Climate Science Durham University

Overview

Course Learning and Teaching

The Climate Science BSc course at Durham University is mainly delivered through a mixture of lectures, practical classes, and tutorials. Typically lectures provide you with key information on a particular area, and identify the main areas for discussion and debate. Practical classes allow you to gain direct experience of practical and analytical skills in Climate Science. Tutorials provide the opportunity for smaller groups to discuss transferable skills (e.g., writing and presentation skills) and debate key issues based on the knowledge that you have gained through both your lectures and independent study outside the formal contact hours.

The balance of these types of activities changes over the degree, as you develop your knowledge and your ability as an independent learner. Independence is one of the key attributes that you will develop, thereby preparing you for work or further study once you have completed the course.

In the first year you will typically attend six hours a week of lectures, with 12 hours of practical classes. You are also required to attend six tutorial sessions during the academic year. Outside timetabled contact hours, you are also expected to undertake your own independent study to prepare for your classes and broaden your subject knowledge.

The balance starts to shift in the second year, as you develop your abilities as an independent learner. Lectures still play an important role in supporting you in developing your knowledge and skills, with an average of six hours a week, and you will participate in practical classes across the academic year that both introduce you to, and give you the chance to practice, research methods.

Throughout the course, you will have access to an academic tutor who will provide you with academic support and guidance, as well as an academic advisor with whom you can discuss future modules and any aspect of your learning experience. All members of Earth Sciences teaching staff have an open door policy and are available to meet with you on an informal ‘drop-in’ basis. Both the Department of Earth Sciences and the Department of Geography have exciting programmes of weekly one-hour research seminars, usually by speakers from other universities, which you are strongly encouraged to attend. There is also a seminar programme run throughout the year by the student-led Arthur Holmes Society.