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Systems Approaches to Regional Sustainability-Iceland
Info Session
January 18, 2012, 3:30 p.m - 4:30 p.m. in Klinck 462
Final application deadline:
Summary
Contemporary scientists agree that solutions to complex global challenges such as environmental sustainability calls for “systems thinking”: the process of understanding how things influence one another within a whole. Systems thinking as an approach to problem-solving argues that the component parts of a system can best be understood in the context of relationships with each other and with other systems, rather than in isolation.
A scientific approach to examining the world that embraces systems thinking therefore demands that we consider landscapes, regions or whole continents as systems. In these systems, elements such as land, air, water, human societies, plants, and animals, interact in ways that influence the likelihood that the system will survive or perish.
This three-week, three-credit summer intensive field course builds on ISCI 360, in which students examined the complex interconnecting components that contribute to the nature and status of the present-day system of a country, a region or a city. You will visit Iceland, which as a completely self-contained nation-state "system", offers a particularly valuable case study.
This summer intensive field course will offer you an opportunity to visit and experience Icelandic land, ecosystems and communities first-hand, and to hear perspective from locals and local experts on contemporary and historic factors influencing sustainability in the Icelandic system.
In addition, the field course will function as a data-gathering field trip for you to pursue a pre-selected research project investigating possible effects of perturbations of (in this case) the Icelandic system.
This group-study program will consist of up to 20 student participants.
Eligibility
This course is open to students with third-year or higher standing in the Faculty of Science who have completed the prerequisite course ISCI 360: Systems Approaches to Regional Sustainability (taking place in Term 2 of the 2011/2012 academic year). If spaces remain after considering applications from ISCI 360 participants, applicants outside of this course may be considered provided they are willing to complete adequate preparatory work.
While the course is suitable for third-to fourth-year students from a variety of majors and science disciplines, preference will be given to students registered in Integrated Sciences.
You will be selected based on personal and intellectual maturity and a demonstrated commitment to the learning theme and goals of the program
Language of instruction
English
Program dates
April 27 – May 18, 2012
Program fee
The program fee is approximately $2,500 - $2,800 (the exact amount of the program fee will be confirmed closer to the date of departure) and includes:
- accommodation
- group transportation within Iceland on field activities
- course fees (guest lectures, classroom rental, entry fees for site visits)
- $371 Go Global fee
Not included:
- transportation to and from Iceland
- tuition
- personal spending money
- breakfasts, lunches and all but one dinner
NOTE: The Program fee will be reduced by $1,000 if you qualify for the Go Global Award (i.e., a 70% average over 24 credits during the 2011-2012 academic year).
Program of study
You should expect an intensive study experience throughout the program which will compress course work for the duration of the program, including guest lectures from local scientists on topics, such as:
- geological and hydrological systems
- impacts of glaciation
- factors influencing local climate
- the influence of climate, water and land on terrestrial and marine ecosystems
- the resultant influences on agriculture
- local energy systems
You will also be actively involved in gathering, analyzing and presenting data for the course final project.
You will also make at least two field trips per week to visit sites of geological, glaciological, ecological and historical interest relevant to the course.
Application
- The application deadline for this program is
February 10 , 2012 at 4:30 pm. - Applications are now open and can be initiated online via the Go Global Gateway application system. If you need to log in to complete your application once you have started it, or to view your application, please access this section of the Go Global Gateway application system.
- If you encounter any problems submitting your application via the Go Global Gateway, please direct them to Kerri Leeper at kerri.leeper@ubc.ca
- Eligible applicants will be invited for an interview prior to being accepted into the program.
Please send any questions about applying to this program to Kerri Leeper, Group Study Program Coordinator at Go Global at kerri.leeper@ubc.ca.
Withdrawals and Refunds
If you decide to withdraw your application following submission, you need to make this request in writing by email to Kerri Leeper, the Group Study Program Coordinator. Please be sure to consult the Group Study Refund Policy terms.
