ANNOUNCEMENT: FIELD COURSE IN ARCTIC SCIENCE

The Arctic is experiencing an unprecedented change in climate. How
will arctic ecosystems respond to the changes that are occurring and
what are the potential feedbacks to global climate? Find out and
experience these ecosystems first-hand through the intensive “Field
Course in Arctic Science,” offered through Summer Sessions at the
University of Alaska Fairbanks. This 4-week, 5-credit course will be
taught at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and the remote Toolik
Field Station in northern Alaska from May 18 to June 11, 2010.

Students will learn about the ecology of arctic and boreal ecosystems
through daily lectures delivered by a variety of scientists and guest
faculty, active participation in field sampling and discussions of the
relevant science literature. The field course will span a broad range
of disciplines, including natural history, fire ecology, vegetation
description, animal biology, permafrost and patterned-ground forms,
carbon budgets and the implications of a warming climate. The students
will gain a firm background in the structure and function of the
ecosystems in northern Alaska and become familiar with the tools and
techniques used to measure the ecological impacts of climate change.

The course is limited to ten finishing undergraduate or starting
graduate students. The cost of food, lodging and travel between the
field sites will be covered. Students are expected to pay for their
round-trip travel to Fairbanks, Alaska, tuition at the University of
Alaska (summer tuition is at the in-state rate) and their food when
based in Fairbanks. Students will need to bring all-weather clothing
including winter jackets, rubber boots and a warm sleeping bag.

Interested students should submit a current resume and a cover letter
stating how the course would benefit them to Dr. Anja Kade
(ankade@alaska.edu) by March 7, 2010.