ASCRC Proposed Changes
Climate Change Studies Program
Fall 2014
1) Create new course: Science of Climate Change/Honors, CCS/NRSM 284, 3 cr., fall
semester. Honors course that is open to all, max 25 students. Instructor Ashley
Ballantyne.
This course is running as an experimental 291 course this fall. It is a critical course for
the Climate Change Studies minor as the only lower-level science-area course offering. It
is open to all students in the CFC and across campus. There is a GEO 108, Climate
Change: Past and Present course on the books, which was taught for several years by
Geoscience professors and adjuncts, but there is no indication it will be taught again in
the future due to staffing limitations within the Geoscience faculty.
Course Description: This course provides an introduction to the earth’s climate system
and the science of climate change. The course discusses the carbon cycle, climate/biology
interactions, biodiversity implications, ocean biogeochemical changes, future projections,
and current uncertainties. This class is open to all undergraduates, both science and nonscience majors, and counts toward the Climate Change Studies minor.
2) Change course number for the Climate Change Practicum course from CCS 391
to CCS 395 to be consistent with the reserved course number for a practicum. Also, add
one section that will be co-convened with NRGY 295, Energy Technology Practicum II.
Through an NSF grant with Brad Layton, the Energy Technology Program Director,
funding is available to create a new, co-convened course that will engage Climate Change
Studies and Energy Technology students jointly in project work that helps to advance
technological strategies that will reduce the University of Montana’s carbon footprint.
Course Description: For students in the Climate Change Studies and Energy Technology
Programs who want to jointly design and perform a significant capstone project involving
a creative solution to climate change. Students have responsibility for designing their
projects, which are subject to faculty approval. Faculty may also propose and supervise
specific practicum projects. Project proposal, narrative activity log, documentary report,
and public presentation are required.
3) Crosslist NRSM 408 Global Cycles and Climate with CCS 408
Justification: NRSM 408 Global Cycles and Climate serves a critical need within the
Climate Change Studies minor program. It is one of only four science-area course
offerings. A majority of the students who enroll in that course are a part of the Climate
Change Studies minor. Identifying this course within Climate Change Studies course
listing will help student recognize it as a means to meet their minor requirements.