Oregon State University students and members of the public will have a chance to learn firsthand about the effects of climate change and human impacts on Antarctica through a special class that will take them to the continent for two weeks.

“The Antarctic is where the rubber meets the road, when it comes to global environmental change,” says Michael Harte, director of OSU’s Marine Resource Management Program, who will lead the trip. “It is the proverbial canary in the coal mine.”

The Study Abroad program will leave for Antarctica in December. Participants will study and conduct research on the Antarctic and the tip of South America. Deadline to sign up is Feb. 15.

Fieldwork will be carried out from a commercial Antarctic expedition vessel and Zodiacs, inflatable boats from which the participants will study Antarctic wildlife, search for signs of environmental change and explore the impact of humans on a fragile environment. The group also will spend four days exploring the natural and cultural systems of Tierra del Fuego on the South American continent.

Class size is limited to about 20. Students may sign up for undergraduate or graduate sections. Participants who sign up for the class will take an online course in fall term 2008 taught by faculty at OSU and Gateway Antarctica in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Some benefits of attending a research university….
-bv

OSU Class Heading to Antarctica; Spots Open for Public

CORVALLIS, Ore. – Oregon State University students and members of the public will have a unique opportunity to learn first-hand about the effects of climate change and human impacts on the environment in Antarctica during a special class that will take them to the remote continent for two weeks.

Participants in the field course will see how human impacts, both immediate and from afar, alter ecosystems on a global scale. By observing and studying these changes in a pristine environment, Harte said, the group will gain insight into potential environmental changes that may be in store for the Pacific Northwest, including declining snow packs, shrinking glaciers and changing vegetation patterns.

Including the Antarctic excursion above, you can learn more about OSU’s numerous other study abroad opportunities, international internships, and even how you can earn an International Degree at OSU by visiting the International Programs website. OSU has programs in Australia, Spain, Mexico, Japan, Ireland, Italy, Thailand, South Africa and Brazil, just to name a select few countries.

–mko