This course will explore the physical, biological and chemical fundamentals of polar and alpine environments. Through a series of lectures and workshops, the importance of these regions in terms of climate, sea-level rise, biogeochemical cycling and ecology will be highlighted. This diverse course will pull on multidisciplinary knowledge from physical geography and earth sciences.

Workshop style lectures; 2 hours per week

Group work for group assessment; 1 hour per week

None

None

A policy document will be developed in groups, with time given each week in class for groupwork and formative feedback (60%) 

Two online quizzes will be given (40%)

■ To introduce students to the fundamentals of polar and alpine environments

■ To develop an understanding of the importance of polar and alpine environments globally

■ To provide an understanding of dynamic interactions between the cryosphere, biosphere, atmosphere, lithosphere and hydrosphere within polar and alpine environments

■ To critically examine anthropogenic impacts on polar and alpine environments

■ To consider solutions for challenges in polar and alpine environments

■ To critically examine literature on polar and alpine environments

■ To develop skills in creating documents on environmental issues

■ To develop presentation and teamwork skills

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Discuss the fundamentals of polar and alpine environments

■ Describe the importance of polar and alpine environments globally

■ Discuss the dynamic interactions between the cryosphere, biosphere, atmosphere, lithosphere and hydrosphere within polar and alpine environments

■ Critically assess anthropogenic impacts on polar and alpine environments

■ Critically assess literature on polar and alpine environments

■ Demonstrate their skills in creating documents on environmental issues

■ Demonstrate presentation and teamwork skills