Climate Models.. What are they good for

Dates: The class will run during Semester 1 2026

Lecture / Workshop Times: (tbc).

Location: School of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment (9 Rainforest Walk), Monash University Clayton Campus.

Costs: None

Climate models are used to make predictions, for example, of the season ahead, and projections for the century ahead. They are also the main tool for understanding how the climate may change in the future. Their projected outcomes are used in many different applications, from water security to bushfire and other hazard preparedness and to international policy decisions. This unit will start with an overview of the physical basis of climate models and how their different components interact. An understanding of different types of experiments and configurations of these models will then be developed and how these are applied for various uses. Our confidence and uncertainty in their results and how these inform decision-making will be discussed. The unit will include hands-on experience in using climate models.

Learning outcomes:

On successful completion of this unit, you should be able to:

1. Identify the various components of climate models and understand how they are coupled together;

2. Describe the major interactions between the components of the climate system;

3. Understand the difference between predictions and projections and how they are evaluated;

4. Explain how confidence and uncertainty in model results is assessed.

Assessment:

1 - Written Assignment 1, 30%

2 - Written Assignment 2, 30%

3 - Examination (30 minute oral exam), 40%

Registration

Coordinator: Julie Arbalester