Introduction to Climate Change Studies
A geographic exploration of climate change studies, including introductory science and impacts, as well as possible climate scenarios and solutions. Topics span the carbon cycle, radiation and energy balance, climate feedbacks and sensitivity, exponential growth, mitigation and adaptation policies, and the history of climate science and politics (Chapters 1–14).
Learning Goals
Students are expected to develop the following competencies:
- Analytical Thinking — use ways of knowing from mathematics, natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and arts to access information and critically analyze complex material in order to evaluate evidence, construct reasoned arguments, and communicate inferences and conclusions.
- Cultural Understanding — comprehend global and cultural diversity within historical, artistic, and societal contexts.
- Effective Citizenship — participate as members of local, national, and global communities and have the capacity to lead in an increasingly interdependent world.
- Effective Communication — use a variety of media to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
- Integrated Reasoning — integrate discipline-based knowledge to make informed decisions that reflect humane social, ethical, and aesthetic values.
At a Glance
- Level: Undergraduate
- Format: Lecture-based course with quizzes, two midterms, and a final exam.
- Coverage: Chapters 1-14 across science, impacts, and policy.
Course Policies
Academic Integrity
Academic dishonesty violates MSU’s academic integrity policy and the General Student Regulations. Examples include plagiarism, collusion, cheating, and fraud. The first offense results in 0 points for the graded assignment and an Academic Dishonesty Report. A second offense results in a 0.0 numeric final grade.
Required Technology
A mobile device with high-speed internet is required to access course content on D2L, the class webpage, and additional readings. Weekly e-mail updates are sent to your MSU email account.
Commercialization of Materials
MSU prohibits students from commercializing class notes and materials without written consent of the instructor.
RCPD
If you have accommodation with RCPD, please email your accommodation letter. Accommodation will not be provided without an RCPD letter.
Exams
Two midterm exams (100 pts each) on Feb. 18 and Apr. 1, and a final exam (140 pts) on Apr. 30 — 7:45–9:45 am, Room 126. Makeup exams require a physician’s excuse or obituary documentation and must be taken before the regularly scheduled exam.
Quizzes and Attendance
Six in-class quizzes total 60 points. Attendance is an essential part of the course, and each unexcused absence deducts 2 points from the attendance component.
Grading (450 pts total)
- Midterm Exam I: 100 pts — Feb 18
- Midterm Exam II: 100 pts — Apr 1
- Final Exam: 140 pts — Apr 30, 7:45–9:45 am, Room 126
- Quizzes (6 × 10 pts): 60 pts
- Attendance: 50 pts
Grading Scale
- <60% = No Pass
- 60-70% = 1.0
- 70-75% = 2.0
- 75-80% = 2.5
- 80-85% = 3.0
- 85-90% = 3.5
- 90-100% = 4.0
Student Perceptions of Learning Survey (SPLS): my-msu.bluera.com — Opens Apr. 17, 2026 (12:01 am ET) · Closes Apr. 26, 2026 (11:59 pm ET)
Schedule & Lecture Files (Spring 2026)
| Date | Topic | Files |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 12 | Introduction | Handout 1 · Handout 2 · Lec |
| Jan 14 | Fundamentals and Information on “Climate” | Lec |
| Jan 21 | An Introduction to the Climate Problem — Ch. 1 | Lec |
| Jan 26 | An Introduction to the Climate Problem — Ch. 1 | Lec |
| Jan 28 | Is the Climate Changing? — Ch. 2 (Quiz #1) | Lec |
| Feb 2 | Is the Climate Changing? — Ch. 2 | Lec |
| Feb 4 | Radiation and Energy Balance — Ch. 3 | Lec |
| Feb 9 | Radiation and Energy Balance — Ch. 3 | Lec |
| Feb 11 | A Simple Climate Model — Ch. 4 (Quiz #2) | Lec |
| Feb 16 | A Simple Climate Model — Ch. 4 | Lec |
| Feb 18 | Recap Ch. 1–4 (Midterm I) | — |
| Feb 23 | The Carbon Cycle — Ch. 5 | Lec |
| Feb 25 | The Carbon Cycle — Ch. 5 | Lec |
| Mar 9 | Forcing, Feedbacks, and Climate Sensitivity — Ch. 6 | Lec |
| Mar 11 | Forcing, Feedbacks, and Climate Sensitivity — Ch. 6 | Lec |
| Mar 16 | Why Is Climate Changing? — Ch. 7 (Quiz #3) | Lec |
| Mar 18 | Why Is Climate Changing? — Ch. 7 | Lec |
| Mar 23 | Predictions of Future Climate Change — Ch. 8 | Lec |
| Mar 25 | Predictions of Future Climate Change — Ch. 8 (Quiz #4) | Lec |
| Mar 30 | Impacts of Climate Change — Ch. 9 | Lec |
| Apr 1 | Recap Ch. 5–8 (Midterm II) | — |
| Apr 6 | Impacts of Climate Change — Ch. 9 | Lec |
| Apr 8 | Exponential Growth — Ch. 10 | Lec |
| Apr 13 | Fundamentals of Climate Change Policies — Ch. 11 (Quiz #5) | Lec |
| Apr 15 | Mitigation Policies — Ch. 12 (Guest Lecture by Moriz Steiner) | Lec |
| Apr 20 | A Brief History of Climate Science and Politics — Ch. 13 | — |
| Apr 22 | Putting It All Together — Ch. 14 (Quiz #6) | — |
| Apr 30 | Final Exam — 7:45–9:45 am, Room 126 | — |
Questions about GEO 103? Contact Dr. Jiquan Chen.
