AB-829 Arctic Winter Ecology (10 ECTS)
ID:
AB-829
CREDITS:
10 ECTS
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
October 01, 2026
START DATE:
January 06, 2027
END DATE:
February 26, 2027
COURSE PERIOD:
Spring semester. Teaching block 1
AB-329/829 students performing fieldwork ion Colessletta. Photo: Larissa Beumer/UNIS.
| Grade: | Letter grade (A through F) |
| Course Cost: | None |
| Course Capacity Min/Max: | 10/20 students (AB-329/829 in total) |
| Language of instruction: | English |
| Course materials: | Primary scientific literature and book chapters, 150-250 pages |
| Examination support material: | Bilingual dictionary between English and mother tongue |
Course requirements
Enrollment in a PhD programme in biology or another relevant PhD programme.
Academic content
The students will gain insight into Arctic winter ecology by lectures. Topics will be the geophysical characteristics of seasonal, northern environments, physical properties of snow and ice, and adaptation and survival of terrestrial organisms during the Arctic winter. In seminar discussions, based on the course literature, certain topics will be dealt with in depth such as adaptive traits in terrestrial plants, invertebrates and vertebrates, as well as the effects of changes in winter conditions as a consequence of climate change.
Strong emphasis is on field demonstrations of relevant features of the winter in the high Arctic for better understanding the selective forces of the Arctic winter.
Students are trained in applying ecological theory and methodology through field studies, and through writing a research proposal. Special focus is on teamwork and flexible project planning under challenging arctic winter conditions. The students present the results from project work in a poster and by oral presentation.
Learning outcomes
Upon completing the course, the students will be able to:
Knowledge
- describe and explain environmental conditions during the Arctic winter
- describe and explain adaptations and survival strategies that enable successful overwintering in terrestrial organisms
- explain and evaluate major winter conditions which impact on biological communities and terrestrial ecosystems
- apply gained knowledge to examine relationships among abiotic and biotic factors in the field, and interpret and evaluate current research within Arctic winter ecology and adaptations.
Skills
- apply established ecological theories and scientific methods in project planning and data analysis
- measure environmental factors characterizing winter conditions in the field
- conduct laboratory measurements related to winter adaptation in terrestrial organisms
- investigate ecological data based on statistical evaluation and relate it to established ecological theory.
General competences
- plan and accomplish field work under harsh conditions of the Arctic winter
- demonstrate leadership and teamwork in research projects
- develop and manage a research project
- lead literature seminars
- independently communicate research results orally and in writing.
Learning activities
The course extends over 6 weeks. In forefront of the course, there will be one week of compulsory safety training, Arctic survival and safety training (AS-101).
AB-829 is run in combination with AB-329 (MSc-equivalent of the course).
Prior to arrival on Svalbard students are expected to read primary literature that has been sent to them in advance, (approximately half a week of full-time study). After arrival at UNIS, the course extends over 6-7 intensive weeks including compulsory safety training. See “Academic content” for an overview of the learning activities.
Note that the students need to be prepared for long workdays during field and lab periods and work may extend into the evenings or be carried out during the weekends. Also, the schedule is expected to change on short notice due to changing weather conditions, and high flexibility in planning is expected.
Summary
- Total lecture/seminar hours: 50 hours
- Lab work: 30 hours
- Fieldwork: ca. 4-6 day-excursions (strongly weather dependent)
Compulsory learning activities
All compulsory learning activities must be approved in order to be registered for the final assessment.
- Literature seminars with topical presentations
- Field work
- Laboratory work
- Safety training
Assessment
All assessments must be passed in order to pass the course.
Each assessment is graded, and subsequently combined into a single grade. Partial grades for each assessment will be available.
| Method |
Percentage of final grade
|
| Poster (group work), including individual reflections | 50 % |
| Written research proposal (individual) | 50 % |
Student life
