you decid not to attend, it’s important that you decline your place as soon as possible so that other students can be awarded a place. Follow the instructions given under Universityadmission.se – ‘Application’ after you log in. Read more here – Declining places you don't wish to keep
Roll call
In order to confirm the final number of participants, every course has a roll-call at the first lecture. If you are unable to attend the roll-call, you need to contact us (studeranu@aces.su.se) no later than the course start date.
Disability Services
Stockholm University provides targeted study support to students with long-term disabilities.
Read more: Studying with a disability
Welcome activities
Stockholm University organises a series of welcome activities that stretch over a few weeks at the beginning of each semester. The programme is voluntary (attendance is optional) and includes Arrival Service at the airport and an Orientation Day, see more details about these events below.
Your department may also organise activities for welcoming international students. More information will be provided by your specific department.
Find your way on campus
Stockholm University's main campus is in the Frescati area, north of the city centre. While most of our departments and offices are located here, there are also campus areas in other parts of the city.
Read more
For new international students
This course, commonly called “ABCC”, will acquaint you with these complexities and equip you to contribute to 21st century solutions.
The topics in this course are arranged to start with natural systems, explore changes that impact the equilibrium and these systems (both natural and anthropogenic), and finally explore the extent of upcoming climate changes and what is or can be done to mitigate and/or adapt to these changes.
Topics:
- Functioning of the climate and the biogeosphere-atmosphere systems (cycles of water, carbon, etc., energy balances, and ocean and atmosphere circulation)
- Mechanisms and concepts in the Earth system (emissions of greenhouse gases and aerosols, climate forcing, earth system and climate feedback, climate sensitivity)
- Natural variations in the climate (before industrialisation)
- Anthropogenic climate change: (evidence, causes, observational methodologies, and variations over space and time)
- The future of climate change over decades/centuries/millennia (scenarios for emissions and aerosols that impact climate and their effects on natural cycles, ecosystem services and humanity)
- Climate change mitigation and adaptation (international efforts such as the UN Framework Convention for Climate Change (UNFCCC) and efforts in the private and civil sectors)
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Course structure
Teaching format
Instruction takes the form of lectures, seminars in which the students play an active role (e.g. literature review and discussions), and a field excursion. Participation in seminars, the field excursion, and related activities is compulsory.
Assessment
Assessment takes place through a written exam, active participation in seminars and written assignments.
Your rights and responsibilities
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Schedule
The schedule will be available no later than one month before the start of the course. We do not recommend print-outs as changes can occur. At the start of the course, your department will advise where you can find your schedule during the course. -
Course literature
Note that the course literature can be changed up to two months before the start of the course.
Han Dolman (2019) Biogeochemical Cycles and Climate, ISBN: 9780198779308, Oxford Univ Press, 272 pages.
Latest IPCC reports. https://www.ipcc.ch/reports/
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Course reports
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More information
Compulsory core course for the M.Sc. program in Environmental Science – Atmosphere-Biogeochemistry – Climate Change (ABC), but is also offered as a separate course.
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Contact
Study counsellor
Course coordinator
Örjan Gustafsson, orjan.gustafsson@aces.su.se
Department of Environmental Science
