What will I learn?
The online Antarctic climate course (in its free or paid mode), Antarctica in a Changing Climate, offers a unique opportunity to explore the impacts of climate change on the world’s southernmost continent. It is an invitation to delve into the heart of Antarctica’s changing climate, offering insights into its profound impact on global ecosystems.
Designed for those with a passion for environmental science and a concern for our planet’s future, it welcomes learners from all backgrounds, even those with just a foundational understanding of Earth’s climate dynamics. The course has a rigorous and didactic approach, which combines clear and simple explanations with examples and activities that will help you consolidate your learning. The course also offers you additional resources, such as readings, videos and links of interest, that you can consult to expand your knowledge and deepen the topics that interest you the most.
This course is available on the edX platform, one of the world’s most prestigious online education platforms, founded by MIT and Harvard University. It can be taken completely free of charge or for a small fee.
Contents of the online Antarctic climate course, Antarctica in a Changing Climate
These are the contents of the course:
- Antarctic Climate Systems: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the unique weather patterns that govern the Antarctic. This section delves into the complexities of ice dynamics, ocean currents, and atmospheric interactions that create the continent’s extreme climate conditions.
- Ecosystems at Risk: Investigate the rich biodiversity of the Antarctic and the ecosystems that thrive in its harsh conditions. Learn about the species that call this icy realm home and the ecological challenges they face due to changing climates and human activities.
- Human Impact: Examine the effects of human presence in Antarctica, from scientific research stations to tourism. This part of the course evaluates the environmental impact of these activities and discusses ways to minimize our footprint on this pristine landscape.
- Global Significance: Understand the pivotal role Antarctica plays in global climate patterns and its importance as a natural laboratory for studying climate change. Explore how data collected from this continent helps scientists predict and model climate changes worldwide.
Paid or free Antarctic climate course
The course has two modalities: free and paid. The free Antarctic climate course, allows you to access all the content of the course, including the videos, the readings, the exercises and the discussion forums.
The paid modality also offers you the possibility of obtaining a verified certificate from edX, which accredits your participation and approval of the course. This certificate can be of great value for your curriculum vitae, as it demonstrates your interest and competence in Antarctic climate. In addition, by paying for the course, you will be contributing to University of Canterbury and edX being able to continue offering quality and accessible courses for everyone. If you want to know more about the cost and benefits of this modality, I invite you to visit the course page on edX, where you will find all the information you need.
In conclusion, the online Antarctic climate course (in its free or paid mode), Antarctica in a Changing Climate equips you with the knowledge to become an informed advocate for one of the most critical issues of our time. By understanding the changes occurring at the poles, you can contribute to the conversation on global environmental policy. Enroll now to take the first step towards making a meaningful impact on our planet’s future.
