AS-226 Health, safety and risk in the Arctic (10 ECTS)
ID:
AS-226
CREDITS:
10 ECTS
START DATE:
August 20, 2025
END DATE:
December 12, 2025
COURSE PERIOD:
August-December
Course requirements:
The course is not open for application. The course is mandatory for students enrolled in the Arctic Nature Guide-study arranged by UiT – The Arctic University of Norway.
Academic content:
The course is taught in parallel with other courses in the Arctic Nature Guide study. It is both practically and theoretically oriented. The course aims to increase the students’ knowledge in safety and risk management in the Arctic nature in addition to first aid practical knowledge on the most important topics for the High-Arctic context.
The structure is module based.
- Module 1: Polar bear safety 6 days. Includes
- Review of laws and regulations
- handling of conflict situations and encounters.
- Safe rifle handling
- pyrotechnic for deterrent
- scenario training including decision making and leading groups in encounters
- Module 2: Safety management 3 days. Includes
- Introduction to safety management principles
- Practical use of risk analysis
- Planning a safe trip
- HSE brief
- Deviation report systems
- Module 3: Field leadership 2 days. Includes
- Group processes and human factors
- Decision making
- Crisis management
- Module 4: First aid 5 days. Includes
- Practical first aid training with focus on Arctic conditions and injuries related to activities on guided trips.
- The course and training according to the Norwegian Red Cross’ standards
Learning outcome:
Knowledge
Upon completing the course, the students:
- has broad knowledge of important topics, theories and methods to be able to plan safe travel, manage groups and handle emergency situations in the Arctic nature.
- is familiar with research and development within the field of health, safety-, and risk management in the Arctic.
Skills
Upon completing the course, the students:
- can apply professional knowledge in safety planning and management of groups in the Arctic context
- can master basic first aid related to specific issues in an High-Arctic context.
- can find information for conducting risk analysis, assess this information and refer to it for practical performance of guided tours
General competences
Upon completing the course, the student:
- has insight into safety and risk issues related to excursions in the High-Arctic
- can plan and carry out safety assessments and risk analysis related to outdoor activities for groups and individuals in the Arctic
- can exchange opinions with others with a background in the field, and participate in discussions concerning the development of good safety practice
Learning activities:
The course extends over the autumn and spring semester, with total seven modules (topics). A large part of the course takes place outdoors and includes practical exercises and developing experience. The teaching methods will be student-focused and involve problem-based learning, project work, group work, practical and methodical work with guidance throughout the course, lectures, and discussions.
Total lecture hours: Ca. 20 hours
Total seminar hours: Ca. 75 hours
Excursions: 4 days
Compulsory learning activities:
- mandatory attendance in all first aid and polar bear safety lectures and practice
- approved participation polar bear safety and first aid, and passing the first aid-test and shooting test
All compulsory learning activities must be approved in order to be registered for the final assessment.
Assessment:
Written semester assignment with focus on safety management.
| Method | Percentage of final grade |
| Written semester assignment | 100 % |