Program Overview

Introduction to the Antarctic Research Centre

The Antarctic Research Centre at Victoria University of Wellington has a long history of involvement in Antarctic studies. The centre offers a range of programs and courses, including ESCI 132: Antarctica: Unfreezing the Continent.

ESCI 132: Antarctica: Unfreezing the Continent

This course provides an introduction to the natural history of the Antarctic continent, covering diverse topics such as:

• History of exploration of the continent
• Antarctica's role as a recorder of past climate change and its importance in any future change in climate
• Geological history of Antarctica and the development of the ice sheets
• History of life on the continent
• Human experience in Antarctica

The course is ideal for both science and non-science students, with no formal laboratory sessions. Broader issues surrounding Antarctica are discussed in a series of tutorials.

How Much Do I Need to Know?

ESCI 132 is coordinated by the School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences. No prior knowledge of earth sciences, geology, or science is required, making the course open to everyone. Most lecturers and tutors for this course have visited Antarctica.

Research Areas

The Antarctic Research Centre is involved in various research areas, including:

• Antarctic and ocean floor sedimentology
• Ice cores
  • Research projects
• Glacier and ice sheet modelling
• Permafrost
  • Research projects
• Research programmes
  • IODP
    • Research projects
    • People
  • ITASE
  • RICE
  • LOCH
  • NZ SeaRise
  • Antarctic Science Platform
• Past research programmes
  • ANDRILL
  • ANZICE
  • Cape Roberts Project

Publications

The centre publishes various materials, including:

• Annual Review
• Antarctic data series
• IceSked
• BYTES newsletter

Outreach

The centre is involved in outreach activities, such as:

• Media highlights
• Image gallery
  • General Antarctica
  • Antarctic geology
  • Antarctic glaciology
  • Antarctic ice coring
  • ANDRILL project
  • New Zealand glaciology
• Educational links
• Girls* on Ice Aotearoa NZ

Student Profiles

The centre features student profiles, including:

• Heather Purdie
• Jeremy Fyke
• Denise Fernandez
• Jane Chewings
• Peter Neff
• Chris Kraus
• Lauren Vargo
• Wei Ji Leong
• Theo Calkin
• Olya Albot

Scholarships and Funding

The centre offers various scholarships and funding opportunities, including:

• S.T. Lee Travel Award
• Endowed Development Fund - recipients
• Arnold Heine Antarctic Research Award
• Endowments and donations
  • Endowed Development Fund - donors
  • Endowed Development Fund - recipients