 Price$200 |  Duration3 hours |  DeliveryOnline |  StartsAnytime |
About this course
Explore how Antarctica is protected, the environmental pressures it faces and the role we all play in its future. The course examines the history, science, governance and practical challenges of conserving Antarctica and the Southern Ocean.
This comprehensive short course is part of the HX | UTAS Antarctic short course series, an educational partnership between HX and the University of Tasmania's Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS). The series brings peer-reviewed polar science to anyone with an interest in the far south, whether you are preparing for a voyage, remembering one, or simply curious. This course stands alone, so no prior HX | UTAS study is required.
The course is organised into five parts. It traces the history of sealing, whaling and fishing, the international agreements and organisations that protect Antarctic wildlife and ecosystems, and the pressures facing the region today, including climate change, commercial fisheries, invasive species, disease, pollution and tourism. Real-world examples show how conservation measures are developed, why international cooperation is essential and how visitors can reduce their impact. Where a topic is covered in more depth elsewhere, you will be directed to the relevant companion course.
The course takes around three hours to complete. By taking this course, you are helping to fund the next generation of Antarctic researchers. A portion of your enrolment supports travel grants that enable researchers to reach departure ports, join HX expedition vessels and conduct new research, contributing to Antarctica's future as a continent for peace and science.
Course Structure
Explore the history of human exploitation in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean.
This part covers early sealing, commercial whaling and the development of modern fisheries. It shows how these activities affected wildlife and why their legacy continues to shape conservation priorities today.
Learn how international agreements and organisations protect Antarctica.
This part explores the role of the Antarctic Treaty System and the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR). It explains how countries work together to manage fisheries, protect wildlife and establish marine protected areas.
Examine the major threats facing Antarctic wildlife.
This part covers commercial fisheries, climate change, invasive species and disease. It explains how these pressures interact, why some species are particularly vulnerable and how scientific evidence informs conservation responses.
Explore the environmental footprint of human activity in Antarctica.
This part covers research operations, infrastructure, tourism and pollution, and how impacts can extend into remote environments. It also describes the measures used to reduce disturbance, manage waste and protect fragile ecosystems.
Consider the opportunities and challenges of visiting Antarctica.
This part explores how tourism is managed, the environmental implications of increasing visitation and the debate about who should have access to the continent. It also offers practical ways visitors and the wider public can support responsible travel and conservation.
What you will learn
Learn how Antarctica's history of human activity has shaped modern approaches to conservation, and how scientific research, international collaboration and protection measures help manage human impacts and safeguard its wildlife and ecosystems in a changing world.
You can work through the five parts at your own pace, in one sitting or one part at a time. The course includes interviews with researchers, a glossary to help you understand specialist terminology, and a quiz that allows you to test your understanding. Completing the quiz with a score of 50% or higher makes you eligible for a Certificate of Completion, and you can attempt the quiz as many times as you like.
You can also combine this course with others in the Antarctic short course series to build your own bespoke Antarctic learning journey.
Interested in further study?
Expand your Antarctic knowledge with our HX | UTAS Antarctic short course series.