University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 20

ECTS credits : 10

Level : SCQF level 9

Semester: 1

Planned timetable: TBC

In recent years, concern has risen about the impact of climate change on glaciers and ice sheets, and the implications for sea level rise, natural hazards and water resources. This course critically evaluates these issues, and explores the fundamental glaciological processes required to understand them. The first part of the course focuses on how glaciers function and interact with climate, and covers glacier mass balance (snowfall and ice melt), hydrology, processes of glacier motion and ice dynamics. The second part then applies these principles to important issues, such as glacier lake outburst floods, water resources in glacier-fed river basins, the future of the Antarctic and Greenland Ice Sheets, and sea level change.

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact:

Scheduled learning hours: 37

Guided independent study hours: 163

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews:

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 60%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 40%

Personnel