Description
This introductory course focuses on biology and explores how plants, microbes, animals and humans adapt to living in the extreme environments of the Antarctic, the sub-Antarctic and the Southern Ocean. Low temperatures and periods of total darkness are just some of the extremes to be endured. Discussion includes human psychology, and our interaction with the polar region lying at New Zealand's back door.
The goal of this course is to give students a broad understanding of the biological characteristics of and human interactions with Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. This is achieved by introducing students to topics within the disciplines of biology, psychology, arts, humanities, social science, and environmental management, with a theme of global change running through the course.
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes:
• To understand the biodiversity and functioning of terrestrial and marine ecosystems of Antarctica;
• To begin to question how Antarctic biodiversity is responding to change;
• To gain insight into the human interaction with and reaction to Antarctica;
• To begin to develop personal ideas on the value of maintaining Antarctica as a natural reserve devoted to peace and science.
Lecturers
Daniela Liggett
, Patrick Shepherd
, Dr Gary Steel (Lincoln University)
, Paul Broady
, Bill Davison
, Melanie Massaro
and Dr Alan Hemmings (Adjunct Associate Professor, Gateway Antarctica)
Contact Person
Katrina Hall
Assessment
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Final Exam
|
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50%
|
|
|
Practicals 1-4
|
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50%
|
Sum of four internal assesments
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A two hour exam worth 50% and internal assesments worth 50%.
Details of the actual Internal assesment will be provided in the course outline but topics are likley to include:
1. Practical session on Antarctic tourism and Antarctic psychology
2. Practical discussion on the biology of Antarctic land-based habitats. (Self-guided and assessed campus fieldtrip)
3. Practical session on the biology of Antarctic marine habitats I
4. Practical session on the biology of Antarctic marine habitats II
Examination and Formal Tests
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Exam
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Monday
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29 Oct 2012
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2:30pm-4:30pm
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|
Textbooks
Recommended Reading
Crossley, Louise , Australian Antarctic Foundation., Australian Surveying and Land Information Group;
Explore Antarctica;
Cambridge University Press, 1995.
McGonigal, David , Woodworth, Lynn;
Antarctica : the blue continent;
Random House New Zealand, 2002.
Riffenburgh, Beau;
Encyclopedia of the Antarctic;
Routledge, 2007.
Waterhouse, E. J. , Antarctica New Zealand;
Ross Sea region 2001 : a state of the environment report for the Ross Sea region of Antarctica;
New Zealand Antarctic Institute (Antarctica New Zealand), 2001.
No Textbook required.
Show Additional Outline Information...
Additional Course Outline Information
Work can be submitted and collected from Gateway Antarctica, Ground Floor, Geography Block.
For further information see
Gateway Antarctica.
All ANTA103 Occurrences
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ANTA103-12S2 (C)
Semester Two 2012
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