Application deadline

Registration deadline for PhD students at UiT - The Arctic University of Norway: August 1st

Application deadline for other applicants: June 1st

Type of course

Intensive course. Lectures and interactive work on specified topics. Group work with student presentations.

The course is aimed at PhD and post doc students in an interdisciplinary field, but with interest in Arctic marine science.

Admission requirements

PhD students or holders of a Norwegian master´s degree of five years or 3+ 2 years (or equivalent) may be admitted. Valid documentation is a statement from your institution that you are a registered PhD student, or a Master´s Diploma with Diploma Supplement / English translation of the diploma. PhD students are exempt from semester fee.

Maximum 25 participants.

If more than 25 applicants, priority will be given as follows:
1. Participants admitted to the PhD programme at UiT
2. Participants in the Associate Professor programme (¿Førstelektorprogrammet¿)
3. PhD candidates from other universities
4. People with a minimum of a Master´s degree (or equivalent), who have not been admitted to a PhD programme

Course content

Intensive course for PhD students and post docs with interest in Arctic science and how science really works. What is a modern scientist? What drives new discoveries, and how is our perspectives formed? How interdependent is the link between science and society? What do we do with our knowledge? How can we communicate our science?

The course aims at giving the participant knowledge on own science traditions, including the expected and experienced role as a scientist. By using a wide range of highly profiled lecturers looking at science, scientists and the Arctic from different perspectives, the course will provide insight on how to identify conditions for progress in science, and to improve skills in communicating science. Skills and perspectives along these lines are considered essential to modern scientists. The course is a multidisciplinary toolbox for PhD/Post docs with a fascination for the Arctic and an interest to learn about how to navigate in a complex field of science.

Objectives of the course

• Identify important lines in the historical development of Arctic marine science
• Evaluate how Polar explorers have influenced our knowledge of the Arctic
• Relate our view of the Arctic to Polar literature
• Adapt research communication to different audiences
• Evaluate the impact from society on research directions and development
• Identify conditions in own research field that promote progress in science
• Prepare and design communication of own research for a non-science audience
• Reflect on the impact of different sources contributing to our knowledge on the Arctic
• Compare and contrast science and scientists in past, present and future times
• Reflect on own science in light of history, tradition and societal needs
• Discuss and reflect on science with experts and non-scientists
• Justify science and research in a modern society
• Construct and design communication using elements outside own science field
• Develop a broad and multidisciplinary view on Arctic science

Language of instruction and examination

Teaching methods

Assessment

• Short reflection text (1/3 page) on "What is the Arctic for you?" submitted ahead of the course.
• Preparation of poster on own scientific work before the course, with presentation of the poster during the course.
• Group work with oral presentation on own science perspectives during the course.

Grade: pass/fail. There will not be arranged a re-sit exam.

Recommended reading/syllabus