Høst 2015

FRI-2580 Safe guiding in the Arctic - 20 stp

The course is administrated by

Idrettshøgskolen

Type of course

The couse can't be taken as an single course, just for students in the program of Arctic Nature guide and 2. year of Bachelor in arctic friluftsliv.

Course contents

The course, Safe Guiding in the Arctic, is taught throughout the whole of the academic year. It is mainly practically oriented, but also includes a theoretical approach. It comprises field excursions and courses of longer and shorter duration in the varied nature of the Arctic throughout the year. The course aims to gradually build-up the candidate's expertise in trekking and camping in the Arctic nature.

Objective of the course

Knowledge

Broad theoretical knowledge of topics related to safe travel and camping in the arctic nature

Skills

The methods and procedures of leading groups safely on glaciers, sea ice and in the Arctic summer and winter terrain.
Rescue operations on glaciers, sea ice and avalanches.
Establishing and safely managing a tent camp in summer and winter.
Establishing a snow bivouac and emergency camp.
Trip planning and navigating with a map, compass and GPS.

General competence

Have skills in assessing routes, campsites and group organization in a complex arctic nature.
Be aware of their own limitations and that of the group and plan travel according to ability.
Be aware of the impact strong winds can have on a camp site and emergency procedures if a tent cannot be used.

Language of instruction

English is the language of teaching and exam.

Teaching methods

A large part of the study program takes place in nature and includes practical exercises and the development of experience. The preparation, execution and follow-up of field trips are important. The field trips will include the day trips from Longyearbyen, and multiday excursions. During the academic year there will be 5 long field excursions of 6 - 12 days duration. Student-work related to field excursions will be organized in groups. During the course of the academic year, students will be given an increasing degree of leadership responsibility for the planning, execution and follow-up of the field trips. Other themes will be covered in a single course or in a series of courses, and includes exercises and practical work. The teaching and learning methods will be student-focused and involve problem-based learning, project work, group work, practical and methodical work with guidance throughout the course, and lectures, discussions and the use of ICT.

Assessment

The following course requirements must be approved before the candidate may be allowed to take the exam:

One hundred percent participation in all field trips and courses, including preparation and follow-up work.
Reports and all forms of follow-up work (eg. Photo and video presentations, group work, etc.) after each trip. Teams decide what type of preparation and work will be carried out in relation to each trip.
Approved participation on the glacier course and pass the companion rescue and glacier guide test.
Approved participation on the multiday hiking excursion and pass the trip planning and navigation test.
Approved participation on the arctic intro winter excursion and pass the GPS navigation and snow bivouac test.
Approved participation on the avalanche course and pass the test on avalanche awareness and companion rescue.
Approved participation on the arctic winter skiing excursion

Exams

Individual pracitical training and oral examination.

The grade will be given by litters from A - F, A is the best and F is fail.