Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - GEOG 414 D100

Climate Change (4)

Class Number: 2280

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Feb 5, 2026
    Thu, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Kirsten Zickfeld
    kzickfel@sfu.ca
    1 778 782-9047
    Office Hours: TBD

  • Prerequisites:

    GEOG 314.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An examination of recent advances in climate change science drawing upon observational and theoretical studies; application of climate models. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

Course Details:

This course examines current topics in climate change research, with a focus on the science but also consideration of societal and policy aspects. Topics to be discussed include observed climate changes, attribution of these changes to natural and/or anthropogenic causes, climate models, 21st century projections of future climate changes at regional and global scales, long-term climate changes, biophysical and socio-economic impacts, vulnerability, adaptation to climate change, mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions, carbon dioxide removal, net zero, geoengineering.

The focus of the lab sessions is on climate modelling and data analysis. Students will be introduced to modelling concepts through the use and implementation of simple models. They will also be introduced to data analysis using data from a global climate model.

Course organization:

The course is organized around one two-hour lecture and one two-hour laboratory session per week. Lectures consist of presentations by the instructor and/or students, followed by class discussion. Lab sessions will be used for work on specific assignments and the term project. Lab attendance and participation is required.

Lab sessions will start in the second week of classes.

Grading

  • Lab assignments 20%
  • Tests 30%
  • Term project 25%
  • Research article presentation 10%
  • Research article summaries 5%
  • Participation 10%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

There is no formal textbook for this course. A reading list will be distributed at the beginning of the term. Readings include papers from the primary research literature (available through the library) and sections from the Assessment Reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) (available online).

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.