| Type | Name | Organization | Country |
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Course
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AB-201 Terrestrial Arctic Biology
| AB-201 Terrestrial Arctic Biology |
| The course offers an introduction to terrestrial and fresh water biological communities of the Arctic, approached by considering adaptations of organisms to Arctic terrestrial habitats and how the organism interacts, both within and between tropic levels, with a special emphasis on Svalbard. The role of the physical conditions of the Arctic as well as the biological interactions in shaping Arctic communities will be explored in comparison with communities of other terrestrial and limnic regions, especially those of temperate alpine tundras and Antarctic tundras. The structure of plant communities and the representation of different plant growth forms (or functional types) will be studied in relation to climate, geomorphology, soil microflora and herbivory. For invertebrates, the emphasis will be on the ecology of those groups that are of greatest significance on Svalbard. Limnology is included as an element of this course with both field projects and linked lectures. Among the vertebrates the ecology of terrestrial birds and mammals and freshwater fish will be discussed. The link between terrestrial and marine ecosystems through seabirds and sea-mammals will be discussed, but this will be dealt with in more detail in course AB-202.
This course is part of the Arctic Biology Program. |
| Contact: Pernille Bronken Eidesen
Application online or via paper form. |
| Bachelor |
| To introduce the structure and function of Arctic terrestrial and fresh water biological communities by focusing on the diversity of adaptations among organisms within a community and their interactions, both within and between tropic levels. The course will give a thorough background for understanding environmental problems in terrestrial and limnic environments. |
| 15 |
| None |
| 45 ECTS in biology (¾ of a year of university level biology) |
| English |
| 50 hrs lectures, 20 hrs seminars, 30 hrs lab exercise, 10 days excursions |
| Written 5 hrs exam (graded) and report (graded) |
Course link
|
| 1/15/2010 10:09 AM |
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| University Centre on Svalbard | NORWAY |
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Course
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AB-202 Marine Arctic Biology
| AB-202 Marine Arctic Biology |
| An introduction to the most important Arctic marine organisms, from plankton to whales, and their adaptations and physiological responses to the environment with regard to physical and chemical factors. Micro-organisms, plankton, invertebrates and fishes will be described as a background to understand plant and animal associations in pack-ice, ice-free water masses and the on the bottom of Arctic seas and fjords. The treatment of subjects such as seabirds and sea-mammals includes their distribution and migration patterns, life-history and physiological adaptations. Energy budgets will be highlighted.
Emphasis will also be put on the complexity of Arctic marine ecosystems from primary producers to top predators, the biomass and productivity at different trophic levels, and how the system functions. Food chains and energy transport paths will be discussed. The conditions in the Arctic will be compared to equivalent conditions in the Antarctic. Elementary physical oceanography will be included in the lectures. The excursions include pelagic and benthic localities. Sampling techniques and analytical methods for environmental variables will be presented. The role of key species in special ecosystems, e.g. the ice-edge, under-ice and bottom biotopes will be demonstrated. Students will take part in projects to be presented at the end of the course.
This course is part of the Arctic Biology program. |
| Contact: Jørgen Berge
Application online or via paper form. |
| Bachelor |
| To provide an introduction to marine Arctic plants and animals, and their adaptations to the environment, and to convey an understanding of how marine ecosystems are built up and how they function, as a background for better conservation policies for these systems. |
| 15 |
| None |
| 45 ECTS in biology (¾ of a year of university level biology) |
| English |
| 50 hrs lectures, 20 hrs seminars, 40 hrs lab exercises, 10 days excursions |
| Written 5 hrs exam (graded) and approved reports |
|
Course link
|
| 1/15/2010 10:36 AM |
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| University Centre on Svalbard | NORWAY |
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Course
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AB-203 Arctic Environmental Management
| AB-203 Arctic Environmental Management |
| The development of management strategies and practice is presented against a background of knowledge about geophysical and biological processes and constraints characterising this part of the Arctic.
Topics to be covered are:
An introduction to the Svalbard community; the Svalbard Treaty; international conventions, and legal regulations as a framework for managerial rule in the Svalbard region, Arctic Council and international organisations; structure, legal basis and fields of responsibilities for institutions involved in the management of Arctic natural resources; the philosophy of Arctic management, basic information on the Arctic geophysical environment, ecosystems and resource dynamics, human presence in the Arctic geophysical environmental, ecosystem, and natural resources; challenges and conflict scenarios relating to resource management in the Arctic including Impact Assessment processes; environmental strategies, encroachment analysis and assessment systems for ecological key components relating to environment and resource management.
The course provides facts and information on a variety of issues within the main concerns mentioned, and introduces students to procedures, methods and technology central to environmental monitoring and management planning.
After this course you will have an understanding of:
* the range of activities, resources and opportunities in Arctic regions including the opening up of Arctic resulting from climate change
* the sustainable exploitation of Arctic resources
* legal processes, international law, disputes and conflict resolution
* the diversity and importance of treaties and conventions
* how to apply this knowledge.
This course is part of the Arctic Biology program. |
| Contact: Steve Coulson
Application online or via paper form. |
| Bachelor |
| To provide comprehensive knowledge of management systems, legal framework and challenges pertaining to utilisation of natural resources and the environmental situation in the Svalbard region. The course is designed for students who wish to include Arctic environmental conservation and management of natural resources as part of their professional training. An emphasis is placed on discussing issues raised during the course with the inhabitants of Longyearbyen. |
| 15 |
| The course is interdisciplinary. Students should have basic training primarily in biology, geophysics, geology or other related science disciplines. |
| None |
| English |
| 70 hrs lectures, seminars, 3 excursions |
| Written 5 hrs exam (counts 80%) and presentation (20%). |
|
Course link
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| 1/15/2010 10:37 AM |
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| University Centre on Svalbard | NORWAY |
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Course
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AB-204 Arctic Ecology and Population Biology
| AB-204 Arctic Ecology and Population Biology |
| The course gives an introduction to the challenges that various organisms meet when living in the Arctic, and describes how individuals adapt to and populations are affected by the arctic environment. The fundamentals of population dynamics are presented, emphasizing single species dynamics, trophic interactions, and effects of environmental changes in time and space (climate, habitat heterogeneity). Basic population genetics will be discussed in light of the past and present influences that arctic populations experience. The adaptations to life in the arctic will be introduced looking particularly at life-history parameters, reproductive strategies and ecophysiology.
Past and future effects of climate change on the ecology and population biology of Arctic organisms will be discussed. The theories presented will be exemplified with case studies from various Arctic organisms. An introduction to Arctic field and lab studies will be given to illustrate different aspects of ecology and population biology.
This course is part of the Arctic Biology program. |
| Contact: Tove Gabrielsen
Application online or via paper form. |
| Bachelor |
| To introduce the fundamental theories of modern ecology and population biology as a basis for understanding how various organisms meet the challenges of life in the Arctic. This course represents a theoretical background for the courses in terrestrial and marine arctic biology (AB-201 and AB-202). |
| 15 |
| None |
| 45 ECTS in biology (¾ of a year of university level biology) |
| English |
| 60 hrs lectures, 30 hrs seminars, 30 hrs lab, field excursions |
| Written 5 hrs exam, exam (80 %) and graded individual rapport (20 %) |
|
Course link
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| 1/15/2010 10:36 AM |
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| University Centre on Svalbard | NORWAY |
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Course
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AB-320 Marine Zooplankton and Sympagic Fauna of Svalbard Waters
| AB-320 Marine Zooplankton and Sympagic Fauna of Svalbard Waters |
| A one-week theoretical introduction (during which practical projects will be introduced) will be followed by a 1 - 2 week research excursion. During this cruise sampling will be conducted in different pelagic and sympagic habitats (fjords, coastal waters, near the sea-ice edge) in Svalbard's waters. The last part of the course (2 - 3 weeks) will contain lab-exercises focused on identification and quantification of the collected samples, seminars in groups focusing on the treatment of collected material and preparation of the final report. Lectures will deal with: problems related to identification of the organisms; life-histories of zooplankton and sympagic organisms; relevant literature in faunistics/ taxonomy of zooplankton and sympagic fauna; zoogeographical distribution of important species, and basic ecological features of the pelagial and the sympagic habitat.
This course is part of the Arctic Biology program. |
| Contact: Bjørn Gulliksen
Application online or via paper form. |
| PhD |
| To acquaint the student with the marine invertebrates in pelagic and sympagic (=ice fauna) communities - faunal composition, faunal assemblages in different habitats and faunal relations. Practical knowledge will be provided with regard to sampling methodology and identification of organisms. |
| 10 |
| None |
| Enrolment in a master- or Ph.D. program (exceptionally undergraduate students may be considered) |
| English |
| About 2 weeks excursion, 30 hours of lectures, 30 hours of laboratory exercises/seminars. |
| Written, 4 hours, and practical component (identification of organisms) which counts 1/3 each. Approved report (1/3 of the grade) required. |
|
Course link
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| 1/15/2010 10:38 AM |
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| University Centre on Svalbard | NORWAY |
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Course
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AB-321 Marine Benthic Fauna of Svalbard
| AB-321 Marine Benthic Fauna of Svalbard |
| The course presents the variety in the benthic fauna of Svalbard, from the fjord environments to the open coast. The benthic habitats of Svalbard are diverse with differences in the influence of Atlantic and Arctic water masses. Recorded occurrences and faunal composition of communities at different locations will be evaluated in relation to sampling techniques (benthic sledges, grabs, corers and scuba diving) and the physical environment (water column properties and substrate variables).
The field part of the course focuses extensively on practical exercises, presenting qualitative and quantitative sampling methods. In situ imaging using underwater video/photography will provide supplementary information to the fauna sampled. Lectures and exercises will deal with theoretical and systematic zoology, relevant literature of faunistics/taxonomy of organisms in the Arctic, history of benthic research in Polar seas and zoogeography.
This course is part of the Arctic Biology program. |
| Contact: Bjørn Gulliksen
Application online or via paper form. |
| PhD |
| To acquaint the student with animal life on Arctic seafloors, benthic population ecology and community features in relation to environmental conditions with focus on invertebrates. Practical knowledge will be provided with regard to sampling and treatment of samples, identification of organisms, methods for the study of life-histories of selected organisms and statistical tools for the description of benthic community structures. |
| 10 |
| None |
| Enrolment in a master- or Ph.D. program (exceptionally undergraduate students may be considered) |
| English |
| 30 hrs lectures, 30 hrs lab work. Exercises/seminars, ca 2 weeks excursion. |
| Written 4 hrs exam (1/3 of the grade) and practical part (identification of organisms, counts 1/3). Approved report from field course (counts 1/3). |
|
Course link
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| 1/15/2010 10:38 AM |
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| University Centre on Svalbard | NORWAY |
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Course
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AB-322 Flux of Matter and Energy from Sea to Land
| AB-322 Flux of Matter and Energy from Sea to Land |
| The course will focus on connections across the land-marine boundary. The importance of the marine environment and productivity for some Arctic terrestrial ecosystems will be dealt with.
The main topic of interest will be Arctic seabirds that nest in large, dense colonies, their dependence on the hydrological regime and biological productivity of the waters around Svalbard, and their impact on terrestrial ecosystems. Bird droppings have an important fertilising effect on the vegetation in the vicinity of colonies. The lush greenery below a nesting cliff is an eye-catching feature of an otherwise impoverished arctic landscape. These oases are important grazing areas for herbivores such as the Svalbard reindeer and are hunting grounds for carnivores such as the arctic fox.
Students will study the interdependence of land and marine environments for important groups of arctic inhabitants. This connection between land and sea will be described and quantified on the basis of current understanding of the topic. In order to import first-hand experience, an important part of the course will consist of one week of intensive fieldwork, as well as the development of a model for these paired ecosystems. Specialists in marine biology, ornithology and terrestrial ecology will teach on the course.
This course is part of the Arctic Biology Program. |
| Contact: Jørgen Berge |
| PhD |
| To provide a thorough understanding of all aspects of matter and energy fluxes from sea to land in the Arctic. |
| 10 |
| None |
| Enrolment in a master- or Ph.D. program (exceptionally undergraduate students may be considered) |
| English |
| 30 hrs lectures, 7 days fieldwork/excursion, 20 hrs lab work |
| Oral exam and graded report (50 % each). |
|
Course link
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| 1/15/2010 10:41 AM |
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| University Centre on Svalbard | NORWAY |
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Course
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AB-323 Light, Climate and Primary Productivity in the Arctic
| AB-323 Light, Climate and Primary Productivity in the Arctic |
| This course reviews the main variables (light regime, temperature, nutrients, salinity etc.) affecting primary production in the Arctic. We focus on how phytoplankton, sea ice microalgae and macroalgae acclimatize to variations in the light regime (irradiance, its spectral composition and day length). The lectures are based on literature on algal photosynthesis, general physiology and ecology, and we also focus on differences between various algal classes and pigment groups (chemotaxonomy). The course also includes laboratory exercises in which students study how different algal groups utilise available light for photosynthesis and growth. Experiments to measure oxygen productivity and electron transfer rates (Pulse Amplitude Modulated fluorometry) will be carried out.
This course is part of the Arctic Biology program. |
| Contact: Geir Johnsen
Application online or via paper form.
Deadline: 15. February 2010 |
| PhD |
| To provide students with a better understanding of how marine phytoplankton and macroalgae acclimatize to variations in growth regime (light, temperature, salinity, nutrient composition) as a function of time and space. |
| 10 |
| None |
| Enrolment in a master- or Ph.D. program (exceptionally undergraduate students may be considered) |
| English |
| 30 hrs lectures, 8 hrs seminars, 30 hrs lab exercises, 7 days excursions |
| Oral examination (graded) and approved report. |
|
Course link
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| 1/15/2010 10:38 AM |
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| University Centre on Svalbard | NORWAY |
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Course
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AB-325 Biotelemetric Methods
| AB-325 Biotelemetric Methods |
| The course includes lectures, demonstrations, computer labs and practical exercises that introduce students to a selection of the most relevant techniques for biotelemetry and biologging field studies. This includes VHF-telemetry, satellite-based
tracking with GPS and ARGOS, transponder technology, acoustic sensing systems and selected physiological and behavioural sampling telemetric methods. Relevant technologies for environmental remote sensing will also be introduced. The course will include practical exercises and data processing methods. Laws and regulations pertaining to animal welfare and radio transmissions associated with the use of telemetric equipment and instrumentation of wild animals will be included. Students may have the opportunity to join field work in on-going research programmes, depending on the availability of such research projects. (But please note that this is NOT a field-course).
This course is part of the Arctic Biology Program. |
| Contact: Prof. Kit M. Kovacs
Application online or via paper form. |
| PhD |
| To introduce students to technologies and procedures for biotelemetric and biologging studies. The course is intended for graduate students working with projects involving field studies of vertebrate taxa. The course will focus primarily on Arctic wildlife species. |
| 10 |
| None |
| Enrolment in a master- or Ph.D. program (exceptionally undergraduate students may be considered) |
| English |
| Ca. 35 hrs lecture, 25 hrs demonstrations/exercises, 4 excursion days. Students will attend seminars and present oral reports |
| Oral exam (in English) |
|
Course link
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| 1/15/2010 10:39 AM |
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| University Centre on Svalbard | NORWAY |
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Course
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AB-326 Arctic Plant Ecology
| AB-326 Arctic Plant Ecology |
| The course will start with a week theoretical part intertwined with demonstrations during short excursions around Longyearbyen. The present distribution of the Arctic flora and vegetation as well as genetic patterns within and among Arctic plant populations will be presented and discussed in the view of the glacial history of the Arctic. The patterns of plant traits represented by Arctic plants will be discussed in the light of the specific selection pressures caused by the physical environment and the biotic interactions in different habitats. The resilience of the Arctic flora and vegetation to climatic changes will be considered. The main focus will be on the vascular flora of Svalbard.
The second and main part of the course will be devoted to practical studies of vegetation differentiation, species diversity, patterns of growth forms (including cryptogams) and reproductive strategies (mainly vascular plants) in relation to climate, grazing pressure, micro topography, bedrock and other edaphic aspects. Svalbard is particularly well suited for such studies with its sharp gradients in climatic conditions over short distances, with variety of exposed bedrock types and large contrasts among different areas in grazing pressure by reindeer and geese, created by the dramatic topography and glacier blockades.
During eight days cruise on board on M/S Kongsøy we will visit different bioclimatic zones in Svalbard from the most species rich places to the polar desert. The students will work on specific projects and produce scientific reports. The course is also relevant for students focusing on alpine flora.
This course is part of the Arctic Biology Program. |
| Contact: Inger Greve Alsos
Application online or via paper form. |
| PhD |
| To introduce the flora, phylogegraphy and vegetation history of the Arctic and, through practical fieldwork, to provide an understanding of plant adaptations to the Arctic environment, plant distribution and dispersal, and plant community differentiation. |
| 10 |
| None |
| Enrolment in a master- or Ph.D. program (exceptionally undergraduate students may be considered) |
| English |
| 20 hrs lectures/seminars, 10 days excursion and fieldwork |
| Graded report |
|
Course link
|
| 1/15/2010 10:39 AM |
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| University Centre on Svalbard | NORWAY |
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Course
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AB-327 Arctic Microbiology
| AB-327 Arctic Microbiology |
| The course will give an introduction to microbial ecology under extreme conditions at the limits of habitability. The main part of the course will deal with the role of micro-organisms in transformation of the most important nutrients in the Arctic, both in the terrestrial and marine environments. Sites close to Longyearbyen on Svalbard will be used to illustrate processes in Arctic terrestrial ecosystems. Production and utilisation of methane and nitrogen cycling, including nitrogen fixation, will be measured in the field and in the laboratory. DNA probes will be used to detect specific soil micro organisms. The Barents Sea will be used as an example for processes in a marine environment. In Arctic seas, large amounts of organic matter accumulate due to slow microbial degradation. Therefore, during the course, students will measure total bacterial counts, biomass, microbial activity, and so on, in Arctic marine waters.
This course is part of the Arctic Biology Program. |
| Contact: David Pearce
Application online or via paper form.
Deadline: 15. February 2010 |
| PhD |
| The course will give an understanding of the role of micro-organisms in nutrient cycling in Polar Regions. In the practical part, students will measure important processes in the carbon and nitrogen cycles and use up-to-date molecular biological techniques for detection of specific bacteria in Arctic soils. |
| 10 |
| None |
| Enrolment in a master- or Ph.D. program (exceptionally undergraduate students may be considered) |
| English |
| ca 30 hrs lectures/seminars, 10 days in the field and laboratory (obligatory). |
| Oral exam (graded) and approved report. |
|
Course link
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| 1/15/2010 10:39 AM |
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| University Centre on Svalbard | NORWAY |
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Course
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AB-329 Arctic winter ecology
| AB-329 Arctic winter ecology |
| The course is structured in two modules:
* an introductory module addressing geophysical characteristics of seasonal, northern environments, energy flow in ecosystems, metabolic processes etc.
* a terrestrial module focusing on ecosystem function during winter: Vegetation structure, plant traits related to winter survival and plant-herbivore interactions. Terrestrial invertebrates, diversity and strategies for winter survival. Terrestrial vertebrates, anatomical and physiological properties, energy budgets and activity, feeding ecology, population dynamics, and social structures.
This course is part of the Arctic Biology Program. |
| Contact: Jon Aars
Application online or via paper form. |
| PhD |
| The course aims to provide Master and Ph.D. students in biology with a comprehensive introduction to processes and mechanisms among organisms living in seasonal, northern and arctic environments. Emphasis is placed on winter survival, adaptations, the impact of the physical environment on ecosystems and living organisms, and their expressed anatomical and physiological characteristics. How these influence life history strategies, demography, population dynamics, ecosystem structures and function, and trophic interactions is discussed. The consequences of climate change for arctic ecosystems and organisms will be considered. |
| 10 |
| None |
| Enrolment in a master- or Ph.D. program (exceptionally undergraduate students may be considered) |
| English |
| 35 hrs lectures/seminars, 20 hrs demonstrations and exercises, field work and seminars |
| Written 4 hrs exam (graded) |
|
Course link
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| 1/15/2010 10:40 AM |
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| University Centre on Svalbard | NORWAY |
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Course
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AB-330 Ecosystems in ice covered waters
| AB-330 Ecosystems in ice covered waters |
| Lectures will deal with methods and theories related to the structure, dynamics and function of marine food webs. It will further be a focus on methods used (such as DNA tracers, stable isotopes, lipid chemistry and stomach analysis) to detect pathways. Models used in the analysis of biological networks will be introduced. The course may have a different geographical focus (Fjord, SSIZ, MSIZ, PSIZ etc.) depending on the system studied. Different sub-elements of the system will be in focus in different years. Initially the practical focus will be on the lower trophic levels, various components of upper trophic levels may be included depending on the system studied.
This course is part of the Arctic Biology Program. |
| Contact: Ole Jørgen Lønne
Application online or via paper form.
Deadline: 15. February 2010 |
| PhD |
| To give an insight into theories, tools and methods available to study the structure, dynamics and related processes of ecosystems with the sea-ice system as a model unit. The course will have an ecosystem approach where components and processes, from primary production to the role of top predators may be relevant. Ecological networks are typically represented by foodwebs. Who is present and who affects whom directly or indirectly through feeding interactions will be highlighed using both binary and trophic food web models. Energy (and possibly carbon) transfered through the lower trophic levels will be a focal point. The importance of the physical properties of the ice habitat (age, structure, history etc.), and the ice - water boundary layer in shaping the observed ecosystem structures will be important. |
| 10 |
| None |
| Enrolment in a master- or Ph.D. program (exceptionally undergraduate students may be considered) |
| English |
| About 2 weeks excursion, 30 hours of lectures, 30 hours of laboratory exercises/ seminars. |
| Written, 4 hours, and approved report |
|
Course link
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| 1/15/2010 10:40 AM |
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| University Centre on Svalbard | NORWAY |
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Program
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Aboriginal Justice and Criminology
| Aboriginal Justice and Criminology |
| Aboriginal people are over-represented in Canada’s criminal justice system, both as those accused of crimes and those who have been convicted. They are also under-represented as those employed in the system. Aboriginal Justice & Criminology explores the impact of discrimination on the lives of Aboriginal men, women and youth and studies the steps that Aboriginal communities are taking to reclaim their justice practices and stop the continued over-representation of their citizens in the Canadian criminal justice system. |
| Bachelor |
| Explore the relationship between Aboriginal people and the criminal justice system. Gain valuable work experience through practicum placements in the areas of policing, courts, corrections and community-based justice agencies. Prepare for a career in criminal justice. |
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Program link
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| 1/20/2010 9:07 AM |
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| University of Saskatchewan | CANADA |
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Program
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Aboriginal Studies
| Aboriginal Studies |
| This is an interdisciplinary program that has been designed to promote understanding of Native peoples, in particular those inhabiting Newfoundland and Labrador, their traditions and the historical roots of the complex issues that need to be resolved. |
| Bachelor |
| We suggest that a minor in Aboriginal Studies will prove useful to any university graduate who wishes to have a fuller understanding of her or his country. Moreover, the perspective taken in the program will be especially useful for prospective teachers who will need to explain aboriginal issues to their classes, and it will also be valuable for students planning a career in social services, management, law, administration, health care delivery, forestry, and mining - just to name a few. |
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Program link
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| 2/2/2010 10:50 AM |
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| Memorial University of Newfoundland | CANADA |
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Program
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Aboriginal University Bridging Certificate Program
| Aboriginal University Bridging Certificate Program |
| The program is designed to meet the needs of students pursuing post-secondary education. The program is comprised of pre-requisite courses for most faculties and individually centered programs reflecting a students chosen path of study..
Courses will vary according to specific needs of each student. |
| Bachelor |
| The comprehensive bridging program provides Aboriginal adult learners with access to knowledge, tools, and skills to successfully enter University. The program will be of interest to students who want to complete pre-requisite requirements as they transition to post-secondary education (academic, ABE or trades). |
|
Program link
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| 2/23/2010 9:14 AM |
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| Vancouver Island University | CANADA |
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Course
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AG-204 The Physical Geography of Svalbard
| AG-204 The Physical Geography of Svalbard |
| The climatic conditions on Svalbard, the energy exchange at the ground surface, the ground thermal regime and the availability of water will be emphasised as essential factors controlling the distribution of glaciers, permafrost and periglacial landforms. Glacier mass balance, thermal structure and geomorphic activity of Svalbard glaciers will be covered, with emphasis on the interaction between glaciers and permafrost. There will also be a discussion of geomorphological processes such as glacial erosion, glacial deposition, frost weathering, mass movement, permafrost deformation, and frost heave and contraction in connection with freezing and thawing. Also hydrological processes such as snow cover formation and ablation, surface and subsurface drainage of water, river flow and sediment transport will be discussed. Field methods, mapping techniques and methods of data interpretation (group work) will be introduced. The students will experience a variety of glaciological, geo-morphological and hydrological processes through field excursions.
This course is part of the Arctic Geology Program. |
| Contact: Doug Benn
Application online or via paper form. |
| Bachelor |
| Glaciers cover about 60 percent of the area of Svalbard while the rest is underlain by continuous permafrost. In this geographical setting, the course introduces the most important meteorological, glaciological, geomorphological and hydrological processes on Svalbard. Primary focus will be on an understanding of the linkages between climate, meteorology, geomorphology, hydrology, and ground and glacier ice thermal regimes in permafrost regions. |
| 15 |
| None. |
| 60 ECTS in natural sciences at university level, whereof 30 ECTS must be within earth sciences |
| English |
| 45 hrs lectures, 35 hrs seminars/ group work with field exercises, 4 days field excursions (obligatory). |
| 3 hrs exam (counts 60 % of grade) and semester project (40%). |
|
Course link
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| 1/15/2010 10:58 AM |
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| University Centre on Svalbard | NORWAY |
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Course
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AG-209 The Tectonic and Sedimentary History of Svalbard
| AG-209 The Tectonic and Sedimentary History of Svalbard |
| In the Svalbard Archipelago there is a well developed and well exposed stratigraphic record that comprises Precambrian, Late Palaeozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic strata. Based on the extensive research that has been carried out in the area, the course will offer students an understanding of the tectonic and sedimentary evolution of Svalbard and the Barents Sea from the Precambrian to the Cenozoic. Importance is attached to the understanding of the tectonic development and changes in the sedimentary environment over time. The geological evolution of Svalbard will be used to illustrate important geological subjects such as the formation of sedimentary basins, fold and thrust belts, hydrocarbon formation and sequence stratigraphy. The course will also give insight into coal mining, the mineral resources of Svalbard, and the hydrocarbon potential of the Barents Sea area. Fieldwork and practical exercises on core and seismic data is an important part of the course, during which students will study examples of a large part of Svalbard’s history and receive training in sedimentological, stratigraphic and structural techniques. An independent research project on a topic related to the course content will be carried out during the term and presented as a written report and in a seminar.
This course is part of the Arctic Geology Program. |
| Contact: Maria Jensen
Application online or via paper form. |
| Bachelor |
| To offer a thorough understanding of the geological evolution of Svalbard and the Barents Sea from the Precambrian to the Cenozoic, and to use sedimentary, structural and stratigraphic relationships to understand important geological principles. |
| 15 |
| None |
| 60 ECTS in natural sciences at university level, whereof 30 ECTS must be within earth sciences |
| English |
| 35 hrs lectures, 35 hrs practicals, 5-7 days excursion. |
| Written 3 hr exam (60 %), term project (40%) |
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Course link
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| 1/15/2010 11:00 AM |
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| University Centre on Svalbard | NORWAY |
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Course
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AG-210 The Quaternary History of Svalbard
| AG-210 The Quaternary History of Svalbard |
| The course will give insight into the Quaternary geological evolution of the landscape with its fjords, valleys, cirques, mountains and marine terraces by repeated glacial and interglacial cycles. During the last glacial cycle, 120,000-10,000 years ago, Svalbard was subject to two or three major glaciations with a major ice sheet over the Barents Sea and Svalbard. During their maximum, glaciers extended in fjords and troughs out to the shelf break west of Spitsbergen. The concept of distinctive ice dynamics and glacier regimes reflected in landscapes has only been introduced in the last few years. Therefore, it is essential to study different landform associations of cold based, polythermal and surge-type glaciers. The Late Weichselian ended with rapid deglaciation during the period 15,000-10,000 years ago. The following isostatic uplift left flights of marine terraces around Svalbard. During the early and mid Holocene, Svalbard climate was milder than now and most glaciers were probably smaller than at present. Glaciers expanded considerably during the Late Holocene culminating with the Little Ice Age, which ended on Svalbard during the first decade of the 20th Century. The lectures will illustrate Quaternary geological subjects such as paleoclimatic variability within the Arctic, the formation of glacial and interglacial sedimentary sequences in glacial, glacifluvial, lacustrine and marine environments, postglacial relative sea level and isostatic land uplift. Introduction to Quaternary methods, geochronology and paleoclimatic proxies will be given.
This course is part of the Arctic Geology Program. |
| Contact: Anne Hormes
Application online or via paper form. |
| Bachelor |
| This course offers a thorough understanding of the Quaternary geological evolution of Svalbard and the Barents Sea. Primary focus will be on methods and sedimentologic, geomorphologic and stratigraphic principles to reconstruct paleoclimatic fluctuations. Fieldwork (boat excursion and tent camp) is an important part of the course, during which students will study key locations along the West coast of Spitsbergen and receive training in sedimentological, stratigraphic and geomorphologic field techniques. Data collected in the field will form the basis of an independent synthesis and literature project to be completed during the term. |
| 15 |
| None |
| 60 ECTS in natural sciences at university level, whereof 30 ECTS must be within earth sciences |
| English |
| 45 hrs lectures, 25 seminars/exercises, 3-4 days boat excursion in conjunction with AG-211 and 2 days tent camp (obligatory). |
| Written 3 hrs exam (60 % of grade); assessed term project; written and oral presentation, incl. field work (40%). |
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Course link
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| 1/15/2010 11:02 AM |
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| University Centre on Svalbard | NORWAY |
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Course
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AG-211 Arctic Marine Geology
| AG-211 Arctic Marine Geology |
| This course will start with an introduction to geology and oceanography of the world's oceans, outlining the distribution of main sediment types, their respective sources and depositional environments. In the context of the global plate tectonics, the formation of the Arctic Ocean and the resulting change in the ocean’s circulation pattern will be discussed. Various proxies used in deciphering the associated paleoceanographic, sedimentological and climatic variations are examined. The course also covers the modern sediments, sediment sources and sedimentation rates as well as role of the sea ice and permafrost in the Arctic climate history. History of Arctic exploration and current status of mapping of the Arctic Ocean, and its present geography and physiography will be reviewed.
The role of glaciations in the formations of the geological structure, sediment stratigraphy and morphology of Svalbard as well as other high latitude continental margins will form a core part of the course. Typical glacial marine sedimentary environments, ranging from small basins in front of outlet glaciers, through fjords to continental shelves and -slopes as well as deep-water abyssal plains will be discussed. Case studies from the Svalbard margin as well as other presently and formerly glaciated margins will be presented to illustrate characteristic sediment types and stratigraphic sequences associated with each sedimentary environment. Modern marine geological field and laboratory methods and instrumentation used for collecting and analyzing geophysical and sedimentological data will demonstrate some of the tools used in reconstructing the past oceanographic, sedimentary and environmental conditions.
The course will include 3-6 days of marine geological/geophysical cruise on a research vessel in the waters around Svalbard. During the cruise, students will collect geophysical, oceanographic and sedimentological data that they will summarize in a cruise report. The collected data will be further analyzed in the lab after the cruise, and the results will be used in the students’ term projects. Welcome to Svalbard where the Arctic Ocean and its surrounding seas offer a unique opportunity to study the high-latitude marine geological processes and environments!
This course is part of the Arctic Geology Program. |
| Contact: Riko Noormets
Application online or via paper form. |
| Bachelor |
| This course will cover the geological evolution of the Arctic Ocean and its surrounding seas underlining the role of the Arctic region in the global climate. Focus will be on glacier-ocean interactions, palaeoceanography, glacial marine sedimentary environments and associated with them typical submarine landform patterns. Introduction to modern marine geological survey methods and instrumentation will be given. |
| 15 |
| None |
| 60 ECTS in natural sciences at university level, whereof 30 ECTS must be within earth sciences |
| English |
| 42 hrs lectures/seminars, 35 hrs labs/exercises/presentations, 3-6 days scientific cruise (obligatory) |
| 3 hrs written exam (60% of final grade), and written and orally presented term project (40% of final grade), plus approved cruise report (team-work). |
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Course link
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| 1/15/2010 11:04 AM |
Print
| University Centre on Svalbard | NORWAY |
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