Northern Exposure | Fall Field Course

The Northern Environmental and Conservation Sciences fall field school is held in the Yukon Territory every year during the fall reading break (mid-November). 'Northern Exposures’ joins students from northern and southern locations to explore the natural and cultural history of the Yukon/Alaska, and to learn and apply interdisciplinary approaches to environmental, social and economic challenges in these regions. Late fall conditions provide a lens for examining the relationships between northern environments and human societies, and identifying appropriate research and management approaches for northern systems.

This is a 3 credit course suitable for senior-level university students enrolled in natural and social science programs, including the Certificate on International Learning. The instructors include university faculty and college staff, personnel from territorial and First Nations governments, and representatives of other Yukon agencies. Seminars and field exercises will emphasize student-centered experiential learning, while benefiting from the wealth of local knowledge present in the area. Students will be based near Whitehorse and Haines Junction for the majority of the course.

Places are limited and will be filled on a first-come basis.  All participants must register in and pay tuition for University of Alberta RENR 465.  Additional course fees for non-Yukon* students include return transportation from Edmonton to Whitehorse, local accommodation, coverage of most meals, and transport for field excursions. Participants are responsible for personal outdoor equipment (appropriate fall/winter clothing and footwear).  Additional course fees apply to Yukon students, for partial coverage of meals, accommodation, and transport for field excursions. The exact course fees for the Fall 2024 course are to be determined, but should be around $1800, and a non-refundable $900 deposit will be due on the 10th of May. The deposit is to secure your spot and help us with the planning to save on costs by booking flights and accommodations early.

This course will take place during reading week of Fall 2025, from the 7th of November to the 16th.

For more details, feel free to look into the most recent syllabus: RENR 465 Northern Exposures - Syllabus - Fall 2024

Please keep in mind that the syllabus is likely to change from year to year

For more information and registration, contact Gabriel Rivest (Coordinator) - rivest@ualberta.ca

*Non-Yukon students coming from locations outside of Edmonton will need to arrange their own transportation to Edmonton or to Whitehorse and may be subject to different fees accordingly.