Use the Tab and Up, Down arrow keys to select menu items.
This introductory course explores the evolution of the Antarctic continent, the dynamics of polar ice, the drivers of weather and climate in Antarctica, the circulation of the Southern Ocean, astronomy and human interaction with the polar region including the history of exploration and intriguing legal issues.
Please note that the 2026 timetable has not been finalised.
Scheduled days and times will be confirmed, following review, on 15th October.
Students must attend one activity from each section.
Berkman, Paul Arthur; Science into policy : global lessons from Antarctica ; Academic Press, 2002.
Chaturvedi, Sanjay; The polar regions : a political geography ; Published in association with the Scott Polar Research Institute by J. Wiley, 1996.
Crossley, Louise , Australian Antarctic Foundation., Australian Surveying and Land Information Group; Explore Antarctica ; Cambridge University Press, 1995.
Liggett, D., B. Storey, Y. Cook, and V. Meduna (eds.); Exploring the last continent – an introduction to Antarctica. Springer International, 2015. Electronic book available in Library ;
McGonigal, David , Woodworth, Lynn; Antarctica : the blue continent ; Random House New Zealand, 2002.
Riffenburgh, Beau; Encyclopedia of the Antarctic ; Routledge, 2007.
Waterhouse, E. J. , Antarctica New Zealand; Ross Sea region 2001 : a state of the environment report for the Ross Sea region of Antarctica ; New Zealand Antarctic Institute (Antarctica New Zealand), 2001.
Library portal
Domestic fee $1,099.00
International fee $5,388.00
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
For further information see School of Earth and Environment on the departments and faculties page .