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Introduction to the Arctic

Climate

Paul Myers, Ph.D

The University of Alberta, the University of Tromso and the University of the Arctic invite you to explore this four week course that examines the environment and climate of the circumpolar North. This course is the result of an international collaboration and provides you with an insight into our planet's North. Following an overview of regional geography, we will focus on the cryosphere (ice), as well as the atmosphere and ocean of the region. We will learn why the Arctic is cold and ice covered, and how that impacts its climate and ecosystems. We will also consider how the Arctic is connected to the rest of the world. Finally, we will examine present day climate change, the processes driving it, and evidence for it in the Arctic, before looking at the implications in the rapidly evolving North. Watch a preview of the course here: https://uofa.ualberta.ca/courses/arctic-climate

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What's inside

Syllabus

Arctic Environments

This course is about the remarkable northern regions of the earth, the Arctic! Although sometimes considered remote and dangerous, the Arctic is home to many peoples, along with the ecosystems that they coexist with. Researchers from many fields, both scientists and non-scientists, study this vast circumpolar region to understand the environment, peoples, animals, economies, and resources. You’ll soon learn about the environments (the characteristics of the natural world) and climate (the prevailing atmospheric, oceanic and ice conditions) of the world’s North.

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Develops knowledge of Arctic environments, climate systems, the cryosphere, and the implications of climate change, which are core skills for understanding the world’s North

Explores the environment and climate of the circumpolar North, which is highly relevant to understanding global climate systems and the implications of climate change

Offers a comprehensive study of Arctic climate, which is useful for personal growth and development in environmental awareness

Examines current climate change in the Arctic and its implications, which is highly relevant to understanding the future of our planet

Taught by Paul Myers, Ph.D, who are recognized for their work in Arctic climate

Requires learners to come in with no extensive background knowledge, making it accessible to a wider audience

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Reviews summary

Clear introduction to arctic climate

According to learners, this course provides a clear and accessible introduction to the Arctic environment and climate systems. Students frequently mention the engaging lectures that cover key topics such as the cryosphere, atmosphere, ocean systems, and the significant implications of climate change in the region. Many reviewers found the content easy to follow, even those without a prior science background, making it a solid starting point for understanding the Arctic's global importance. While the course is praised for its well-structured material and knowledgeable instructors, a notable number of students felt it was too simplistic and lacked sufficient depth for those seeking advanced scientific insights.

Highlights current Arctic climate change.

"Loved the emphasis on current climate change implications."

"The climate change section was particularly impactful. It feels very up-to-date and relevant."

"The focus on climate change implications was very relevant."

"I particularly appreciated the segments on permafrost and sea ice changes."

"The final lesson on implications of climate change was especially valuable."

Lectures are clear and well-produced.

"The lectures were clear, engaging, and easy to follow..."

"The lectures were well-produced and easy to digest."

"Lectures were informative and kept me engaged."

"The visuals in the lectures were helpful for illustrating concepts..."

"The lecturers were passionate and knowledgeable."

Good overview of key Arctic systems.

"Solid introduction to Arctic climate. Covers the key aspects - cryosphere, atmosphere, oceans, and climate change impacts."

"Excellent course! The material is well-structured and presented logically."

"A comprehensive look at the Arctic environment and climate. The course covers a lot of ground in four weeks."

"It serves as a good starting point for understanding Arctic science and climate issues."

"Provides a good overview but doesn't go into much depth."

Easy to follow, even for beginners.

"The lectures were clear, engaging, and easy to follow, even for someone without a strong science background."

"It provided a clear and accessible overview of a complex topic."

"Truly enjoyed this course. It provided a clear and accessible overview of a complex topic."

"I found the content easy to follow and well-presented for an introduction."

"This course is accessible for non-scientists like myself, which I appreciated."

Too simplistic for advanced learners.

"If you're looking for advanced scientific detail, this might not be for you. It's definitely an 'introduction'."

"Found the course a bit too simplistic. While the topics are important, the treatment felt superficial."

"Not challenging enough for someone with prior knowledge in climate science."

"It serves as a very basic intro, perhaps for complete beginners only."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introduction to the Arctic: Climate with these activities:

Organize and review your course materials regularly

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Organizing and reviewing your course materials will help you stay on top of the content and improve your retention.

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Create a system for organizing your notes, assignments, and other materials.
Set aside time each week to review your materials.
Identify any areas where you need additional clarification.

Review the Arctic Climate Processes

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Build a strong foundation by refreshing your knowledge of Arctic climate processes, including the cryosphere and greenhouse effect, to enhance your understanding of the course content.

Browse courses on Arctic Climate

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Revisit textbook chapters or online resources on Arctic climate.
Summarize key concepts such as sea ice formation, atmospheric circulation, and ocean currents.
Create a diagram or concept map to illustrate the interconnections between different climate processes.

Brush up on your knowledge of basic meteorology

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Understanding basic meteorology will provide a foundation for understanding the course materials.

Browse courses on Meteorology

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Review the basics of atmospheric composition and structure.
Study the processes that drive weather patterns.
Familiarize yourself with the different types of clouds and their significance.
Learn about the use of weather instruments and data.

Seven other activities

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Identify and reach out to potential mentors in the field of Arctic climate science

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Seeking mentorship can provide you with personalized guidance and support in your learning journey.

Browse courses on Mentorship

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Identify potential mentors based on their expertise and experience in Arctic climate science.
Prepare an introduction and explain why you are seeking mentorship.
Reach out to potential mentors via email or LinkedIn, and request a meeting or phone call.

Participate in discussion forums and study groups

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Engaging with your peers will provide opportunities to clarify concepts, share insights, and receive feedback.

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Identify relevant discussion forums or study groups.
Actively participate in discussions by asking questions, sharing your perspectives, and providing constructive feedback.
Collaborate with other students to review materials, prepare for assessments, and work on projects.

Solve practice problems related to Arctic climate processes

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Solving practice problems will reinforce your understanding of the physical processes that shape the Arctic climate.

Browse courses on Climate Modeling

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Find practice problems from textbooks, online resources, or previous exams.
Work through the problems step-by-step.
Check your answers and identify areas where you need further clarification.

Develop a concept map of the Arctic climate system

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Creating a concept map will help you visualize and understand the interconnectedness of different components of the Arctic climate system.

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Identify the key components of the Arctic climate system, such as the atmosphere, ocean, cryosphere, and biosphere.
Research the interactions between these components.
Use a visual representation, such as a diagram or flowchart, to organize your findings.

Explore interactive online tutorials and simulations related to Arctic climate

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Interactive tutorials and simulations can provide hands-on experience and help you visualize complex concepts.

Browse courses on Simulations

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Search for reputable online resources that offer interactive tutorials and simulations on Arctic climate.
Choose tutorials and simulations that align with your learning objectives.
Work through the tutorials and simulations, taking notes and seeking clarification when needed.

Attend workshops or webinars on Arctic climate change and its impacts

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Workshops and webinars provide opportunities to learn from experts and engage with the latest research and developments.

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Identify upcoming workshops or webinars related to Arctic climate change and its impacts.
Register and attend the event.
Actively participate in discussions and ask questions.
Follow up with speakers or organizers to expand your understanding.

Contribute to open-source projects related to Arctic climate research

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Contributing to open-source projects can provide practical experience and connect you with a community of researchers.

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Identify open-source projects related to Arctic climate research.
Review the project documentation and identify ways to contribute.
Submit code contributions or other contributions to the project.
Engage with the project community through discussions and issue tracking.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to the Arctic: Climate will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Professor

As a Professor, you teach and conduct research within your area of expertise. This course can help prepare you for this role by giving you a foundation in the climate of the circumpolar North. This knowledge can be helpful for understanding the impacts of climate change on the Arctic and for developing strategies to mitigate these impacts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Professor

Climatologist

As a Climatologist, you study the climate and its effects on the environment. This course can help prepare you for this role by providing you with a foundation in the climate of the circumpolar North. This knowledge can be helpful for understanding the impacts of climate change on the Arctic and for developing strategies to mitigate these impacts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Climatologist

Atmospheric Scientist

As an Atmospheric Scientist, you study the atmosphere and its interactions with the Earth's surface. This course can help prepare you for this role by providing you with a foundation in the climate of the circumpolar North. This knowledge can be helpful for understanding the impacts of climate change on the Arctic and for developing strategies to mitigate these impacts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Atmospheric Scientist

Oceanographer

As an Oceanographer, you study the oceans and their interactions with the Earth's atmosphere and landmasses. This course can help prepare you for this role by providing you with a foundation in the climate of the circumpolar North. This knowledge can be helpful for understanding the impacts of climate change on the Arctic and for developing strategies to mitigate these impacts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Oceanographer

Glaciologist

As a Glaciologist, you study glaciers and their interactions with the Earth's climate. This course can help prepare you for this role by providing you with a foundation in the climate of the circumpolar North. This knowledge can be helpful for understanding the impacts of climate change on the Arctic and for developing strategies to mitigate these impacts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Glaciologist

Environmental Scientist

As an Environmental Scientist, you study the environment and its interactions with human activities. This course can help prepare you for this role by providing you with a foundation in the climate of the circumpolar North. This knowledge can be helpful for understanding the impacts of climate change on the Arctic and for developing strategies to mitigate these impacts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Environmental Engineer

As an Environmental Engineer, you design and implement solutions to environmental problems. This course can help prepare you for this role by providing you with a foundation in the climate of the circumpolar North. This knowledge can be helpful for understanding the impacts of climate change on the Arctic and for developing strategies to mitigate these impacts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Engineer

Policy Analyst

As a Policy Analyst, you research and analyze public policy issues. This course can help prepare you for this role by providing you with a foundation in the climate of the circumpolar North. This knowledge can be helpful for understanding the impacts of climate change on the Arctic and for developing strategies to mitigate these impacts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Sustainability Manager

As a Sustainability Manager, you develop and implement sustainability strategies for organizations. This course can help prepare you for this role by providing you with a foundation in the climate of the circumpolar North. This knowledge can be helpful for understanding the impacts of climate change on the Arctic and for developing strategies to mitigate these impacts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Manager

Science Writer

As a Science Writer, you communicate scientific information to the public. This course may be useful in developing your skills for this role as part of your Science Writer responsibilities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Writer

Journalist

As a Journalist, you write articles or pieces on the Arctic climate and adjacent topics that are published on various reporting platforms including digital, social media, and/or traditional print. This course may be useful in developing your skills for this role as part of your Journalist responsibilities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

Nonprofit Program Manager

As a Nonprofit Program Manager, you oversee the development and implementation of programs for nonprofit organizations. This course may be useful in developing your skills for this role as part of your Nonprofit Program Manager responsibilities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Program Manager

Conservationist

As a Conservationist, you work to protect the environment. This course may be useful in developing your skills for this role as part of your Conservationist responsibilities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Conservationist

Renewable Energy Developer

As a Renewable Energy Developer, you develop and implement renewable energy projects. This course may be useful in developing your skills for this role as part of your Renewable Energy Developer responsibilities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Renewable Energy Developer

Sustainability Consultant

As a Sustainability Consultant, you advise organizations on how to become more sustainable. This course may be useful in developing your skills for this role as part of your Sustainability Consultant responsibilities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Consultant

Reading list

We've selected 22 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Introduction to the Arctic: Climate.

Geomorphology and Natural Hazards

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Provides a comprehensive overview of the impacts of climate change on the Arctic, including its ecosystems, people, and infrastructure. It valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the challenges and opportunities facing the Arctic in the 21st century.

Introduction to the Arctic

Climate

Two deals to help you save

What's inside

Syllabus

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Save this course

Reviews summary

Clear introduction to arctic climate

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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