Earth System Science:  Climate Change

"Earth System Science:  Climate Change" (Earth Science 105) is an online course designed as an introduction to the science of global change.  Topics include the mechanisms of the climate system and an overview of the international political debate.  We will also examine climate change on different time scales including the Ice Ages and the outlook for future climate change.  There are no prerequisites for this course, however, the enrolled student must have reliable access to the Internet.  Please note that ES 105 is transferable to UC and CSU schools and can serve as units towards graduation, however, no specific requirements are fulfilled by completing the course.

Please note that if you are enrolled in ES 105, you must attend the orientation session to be held on Saturday, August 25 from 10 to 11:30 AM in NS-125. 
If you cannot attend the session, contact Dr. Yon (Lyon@Palomar.edu) prior to August 25 or you will be dropped from the class!  Students enrolled in the class will have access to class materials on the Palomar College Blackboard Server (click here).

Click here for the current syllabus for ES 105  

As part of the specific course objectives, students will: 

·           Investigate and analyze the current international political debate over climate-related issues.

·           Explain the mechanisms involved in the greenhouse effect, identifying the role of water vapor, carbon dioxide, and methane in the process.

·           Discuss and evaluate the uncertainties related to climate prediction.

·           Identify and explain the parts of the carbon cycle and its link with the climate system.

·         Describe the relationship between weather and climate, including basic components of the climate system relevant to long-term climate change.

·           Investigate and discuss the relationship between ocean circulation and climate including major phenomena such as El Niņo, upwelling systems and deep water circulation.

·           Investigate ice, sediment and fossil records leading to the discovery of the Ice Ages; students will describe and analyze the astronomical mechanisms that influence Ice Age climate change.

·           Investigate and discuss climate changes recorded during the last Millennium including the Little Ice Age, and identify possible mechanisms including volcanoes and solar cycles.

·          Analyze the processes, such as computer modeling, used to predict climate and discuss problems involved in making such predictions. 

Students enrolled in the course will be evaluated based on their quiz and exam scores, as well as assignments and participation. 

If you have specific questions regarding the course, please email Dr. Lisa Yon or call (760) 744-1150 ext. 2369.  For email, click the link below.