Studies & Degrees in Antarctic Studies

Choose where you would like to study Antarctic Studies:

Although Antarctica seems to be an empty white desert to many, it is a green pasture to researchers. As a matter of fact, it has been dominated by scientific tourists searching for significant pieces of facts in wide variety of studies. These include astronomy, biology, geology, meteorology, oceanography, and related scientific studies. Who would have thought that this deserted piece of land mass became the hub of intellectual people?

Would you believe that Antarctic Studies is not a modern science? In particular, it is a classical science inspired by past researches. The series of explorations pioneered by Captain James Cook paved the way for in depth investigation of the place. In the mid-20th century, twelve countries converged for the Antarctic Treaty which aims to encourage experimental activities and environmental preservation. Through the years, many other countries supported its cause garnering a total of 46 signatories at the present.

History likewise best tells why the continent has been an attractive site to researchers. Intellectual accounts about Antarctica date back in the 1st century AD. It is believed that the present-day continent was then part of an enormous land mass known as Terra Australis that corresponds to its northern counterpart used to be comprised of Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Ptolemy even introduced the idea of geographic symmetry that assumes balance of major land masses. Later on, more transformation occurred such as the disintegration of the land mass into the present-day 14,000,000 sq km.

In furtherance of the various studies conducted, facilities and equipment have been established across the land. There are research stations utilized by over 4,000 scientists expected to make breakthrough experiments on their respective fields of study. As of 2006, there were thirty countries that maintain Antarctic research posts. Consequently, you can join the tough research communities in the continent given proper training and knowledge. There are absolutely more unexplored facts out there in store for dedicated researchers.

Antarctic Studies is but not a major study program. As a matter of fact, it is only offered as minor courses hence the 100-level and 200-level special programs. These include freshman and sophomore subjects such as ANTA 102 and 103 and ANTA 201 (Antarctica and Global Change) and 202 (Experiencing Antarctica), respectively. In particular, these are considered as short courses lasting for only six months. There is yet more to learn from this subject of study so undergraduates can opt for Postgraduate Certificate in Antarctic Studies which is inclusive of a trip to Antarctica. Other options are Postgraduate in Antarctic Studies and Master of Antarctic Studies. All these courses are in coordination with Gateway Antarctica hailed as the Centre for Antarctic Studies and Research.

There is a wide array of opportunities for people with Antarctic Studies background. These professionals are likely to work in Antarctica in various faculties of science such as astronomy, biology, environmental management. Career privileges are not confined within Antarctica being an international concern hence attractive non-Antarctic jobs are environmentalists, IT specialists, science technicians, global and local policymakers, etc. Indeed, the extensive impact and influence of Antarctica into the world ensures that Antarctic Studies is attractive to an array of social niches.