This modules aims to promote awareness, understanding and discussions about contemporary issues in Ocean and Climate Sciences.

(LO1) Gain a broad and detailed knowledge of some of the main contemporary research topics in marine and climate sciences.

(LO2) Improve critical reading of scientific literature.

(LO3) Gain/Practice Transferable Communication Skills: Communicating research topics and/or specific research papers to students and/or academic staff.

(S1) research skills

(S2) communication skills

This module is focusing on areas of research within the marine and climate remit that are of current interests. In particular, the 2019 Special Report on Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate (SROCC) will be predominant as a reading tool and source of information for all students.

The module incorporates also weekly research seminars given by international experts. These are given on-line within the Ocean Sciences seminar series and as well from the National Oceanographic Centre seminar series.

Communication of science is at the forefront of the module, with group and individual presentations being given by all students to the cohort and staff, to promote peer learning and communication skills.

The assessment strategy for this module consists in 2 presentations and a final exam. The first presentation is a group (3-4 students per group) task (counting for 30%) on findings reported in the latest SROCC about some of the on-going changes that the marine system is experiencing within the current climate change context. The second presentation (counting for 20%) is an individual oral presentation on a recent research paper/research topic of interest to the student. The final written exam (counting for 50%) consists mostly of discussing a recent research paper through a set of given questions.

Seminars: Weekly seminars organized by the Ocean Sciences group at the University are occurring every Tuesdays, 4-5 pm. Speakers from different disciplines and countries give a 30 min presentation about their current research, followed by a 20 min Q&A session. Research disciplines range from chemical, physical and biological oceanography applied to past, present and/or future marine systems. Seminars can be on-line or in-persons.

Group work: In group of 3 or 4 students, the task is to design a short video aimed at a general scientific audience on a specific research topic, such as those highlighted in the latest IPCC Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate. On-line materials designed by one of the lead author of that report (Prof A. Tagliabue, also teaching on this module) explaining the mechanistic behind such a report are available. Bi-weekly drop-in sessions will be run to provide guidance on developing the group video.

Individual prese ntations: Each student will present to fellow students and staff a research paper or research topic of its own choice, within the remit of the module. Drop-in sessions will be available for each student.

Peer learning: Each student will have access to all group and individual presentations and will be encouraged to provide informal feedback and ask questions.

Self-directed learning: Reading of research papers recently published in international, peer-reviewed, high impact journal.