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SPL1165 Principles of Climatology
Semester I
SPL1165 Principles of Climatology

Brief Description of the Module

Climatology involves the study of local and regional climates and their relation to the large-scale atmospheric circulation. It requires an understanding of the basic controls of atmospheric circulation and the resulting general circulation. In details the module will cover the following items: Solar radiation and its importance; atmospheric composition and structure; air temperature; atmospheric pressure, winds and global atmospheric circulation; atmospheric humidity and precipitation; air masses, fronts and atmospheric disturbances; types of climate and climate of Rwanda &  climate change issues (definitions, causes, effects & mitigation and adaptation strategies).
                                             

 Learning Outcomes

- Describe solar radiation and its importance;
- Explain atmospheric composition and structure;
- Describe and explain air temperature;
- Analyze atmospheric pressure, winds and global atmospheric circulation;
- Analyze atmospheric humidity and precipitation;
- Explain types of climate and climate of Rwanda;
- Explain the phenomenon of climate change and its major effects. 
                                                 

Teaching and Learning Methods

- The main teaching and learning methods are based on lecturer-led introductory  lectures, followed by student contributions, through a face-to-face teaching mode.
- There will be also discussions on particular case studies, and oral presentations in plenary sessions.
- Course materials (ppt presentation & selected readings) will be shared and/or uploaded on e-learning platform.

Assessment Methods and Weighting

- Individual Assignment (Written Report) (10%)

- Group Assignment (Written Report & Oral Presentation) (20%)

- Partial Exam (CAT) (20%)

- Final Assessment (Written Exam) (50%)

Indicative Course Materials

- Briggs, D., and Atkinson, K. (1997). Fundamentals of Physical Environment. London/New York: Routledge (Second Edition) (Main Library).
- Holden, J. (2005). An Introduction to Physical Geography and the Environment. Harlow/Etc.: Pearson/Prentice Hall (Main Library).
- IPCC. (2023). Sixth Assessment Report: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability. https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg2/downloads/report/IPCC_AR6_WGII_FullReport.pdf
- MaxIntyre, M.-P. (1966). Physical Geography. New York: The Ronald Press Company (Main Library).
- REMA (2021). Rwanda State of Environment and Outlook Report 2021. Kigali, Rwanda Environment Management Authority. https://www.rema.gov.rw/fileadmin/user_upload/Rwanda_SOER_Final-05February2022-LR.pdf 
- Strahler, A. and A. Strahler, 2006. Introducing Physical Geography. Boston: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (Main Library).
- UNEP. (2011). Rwanda: From Post-Conflict Environmentally to Sustainable Development. United Nations Environment Programme. https://www.unep.org/resources/report/rwanda-post-conflict-environmentally-sustainable-development

Lecturer:

Assoc. Prof. Gaspard Rwanyiziri
Phone: +2507 88 68 14 38
Email: g.rwanyiziri@ur.ac.rw



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