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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.
Summary of Course Content· Geological evolution of the Antarctic· Dynamics of the Antarctic ice sheet and sea ice· Antarctic weather and climate· The history of Antarctic exploration and the Antarctic Treaty· The Southern Ocean in the global climate system· Astronomy and the role of the polar regions
Upon completion of the course students will broadly understand the physical characteristics of Antarctica, will be able to relate global climate change issues to Antarctic climate, and will understand the basic concepts and techniques used to explore Antarctica and the universe today. Students will understand the significance and challenges of gaining knowledge in Antarctica.
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attributes specified below:
Biculturally competent and confident
Students will be aware of and understand the nature of biculturalism in Aotearoa New Zealand, and its relevance to their area of study and/or their degree.
Engaged with the community
Students will have observed and understood a culture within a community by reflecting on their own performance and experiences within that community.
Globally aware
Students will comprehend the influence of global conditions on their discipline and will be competent in engaging with global and multi-cultural contexts.
Students must attend one activity from each section.
2-3 lectures per week (a total of 30 lectures), with a practical session (a total of 6) during weeks with 2 lectures.
Wolfgang Rack
Adrian McDonald , Ursula Rack , Jenni Adams and Kari Bassett
Mary Botting
No Textbook Required.Recommended readings in the UC Antarctic collection:Dowdeswell, J.A., and Hambrey, M.J; The continent of Antarctica. Papadakis, 2018.Dowdeswell, J.A., Canals, M., Jakobsson, M., Todd, B.J., Dowdeswell, E.K., and K.A. Hogan; Atlas ofsubmarine glacial landforms: modern, quaternary and ancient; The Geological Society London,2016.Fretwell, P.; Antarctic Atlas: new maps and graphics that tell the story of a continent. ParticularBooks, 2020.Liggett, D., B. Storey, Y. Cook, and V. Meduna (eds.); Exploring the last continent – an introductionto Antarctica. Springer International, 2015.McGonigal, D., and L. Woodworth; Antarctica : the blue continent. Random House New Zealand,2002.Nuttal, M., Christensen, T.R., and M.J. Siegert (eds.); The Routledge handbook of the polar regions.Routledge, 2018.Riffenburgh, Beau; Encyclopedia of the Antarctic ; Routledge, 2007.
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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 .