Learning Unit Topics

The following learning units are currently offered during the Spring semester of the global change course at Iowa State University. Each learning unit consists of:

• Pre-class preparation
  • Unit objectives
  • Unit summaries, complete with images and hypertext links
  • Additional required reading
  • Unit quizzes
• Electronic class discussion
  • Problem to ponder; a question for students to answer and dialog electronically
  • Class discussion summary posted by students
• Post-class activites
  • Continued electronic discussion for posting questions to students, instructor and world experts
  • Recommended reading materials
  • References
  • Required and recommended reading (many are hypertext links)
  • References

We are also continuing to develop computer simulations and virtual laboratories based on constructivist learning theory.

Learning Unit Topics

Block 1: Climate and Agents of Global Change

Unit Number	Topic
1-1	Overview of Global Change
1-2	Evolution of the Earth's Atmosphere
1-3	Atmospheric Structure and Circulation
1-4	Atmospheric Composition, Carbon Dioxide
1-5	Carbon Cycle, Methane
1-6	Nitrogen Cycle, Sulfur Cycle; Tropospheric Ozone
1-7	Acid Deposition
1-8	Man-made Chemicals, CFCs
1-9	Ozone Reactions: Physics and Chemistry of the Stratosphere
1-10	Ocean Structure and Circulation
1-11	Global Hydrological Cycle
1-12	Global Energy Balance
1-13	Impact of Clouds on the Radiation Balance
1-14	Global Warming Potential

Block 2: Models and Measurements of Global Change

Unit Number	Topic
2-1	Climate System and Climate Predictability
2-2	Climate Models
2-3	Climate Model Results - Equilibrium Models
2-4	Enhanced Greenhouse Climate, Transient Climates
2-5	Regional Climate Models; Clouds and Vegetation Effects
2-6	Paleoclimate; Ice Core and Lake Sediment Records
2-7	The Instrument Climate Record, Uncertainties
2-8	Trends in Climate Variables, Climate Variability, Global Warming Update
2-9	Climate Variability (El Nino, La Nina)
2-10	Satellite Observations of the Earth/Atmosphere/Ocean/Biosphere
2-11	Mission to Planet Earth
2-12	Sea-Level Rise
2-13	Earth System Science
2-14	Assessment of Impacts of Climate Change
2-15	Vegetation Responses

Block 3: Biosphere and Human Component of Global Change

3-1	Plant Physiological Effects of a Changing Environment
3-2	Forests and Deforestation
3-3	Human Population Trends and Controlling Factors
3-4	Energy Consumption and Conservation
3-5	Global Change and Human Health
3-6	Impact of Global Change on Agriculture
3-7	Sustainable Development
3-8	Impact of Global Change on Water Resources and Water Use
3-9	Developments in China
3-10	Land Use Issues
3-11	Desertification
3-12	Societal Responses to Regional Climate Change
3-13	Legislation and Policy

Additional Topics

Inter-American Institute for Global Change (1997)