Northern Exposure | Winter Field Course

The Northern Environmental and Conservation Sciences winter field school is held in the Yukon Territory every year during the winter reading break. ‘Northern Exposures’ joins students from northern and southern locations to explore the natural and cultural history of the Yukon, and to learn and apply interdisciplinary approaches to environmental, social and economic challenges in this region. Winter 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 Yukon. Students will be based near Whitehorse for four days and near Haines Junction/Kluane National Park for three days, with excursions to outlying communities and environments. The days will be long, and full participation is expected by all students.

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 of $1700 for non-Yukon* students include return transportation from Edmonton to Whitehorse, local accommodation, coverage of meals in the Yukon, and transport for field excursions. Participants are responsible for personal outdoor equipment (appropriate winter clothing and footwear).  Additional course fees of $1000 apply to Yukon students, for partial coverage of meals, accommodation, and transport for field excursions.

A non-refundable deposit of $900 is due on November 1^st, 2023. The remaining course fees ($800)  are due by February 1^st, 2024. The course is offered during the winter reading week (Feb 16-25).

For more details, feel free to look into the most recent course description and syllabus: RENR 465 Northern Exposures - Syllabus - Winter 2023
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.