Frozen in the Ice: Exploring the Arctic from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Introduction and Course Basics

In this module, we will take you on a tour of the Arctic and discuss topics like Arctic geography and geopolitics before introducing the MOSAiC (Multidisciplinary drifting Observatory for the Study of Arctic Climate) expedition. The module wraps up with a brief look back at the historic Fram expedition to the Arctic 150 years ago that inspired MOSAiC.

Atmosphere in the Arctic and Beyond

In this module, you will learn about the basic physics of the atmosphere with a specific focus on the Arctic. We will explore Earth’s energy budget and look at the structure of the atmosphere. Arctic clouds are an important player in the Arctic atmosphere and their role will be part of one video lecture. Finally, we will introduce you to the concept of feedbacks, systems responses that modulate the climate system and are the basis for connections to the lower latitudes. The module concludes with an overview of the goals of the MOSAiC Atmosphere research group and the data they are collecting.

The Arctic Ocean

In this module, we will take you on a tour of the Arctic Ocean. We will explore topics like ocean circulation and ocean stratification with a specific focus on processes that are happening in the Arctic. You will begin to draw connections to the coupling of the atmosphere, ocean, and sea ice and explore the chemistry of the ocean, nutrient distribution, and ocean productivity. The module concludes with an overview of the goals of the MOSAiC Ocean research group and the data they are collecting.

Sea Ice

In this module, you will learn about sea ice and the important role it plays in the Arctic climate system. We will discuss how sea ice forms, how sea ice interacts with sunlight, and how sea ice moves and behaves. We will also explore the change in sea ice thickness and distribution in the Arctic over time and in response to a changing climate. The module concludes with an overview of the goals of the MOSAiC Sea Ice research group and the data they are collecting.

Arctic Biochemistry/Ecosystem

In this module, you will learn about the ecosystems of the Arctic Ocean. We will briefly explore the megafauna, such as polar bears, but then focus the exploration on the importance of the microfauna, such as algae and plankton, and their connections to oceanic nutrient cycles and atmospheric phenomena. The module concludes with an overview of the goals of the MOSAiC Biogeochemistry and Ecosystems research group and the data they are collecting.

Modeling Using Data from the Arctic

In this module, you will dive into the world of climate modeling. You will learn from MOSAiC researchers what the different modeling approaches are, what we can learn from models, and how we can use field data from expeditions like MOSAiC to improve model forecasts. The module concludes with an overview of the goals of the MOSAiC Modeling research group and the data they are collecting.

Challenges in the Arctic

In this module, we will tie together what we learned in the previous modules and explore challenges that the new Arctic faces. We will discuss the impacts of a changing climate on the Arctic as a whole, discuss the research frontiers around connections between the Arctic and lower latitudes, and explore the potential impacts of climate change on shipping lanes, energy exploration and fishing as well as related environmental challenges such as plastics and oil spills. Finally, you will learn how climate change is already impacting and will continue to impact indigenous communities in the Arctic in different ways.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Tailor-made for learners of entry-level

Explores climate change and its impact on the Arctic, aligning with industry concerns

Facilitated by the renowned scientists Anne U. Gold and Matthew Shupe, who are esteemed for their contributions in the field

Leverages hands-on data collection and analysis, providing practical insights

Provides a thorough examination of the Arctic ecosystem, enhancing learners' understanding

Emphasizes the significance of the MOSAiC expedition, showcasing real-world applications

Reviews summary

Arctic exploration for all

Learners say this course is an excellent introduction to the Arctic region and its scientific exploration. They largely praise the course content, presentations, and instructors. The course is well-structured and learner-friendly, with materials that are easy to understand.

Suitable for beginners

"This course was a perfect introduction to Arctic systems and I will take other courses in the future to build on the knowledge I gained from this one."

Knowledgeable instructors

"A great course in all respects: content, presenters, presentations."

"Complete admiration for all who conceived of this project and for those who accomplished it."

High-quality content

"Excellent, thank you."

"Content is great."

"Amazing course! This course gave me a better understanding of the processes occurring in the Arctic"

Occasional audio problems

"Some audio issues."

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 Frozen in the Ice: Exploring the Arctic with these activities:

Review properties of Arctic sea ice

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Ensure that you can explain the formation and movement of sea ice as well as its role in the Arctic climate system before starting this course.

Browse courses on Sea Ice

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Review notes from introductory science courses on ice formation
Review published journal articles on the physics of sea ice

Learn the basics of climate modeling

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Gain familiarity by following online tutorials on climate modeling. This will help you understand how climate models work and how they are used to make projections.

Browse courses on Climate Modeling

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Identify online tutorials on climate modeling
Follow the tutorials and complete the exercises
Apply the knowledge gained to the MOSAiC Expedition data

Create a Mind Map of Arctic Ecosystems

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Visualize and organize your knowledge of the complex relationships within Arctic ecosystems.

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Start from the center of a page and write 'Arctic Ecosystems'.
Branch out with different colors or shapes to represent different ecosystem components (e.g., producers, consumers, decomposers).
Add arrows or lines to show the flow of energy and nutrients.
Label and describe each component and interaction.

Three other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all six activities

Build an Annotated Bibliography on Arctic Sea Ice

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Enhance your research skills by compiling and annotating relevant literature on Arctic sea ice.

Browse courses on Arctic Sea Ice

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Search for academic articles, scientific reports, and other relevant resources on Arctic sea ice.
Read and summarize each item, highlighting key findings and interpretations.
Organize the bibliography by topic or theme.

Follow Tutorials on Climate Modeling Basics

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Enhance your understanding of the fundamental principles and techniques used in climate modeling.

Browse courses on Climate Modeling

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Identify reputable online resources or tutorials on climate modeling.
Follow the tutorials step-by-step, taking notes and experimenting with different parameters.
Apply your learning to a small-scale climate modeling project.

Read 'The Arctic: A History' by Max Boot

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Expand your understanding of the Arctic's history and its implications for contemporary issues.

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Read the book and take notes on key events and developments.
Summarize the main arguments and conclusions of the book.
Discuss the book's relevance to the course topics with classmates or online.

Career center

Learners who complete Frozen in the Ice: Exploring the Arctic will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Glaciologist

Glaciologists study glaciers and ice sheets. They may work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, research institutions, and private companies. This course may be useful for Glaciologists because it provides an overview of the Arctic sea ice and the data that is being collected during the MOSAiC expedition.

See salaries and explore the career path for Glaciologist

Oceanographer

Oceanographers study the oceans and their interactions with the atmosphere and land. They may work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, research institutions, and private companies. This course may be useful for Oceanographers because it provides an overview of the Arctic Ocean and the data that is being collected during the MOSAiC expedition.

See salaries and explore the career path for Oceanographer

Science Writer

Science Writers communicate complex scientific information to a general audience. They may work for a variety of outlets, including newspapers, magazines, and websites. This course may be useful for Science Writers because it provides an overview of the Arctic science and the data that is being collected during the MOSAiC expedition.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Writer

Ecologist

Ecologists study the interactions between organisms and their environment. They may work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, research institutions, and private companies. This course may be useful for Ecologists because it provides an overview of the Arctic ecosystem and the data that is being collected during the MOSAiC expedition.

See salaries and explore the career path for Ecologist

Geophysicist

Geophysicists study the Earth's physical properties and processes. They may work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, research institutions, and private companies. This course may be useful for Geophysicists because it provides an overview of the Arctic geophysics and the data that is being collected during the MOSAiC expedition.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geophysicist

Climate Researcher

Climate Researchers are responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data on climate change. They use this data to develop models and make predictions about future climate trends. This course may be useful for Climate Researchers because it provides an overview of the Arctic climate system and the data that is being collected during the MOSAiC expedition.

See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Researcher

Meteorologist

Meteorologists study the atmosphere and make weather forecasts. They may work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, research institutions, and private companies. This course may be useful for Meteorologists because it provides an overview of the Arctic atmosphere and the data that is being collected during the MOSAiC expedition.

See salaries and explore the career path for Meteorologist

Geologist

Geologists study the Earth's rocks, minerals, and fossils. They may work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, research institutions, and private companies. This course may be useful for Geologists because it provides an overview of the Arctic geology and the data that is being collected during the MOSAiC expedition.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geologist

Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research and analyze public policies. They may work for a variety of organizations, including government agencies, think tanks, and advocacy groups. This course may be useful for Policy Analysts because it provides an overview of the Arctic policy and the data that is being collected during the MOSAiC expedition.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists study the environment and work to find solutions to environmental problems. They may work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, research institutions, and private companies. This course may be useful for Environmental Scientists because it provides an overview of the Arctic environment and the challenges that it faces.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Chemist

Chemists study the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter. They may work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, research institutions, and private companies. This course may be useful for Chemists because it provides an overview of the Arctic chemistry and the data that is being collected during the MOSAiC expedition.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chemist

Consultant

Consultants provide advice and expertise to clients on a variety of topics. They may work for a variety of clients, including businesses, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. This course may be useful for Consultants because it provides an overview of the Arctic science and the data that is being collected during the MOSAiC expedition.

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Physicist

Physicists study the fundamental laws of nature. They may work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, research institutions, and private companies. This course may be useful for Physicists because it provides an overview of the Arctic physics and the data that is being collected during the MOSAiC expedition.

See salaries and explore the career path for Physicist

Biologist

Biologists study living organisms and their interactions with each other and their environment. They may work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, research institutions, and private companies. This course may be useful for Biologists because it provides an overview of the Arctic ecosystem and the data that is being collected during the MOSAiC expedition.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biologist

Educator

Educators teach students about a variety of subjects. They may work in a variety of settings, including schools, colleges, and universities. This course may be useful for Educators because it provides an overview of the Arctic science and the data that is being collected during the MOSAiC expedition.

See salaries and explore the career path for Educator

Reading list

We've selected seven 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 Frozen in the Ice: Exploring the Arctic.

Marine Ecology

Save

Provides a comprehensive overview of the physics of sea ice, including its formation, growth, melting, and movement. It valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the role of sea ice in the Arctic climate system.

Marine Ecology: Processes, Systems, and Impacts

Paperback

$$$

Marine Ecology: Processes, Systems, and Impacts

Paperback

$$$

Give Me Winter, Give Me Dogs: Knud Rasmussen and...

Save

Provides a comprehensive overview of the history of the Arctic, from its earliest human inhabitants to the present day. It valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the history of the Arctic and its people.

Give Me Winter, Give Me Dogs: Knud Rasmussen and...

Hardcover

Our Fragile Moment

Save

Provides a comprehensive overview of the Earth's climate system, including its history, current state, and future projections. It valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the Earth's climate system and its implications for the future.

Our Fragile Moment: How Lessons from Earth's Past...

Kindle Edition

The End of Energy

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Provides a comprehensive overview of the legal and policy challenges posed by climate change. It valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the legal and policy implications of climate change.

Swamplands

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Provides a concise overview of the Arctic, including its history, geography, climate, and people. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about the Arctic.

Swamplands: Tundra Beavers, Quaking Bogs, and the...

Kindle Edition

Face to Face with Polar Bears: Level 5 (National...

Save

Stunning collection of photographs of the Arctic. It valuable resource for anyone interested in seeing the beauty of the Arctic.

Face to Face with Polar Bears: Level 5 (National...

Paperback

Minik: The New York Eskimo

Save

Visual history of the Arctic, from its earliest human inhabitants to the present day. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about the history of the Arctic.

Minik: The New York Eskimo

Paperback

Check price

Minik: The New York Eskimo

Kindle Edition

Check price