Math 5421 Spring 2025
An Introduction to Mathematical Climate Models
| Meetings: | 1:25 - 3:20 pm T,Th, Blegen Hall 155, in person | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Instructor: | Professor Richard McGehee, mcgehee@umn.edu | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Office Hours: | 3:30 - 4:30 T,Th, 458 Vincent Hall or by appointment | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Credits: | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prerequisites: | Math 2243 and Math 2263 or equivalent or consent of instructor | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Final Exam Time: | no exams | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Course Description: | description | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Course Goals and Objectives: |
This course will use components of the current climate crisis to introduce concepts and techniques of Applied Mathematics. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to explore conceptual mathematical models of energy balance, ocean circulation, sea ice melting, and permafrost melting, and will have learned techniques in dynamical systems, tipping point analysis, and time series analysis. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Course Format: |
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| Required Material: | Hans Kaper and Hans Engler,Mathematics and Climate, SIAM, 2013 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Suggested Material: | Greta Thunberg, The Climate Book, Penguin Press, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Technology Recommendations: |
It is recommended that you bring to class a laptop or tablet capable of exploring the Internet and accessing Google Sheets, Google Docs, and Google Slides. If you are unable to bring a laptop or tablet, please contact the instructor to work out a solution. Although you are asked to bring devices with you to class, it is expected that you restrict their use in class to the course content. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Student Workload Expectations: | Students should expect to spend approximately 8 hours per week outside of class working on the course readings and assignments. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assessment: | Homework will be assigned and graded. Students will be asked to give presentations in class, and these will also be graded. Accommodations are available for students for whom oral presentations are difficult. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Course Grade: |
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| Project: |
Each student must complete a class project according to the following schedule. Students are expected to discuss the project with the instructor before the preliminary proposal is due on October 1. Group projects are acceptable, subject to instructor approval.
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| Political Opinions: | The science discussed in this class can be open to interpretation, but those interpretations will be discussed by quantitatively exploring and analyzing the data. However, it is impossible to discuss how to adapt to climate change or how to mitigate climate change without entering politics. We will not shy away from political discussions, but students (and the instructor) are expected to respect the right of everyone to hold different political opinions and to engage in calm and rational discussions. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| General expectations for all courses at the University of Minnesota can be found by following the links below. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Education & Student Life Policies Student Conduct Code Use of Personal Electronic Devices in the Classroom Scholastic Dishonesty Excused Absences and Makeup Work Appropriate Student Use of Class Notes and Course Materials University Grading Scales Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Stalking and Relationship Violence Equity, Diversity, Equal Opportunity, and Affirmative Action Disability Accommodations Mental Health and Stress Management | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||