MSc in Polar and Alpine Change.

The MSc in Polar and Alpine Change explores environments, and underlying causes for change, in cold climate parts of the globe. The course aims to educate graduates from a range of science-based disciplines in the concerns over polar and alpine regions by teaching them about the environments found there, and their ongoing changes, whilst delivering skills in scientifically analysing and interpreting these changes. The course provides training for future researchers in this environment, as we believe that understanding the mechanisms and consequences of change will be of major importance in the scientific study of the region for some time to come. Hence the course has a strong research emphasis.

For more information and how to apply, please contact the Course Director
Dr Julie Jones

Notably, it is clear that many of the ongoing changes, particularly in the Arctic, will have considerable impact on commercial and economic development in the years ahead. For example, new sea lanes are appearing, permafrost is melting and snow cover receding. A market for graduates with knowledge of these unique areas is likely to develop as industry and commerce move into these regions.

The range of subject material and techniques builds on the research strengths of the department, especially in the Climate and Cryosphere research cluster, which has eight core members of staff working on themes such as: polar climate and ocean change; glacial hydrology and biogeochemistry; palaeoglacial geomorphology; glacier, ice-sheet and iceberg modelling; remote sensing in polar environments; climate and palaeoclimate modelling; and volcanic and anthropogenic emissions into the atmosphere. The department also has a Sediment Systems research cluster with an international reputation, and carries out important work in the field of environment and development.

Exploiting the long-term and flourishing links between the department and foreign destinations, the compulsory Field Course takes place in a polar or alpine region and provides students with skills to undertake research there. It also allows access to sites for dissertation fieldwork to be carried out in a contiguous period if necessary. For the past couple of years, the Field Course has been scheduled for several weeks in July/August and its destination has been Svalbard, where we benefit from the logistical support provided by the University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS); however, in the upcoming years we may move the Field Course elsewhere to explore other scientifically exciting environments.

The department also has an excellent network of links with overseas institutions involved in cold regions research, including the Sheffield Aarhus Geoscience Alliance with the Department of Geosciences of the Danish University of Aarhus. These links provide our students further potential for collaborative research during their dissertation.

The MSc in Polar and Alpine Change is open to students on either a full-time or part-time basis. Full-time students are registered for one full year (ie October – September). Part-time students complete their studies over two years.

Apart from going yourself, there's no better way of getting a flavour of the Polar and Alpine Change fieldcourse than watching this video.

It was shot entirely on location in summer 2012 by PAC MSc student Andrew Newton.

Course structure

The MSc in Polar and Alpine Change comprises two elements that make up 180 credits of study

training in subject specific knowledge and research methods (90 credits)
preparation for, and carrying out of, a research dissertation (90 credits)

The modules that make up the course are:

GEO6602 Research Design in Analysis of Environmental Systems (15 credits)
The unit aims to provide an introduction to conducting research in environmental analysis. The objectives are: (a) to provide an understanding of the sources of research problems and how specific student research topics fit into broader agendas; (b) to provide an understanding of "scientific method" and its different components, including the roles of fieldwork, laboratory experiments and modelling; (c) to provide an introduction to planning a research project, including literature search, fieldwork, laboratory work, data analysis, error analysis and written and graphical presentation; (d) to prepare students for writing the first draft of a research proposal.

GEO6610 Polar and Alpine Climates (15 credits)
This module will provide an understanding of the physical basis of polar and alpine climates, and the impact of high-latitude/-elevation climate change. Taught by climate scientists active in polar and alpine regions, it will introduce the concepts and challenges involved in deciphering the signal of climate change in these areas. Through the use of relevant case studies from the Arctic, Antarctic, and European Alps, the unit will provide an up-to-date overview of polar and alpine climates. Delivery will be through lectures, seminars and practicals, during which the latest polar climate change issues and data will be scrutinised.

GEO6611 Polar and Alpine Environments (15 credits)
The aim of this course is to develop student understanding of the characteristics and sensitivity of the range of polar and alpine environments. This includes terrestrial, cryospheric and oceanic environments, ranging across tundra, sub-Arctic terrestrial environments, sea-ice, polar oceans, glaciers and ice masses. The course will also demonstrate how the polar environment in particular plays a role in the global earth system, and will develop an understanding in students of the origins of current change in these environments.

GEO6612 Current Issues in Polar and Alpine Environments (15 credits)
This unit will enable students to gain an awareness of current research interests and questions in the polar and alpine environment through attendance at departmental seminars, WUN international seminars, and the climate and cryosphere departmental research forum on relevant topics through one semester. Students will be given the opportunity to discuss and explore the research at weekly seminars.

GEO6613 Arctic/Alpine Field Course (15 credits)
This module provides experience of academic, logistic and practical skills required to undertake a programme of field research. The course will be based in an arctic or alpine environment, likely in Svalbard, Greenland, or within an alpine mountain chain such as the Carpathians in Poland. Key transferable skills for field research will be developed including research and experimental design; field monitoring using a range of sensors and instruments; field observation of sediments, landforms and climate. Such skill development will be achieved via a series of field-based research investigations, culminating in an analysis and presentation of results.

GEO6668 Polar and Alpine Change Dissertation (90 credits)
This unit enables students to develop their research, methodological and writing skills by independently designing and conducting a theoretically informed empirical research project. This will involve bibliographic searches, the use of qualitative and/or quantitative research techniques, handling and analysing data and writing up, and presenting, findings in the form of a scientific paper.

And one choice from:

GEO6604 Geochemical Techniques in Environmental Analysis (15 credits)
GEO6606 Spatial Techniques for Environmental Analysis (15 credits)
GEO6013 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (15 credits)
GEO6014 Practical GIS Skills for Masters Research (15 credits)

or

Other suitable units from Masters-level modules in the Department of Geography (see the MSc in Environmental Analysis of Terrestrial Systems and MA in Human Geography Research for possible choices).

The Postgraduate Certificate in Polar and Alpine Change is made up of 60 credits taken from modules excluding GEO6668.

Students wishing to take these courses in a flexible way are encouraged to contact the course convenor.