 Price$150 |  Duration2 hours |  DeliveryOnline |  StartsAnytime |
About this course
Discover what it takes to live and work in one of the most remote and challenging places on Earth. The course goes beyond Antarctica's landscapes to explore the people, infrastructure, logistics and teamwork that make life and scientific research on the continent possible.
This comprehensive short course is part of the Antarctic Insights 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 three parts. It covers research stations, expedition ships and the gateway cities that connect the continent with the world, the culture and psychology of overwintering and isolation, and the priorities and international partnerships that support Antarctic research. Antarctic veterans and researchers share their experiences, and lessons from Antarctica are applied to other extreme environments, including space. Where a topic is covered in more depth elsewhere, you will be directed to the relevant companion course.
The course takes around two 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 people, places and logistics that make life in Antarctica possible, from research stations to polar voyages.
This part covers the role of research stations, expedition ships and gateway cities, and how supplies, infrastructure and support teams keep Antarctic operations running. It also introduces the distinctive culture of overwintering on the continent.
Understand the psychological challenges of living and working in an isolated and confined environment.
This part draws on the experiences of Antarctic veterans to explore preparation, teamwork and wellbeing. It considers how lessons from Antarctica can inform other extreme environments, including space exploration.
Explore the future of Antarctic research, and the people and organisations working together to advance scientific understanding.
This part examines the role of national Antarctic programs and international organisations, including the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR). It explains why continued investment, innovation and collaboration are essential.
What you will learn
Learn what it takes to live and work in Antarctica, including the practical, social and personal dimensions of isolation, working in close-knit teams and adapting to an extreme environment.
You can work through around two hours of content across three parts, at your own pace and 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 Antarctic Insights Course Series.