This course is an exciting opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students interested in Arctic environmental change. The 21-day course includes three days of classroom instruction and local field trips in the Fairbanks area, a 15-day field excursion to Alaska's North Slope, and three days for student presentations and local field trips at the end. The field excursion will have a strong emphasis on Arctic environments, local people, and field sampling.
Students will learn about Arctic vegetation, soils, landforms, permafrost, geology, wildlife, and land-use. We will travel along the latitudinal transect from Fairbanks to Prudhoe Bay, which traverses boreal forest, alpine, and Arctic biomes. Students will undertake an independent research project of their choosing.
Twelve days will be spent camping at different locations along the route. We will also stay at Toolik Field Station, a world-renowned Arctic research station. Guest instructors will discuss Arctic ecology, permafrost, life in Arctic communities, and environmental issues related to oilfield development and other aspects of Arctic social-ecological systems.
The cost of meals, lodging and travel between the field sites is included in the course fee. Students will need to bring all-weather clothing including winter jackets and rubber boots, and a warm sleeping bag. Expedition tents will be provided.
The course is limited to 15 undergraduate and/or graduate students. Registration begins 23 February 2015.
International students must apply by 15 March 2015 and meet UAF Summer Sessions’ guidelines for attending school in the United States.
Scholarship available for an Alaska Native student with an interest in biology.
For further information and eligibility criteria, please see the attached brochure and the course webpages at www.uaf.edu/summer/arcticveg.