AS-203 Arctic Safety and Field Leadership (14 ECTS)

Course requirements:

The course is not open for application. The course is mandatory for students enrolled in the Arctic Nature Guide study arranged by UiT The Arctic University of Norway.

Academic content:

The course is taught in parallel with other courses in the Arctic Nature Guide study. It is mainly practically oriented, but also includes a theoretical approach. It comprises field excursions and teaching in varied nature of the Arctic throughout the year. The course aims to gradually build up the students’ expertise in safety and leadership in the Arctic nature.

Main instructions and field work:

• Polar bear safety: Review of laws and regulations, safety in polar bear country and handling of conflict situations and encounters. Theory about polar bears and knowledge about procedures, includes practical shooting training and use of pyrotechnic for deterrent. Starts with focus on basic firearms skills and developed to scenario training including decision making and leading groups in encounters situations. Duration six days.
• Crisis management and leadership under challenging conditions: Theory and practical introduction to management principles, decision-making and accident scene command. Including knowledge of human achievements in an Arctic environment. Duration two and a half days.
• Safety management of field activities. Review of laws and regulations, theory and practical use of risk analysis, preparation of HSE plans and quality assurance of field activities with a risk-based approach. Duration two and a half days.
• Arctic first aid: Practical first aid training with focus on Arctic conditions and injuries related to activities on guided trips. The course and training according to the Norwegian Red Cross’ standards. Duration five days.
• Sea ice safety: Theory and practical training in travelling safely on sea ice. Include planning, procedures, organization, and travel with groups on sea ice. Practical training in self-rescue, buddy-rescue and use of safety equipment. Duration one and a half days.
• Snowmobile course: Review of laws and regulations, and training on driving a snowmobile in changing terrain. Also includes routines and procedures for leading larger groups on snowmobiles. Duration one day.
• Small boat course, zodiac: Use of open small boat in polar waters. Practical driving, knowledge of safety equipment and rescue procedures in case of accidents. Daily inspection and maintenance of boat and engine. Duration one and a half days.

A more detailed program and learning goals for each course will be distributed at the start of each course.

Learning outcomes

Upon completing the course, the students:

 

Learning activities:

The course extends over the autumn and spring semester, with total seven modules (topics). A large part of the course takes place outdoors and includes practical exercises and developing experience. The teaching methods will be student-focused and involve problem-based learning, project work, group work, practical and methodical work with guidance throughout the course, lectures, and discussions.

Compulsory learning activities:

• mandatory attendance in all field trips and courses, including preparation and follow-up work
• approved participation in the polar bear safety course, and passing the polar bear safety- and shooting test
• approved participation on Arctic first aid, and passing the first aid-test
• approved participation and passing the snowmobile and sea ice course
• approved presentation in a summary workshop at the end of the second semester.

All compulsory learning activities must be approved in order to be registered for the final assessment.

Assessment:

Written semester assignment with focus on safety management.

Method	Percentage of final grade
Written semester assignment	100%

 

Application deadline:

Cannot be applied for. Only open to Arctic Nature Guide students.