BIO-8029 Sea ice habitats and biology - 5 stp

The course will provide the students with detailed knowledge regarding the physical, chemical and biological properties of sea ice from micro- to basin-wide scales.

The following topics will be covered for the Arctic Ocean, sub-Arctic Seas (e.g. Baltic, Ramfjorden, Saroma-Ko Lagoon), and the Southern Ocean:
- large scale distribution of different sea ice types (remote sensing based)
- sea ice microstructure (ice crystal structure, brine channel system, temperature, salinity, permeability)
- sea ice seasonal growth and melt
- sea ice biogeochemistry (primary production, carbon cycle, nutrient cycle)
- sea ice biodiversity from viruses to metazoans
- relevance of sea ice for pelagic and benthic biota
- role of sea ice in the geochemical cycles of Arctic, Antarctic and sub-Arctic Seas
- the impacts of global climate change and increased human activities in ice-covered seas

The course will consist of weekly blocks of two hours of lectures and a two hour seminar assignment. Within each week, the two lectures will focus on a certain theme. The seminar will be largely group work by the students (2 to 5 students per group), working on theme specific tasks including analysis of data sets, calculation of ice properties, analysis of remote sensing information. Each group will develop a short 5 to 10 minute presentation which is given in the second half of the seminar hour. This will give students the opportunity to enhance their ability for group work, discuss science, and improve their presentation skills as well as being active in discussions. These seminar assignments are an essential part of the course, mandatory, but not graded.

PhD students at UiT register for the course through StudentWeb before 1 February. The registration starts in middle of December. 

Other applicants apply for admission through SøknadsWeb before 1. December.
Application code 9301. Applicants who are granted a seat, needs to register for classes and exam in StudentWeb before 1 February. The registration starts in middle of December.

• PhD student enrolled at another institution than UiT. PhD students must upload a document from their university stating that there are registered PhD students. This group of applicants does not have to prove English proficiency and are exempt from semester fee.
• Holders of a master´s degree of five years or 3+2 years (or equivalent) may be admitted. These applicants must upload a Master´s Diploma with Diploma Supplement / English translation of the diploma. Applicants from listed countries must document proficiency in English. To find out if this applies to you, see the following list: Proficiency in English must be documented - list of countries. For more information on accepted English proficiency tests and scores, as well as exemptions from the English proficiency tests, please see the following document:  Proficiency in english - PhD level studies 

Through attendance of lectures and participation in seminars (e.g. group work & class discussion) students will develop knowledge on:

• sea ice classification and physical-chemical properties
• identification and diversity of sea ice biological communities
• spatio-temporal variability of sea ice habitats from micro- to hemispheric scales
• coupling of sea ice habitats to pelagic and benthic environments and communities
• the global importance of sea ice in climate, ocean function and socio-economy

Students will apply this knowledge (skills) to:

• Evaluate the different types of sea ice habitats and communities during a time of global environmental change
• Assess sea ice dynamics (e.g. ice formation, growth and melt) in the context of differing environmental forcings across the globe
• Contrast the physical and biogeochemical properties of sea ice in different regions, and sea ice versus sea water
• Critically evaluate peer-reviewed literature

Following this course and completion of the essay assignment, students should have general competence in:

• Understanding the dynamics of sea ice habitats
• Developing new research approaches through the process of hypothesis testing
• Applying theoretical understanding of sea ice habitats to field-based research activities
• Predicting the fate of sea ice communities with ongoing climate change
• Quantitatively analyse and present scientific data individually or as part of a working group

The exam consist of one written exam (50%) and one essays (50%).

Students will get a certain point value for each assignment (exam and essay) and the final grade is decided on the total combined points by the course pilots and the sensors. No individual grades are assigned to exam and essay.
The grade scale based on all completed assignments will be A-E with F as fail for the course. If the student does not pass the course (F grade).

Work requirement:
Students are expected to actively participate in the lectures. 90% participation in the seminars is mandatory. Students can therefore miss one seminar unexcused. Further exceptions can be granted based on written requests and supporting documentation and approval by the instructors.

Re-sit exam:
There will not be a re-sit examination for students that did not pass the previous ordinary examination.

The date for the exam can be changed. The final date will be announced at your faculty early in May and early in November.