Environmental Science of the Arctic
Gain the first-hand knowledge needed to debate one of the most controversial and critical global topics of our time. Explore climate change theory through the lens of scientific climate history in the Arctic. See for yourself, alongside expert scientists in the field on your Study Tours, what is currently being researched in the changes occurring within the glaciers of Iceland, the Greenland ice sheet, or the tundra of Arctic Norway.
Core Courses
Climate, Glaciers, and Human Impact
Fall/Spring, 3 Credits
This course focuses on the natural science aspects of climate change with emphasis on historic times. The course takes a journey from ancient times through to the present describing periods when the climate was strikingly different than it is today and revealing the mechanisms and feedback that govern the climate system. With Iceland as your case study, you gain a thorough understanding of general climate mechanisms, with a focus on the past 1,000 years and how civilizations have interacted with climate processes.
Ice Cores and Ice Ages
Fall/Spring, 3 Credits
This course focuses on the natural science aspects of climate change during the prehistoric times with focus on the glacial and the deglaciation. You gain an understanding of past climate variability, including its underlying causes and mechanisms as a basis for separating natural and anthropogenic climate change and for making useful projections of future climate and assessing its impacts. The course focuses on pre-human times, and the 100,000 year old Greenlandic ice sheet provides an ideal case study.
Polar Biology
Fall/Spring, 3 Credits
In this course, gain an understanding of biology of the polar areas, with a special emphasis on the Northern Hemisphere. Learn how organisms of the Polar Regions are evolutionarily adapted to cold terrestrial or marine habitats with strong seasonality. By studying theoretical and practical case studies, gain insight into population dynamics and species richness within Denmark, and of the Arctic regions in Norway and Greenland.
Core Course Study Tours
This program travels on Study Tours to the following destinations:
Climate, Glaciers, and Human Impact:
- Week-Long Study Tour: Iceland
- Core Course Week: Denmark
Ice Cores and Ice Ages:
Polar Biology:
Early in the semester, you delve into your academic focus during Core Course Week, in which you travel on a short Study Tour for three days in Denmark or a neighboring country, combined with a two-day seminar in Copenhagen. Later in the semester, you travel again with your Core Course on a week-long Study Tour in Europe.
While on tour, theories learned in the classroom come to life by meeting with professionals and experts in your field who contribute to furthering your understanding of course topics. Study Tours are hands-on and experiential, combining theory with practice, and expose you to additional cultural perspectives. You have the opportunity to visit sites and experts in your field of interest that you may not otherwise have access to.
Elective Courses
Add elective courses to complement your Core Course at DIS Copenhagen. You decide how to build your course load based on your needs and interests!
Electives range across disciplines and include research, workshops, studios, and even Exploration Electives, which come with a travel component.
Visit our website to view the full list of over 200 additional elective courses!
Prerequisites
Climate, Glaciers, and Human Impact/Ice Cores and Ice Ages:
One course in environmental or earth science at university level. One year of physics or chemistry at university level is recommended.
Bring appropriate clothing and footwear to stay warm and dry during the Study Tour in potential subzero temperatures. Confidence in hiking on hilly and potentially slippery terrain is mandatory.
Polar Biology:
One course in environmental or earth science at university level. One course in biology or ecology at university level is recommended.
Bring appropriate clothing and footwear to stay warm and dry during the Study Tour in potential subzero temperatures. Confidence in hiking on hilly and potentially slippery terrain is mandatory.
WHAT IS AN AFFILIATE?
An Affiliate is a partner organization that is evaluated and approved by the University of Utah. Affiliates offer classes in both English and the host language. You may take classes with other U.S. students, international students, or students from the host country. Many affiliates provide special services such as visa support, housing, cultural excursions, and on-site staffing to help you navigate your host country.
APPLYING TO AN AFFILIATE PROGRAM
- Complete Learning Abroad 101. This is a short information session about programs, applications, financial aid, and scholarships. You can complete Learning Abroad 101 online.
- Submit your Applications. You will submit TWO Applications for this Program. These Applications can be completed at the same time.
- U of U Application- Click Apply Now at the top of your screen to get started
- Affiliate Application- Click on the Homepage link above to find your Affiliate Application. Contact the Affiliate if you have questions.
- Commit to your U of U Application. You will receive an acceptance email to your Umail account. Log into your U of U Application and Commit to your Program within 3 business days of acceptance!
- Complete the Post-Decision Steps. Finish the Post-Decision steps in your U of U Application by the deadlines provided.
ACADEMICS & ACCOMMODATION
DATES & TRANSPORTATION
- TENTATIVE dates are listed above. Compare the dates to the University of Utah academic calendar to avoid scheduling conflicts.
- You are responsible for arranging transportation to and from the host country for most Programs.
- Do not purchase your flight until you read the instructions in the Learning Abroad Handbook.
LEARNING ABROAD BADGES
Students enrich their time abroad by earning Learning Abroad Badges such as:
This Program is eligible for the Badges listed in the Fact Sheet above. Some Programs offer opportunities to earn additional Learning Abroad Badges through independent options. Click here to learn more about the Global U Program.
FINANCES
- Scholarships and Financial Aid may be available. Visit our Financial Aid and Scholarships page for more information.
- Contact the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid to determine if your financial aid and scholarships can be applied to your Learning Abroad program
- Information about Program Costs, Billing timelines & Due Dates are available to help you plan.
- Affiliate Program Fees (non-billable) are established by the Affiliate and are in addition to any fees paid to the University of Utah. These fees are paid in lieu of University of Utah on-campus tuition and housing costs. Click on the homepage link above for more information on Affiliate fees and inclusions.
- Read the full Withdrawal & Dismissal Penalty Policy before applying.
PROGRAM ADVISING
LEARNING ABROAD HANDBOOK
Interested in learning more about the academic, financial, and logistical aspects of our Programs? The Learning Abroad Handbook outlines the University of Utah's financial, disciplinary, administrative, academic, and logistical expectations. You’ll find videos, tips, and resources that help you make the most of your experience before, during, and after your Program.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
It is your responsibility to read, understand, and adhere to the terms and conditions of your Program. Terms and conditions are outlined in the Learning Abroad Handbook, Learning Abroad website, and in your Program Application. Terms and conditions may also be communicated to you through digital, verbal, and hard copy communication. Contact Learning Abroad with any questions or concerns.