Download BY 395: Topics in Biology

THE ECOLOGY OF THE WESTERN ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
COURSE SYLLABUS
3 CREDIT HOURS (TOPICS IN BIOLOGY- BY 395)
CRUISE TO ANTARCTICA DECEMBER 6-20, 2012 – CLASS DESIGNATED AS A
SPRING 2011 TERM COURSE)
Course Instructor:
Dr. Jim McClintock
Endowed University Professor of Polar and Marine Biology
Campbell Hall 368
Office Hours – by appointment
Office phone - 975-2525
E-mail - [email protected]
COURSE DESCRIPTION: An overview of the ecology of the western Antarctic Peninsula with
an emphasis on the ecological impacts of climate change on marine organisms. A major portion
of this course will be conducted along the western Antarctic Peninsula.
EVALUATION OF STUDENT PERFORMANCE: Research paper (30 pts), Natural History
Field Notebook (50 pts); Student participation – attendance at all guest lectures on board the
cruise ship (20 pts).
ACTIVITIES PRIOR TO DEPARTURE
Organizational Meeting - Logistical planning and course overview.
Lecture prior to departure - Introduction to the marine communities of the Antarctic Peninsula
and an overview of the impacts of climate change.
Suggested readings
McClintock J.B., H. Ducklow and B. Fraser. 2008. Ecological impacts of climate change on the
Antarctic Peninsula. American Scientist 96, 3020-310.
Knox, G.A. 1994. The Biology of the Southern Ocean. Cambridge University Press.
Rubin, J. 2000. Antarctica. Lonely Planet Publications.
Ainley, D.G. 2002. The Adelie Penguins. Bellweather of Climate Change. Columbia University
Press.
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Safina, C. 2002. Eye of the Albatross. Henry Holt and Company.
Shackleton, E. 1920. The Endurance Expedition. Penguin Group Publishing.
Bickel, L. 2000. Shackleton’s Forgotten Men. Thunder’s Mouth Press.
Itinerary for Cruise to the Antarctic Peninsula
A&K Philanthropic Journey Fighting Climate Change
Antarctica, 15 Nights
6th December 2010 - 21st December 2010
Antarctica is currently the fastest warming area on the planet with temperatures and
related ice-melt increasing at an even faster rate than had been predicted. The effects of
global warming will have an impact on marine, animal and human life around the planet.
As part of the Climate Change Challenge, Abercrombie & Kent is organizing a mission trip to
Antarctica. Dr. James B. McClintock, professor, scientist and award-winning author will lead the
expedition. Dr. McClintock will share with travellers how climate change is rapidly influencing
marine life on the Antarctic Peninsula, tales of what life is like at an Antarctic research station,
his research diving adventures, his marine ecological studies, and his drug discovery program
that recently found an anti-cancer compound in an Antarctic marine invertebrate.
Join this mission and make a direct contribution to the fight against global warming, presenting
Palmer scientific research station on Anvers Island with the new Hyperspectral Irradiance Sensor
to support Antarctic climate change research. This instrument gathers data critical to better
understand the impacts of climate warming along the Antarctic Peninsula and its impacts on
major types of phytoplankton (the small plant cells in the ocean). The sensor will be used for ongoing research projects and your contribution is included in the price of your cruise.
Day 1 - Birmingham/Santiago
Depart from Birmingham by overnight flight to Santiago.
Day 2 - Santiago
On arrival in Santiago, transfer to the hotel for a two-night stay. Afternoon at leisure. In the
evening you might wish to take the opportunity to see a tango show or to enjoy some of the city's
fine cuisine.
Day 3 - Santiago
Enjoy a comprehensive sightseeing tour of the city.
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Day 4 - Santiago/Ushuaia
Early morning transfer to the airport for the shared charter flight southwards to Tierra del Fuego
and the town of Ushuaia at the southernmost tip of Argentina, for embarkation aboard the
Minerva. Time permitting, enjoy a traditional Patagonian barbeque lunch and visit to Lapataia
National Park.
Days 5 and 6 - Drake Passage
The journey southward from Cape Horn to Antarctica, across the strait named after the famous
British mariner and explorer, is an exciting one. You will have time to settle in and enjoy the
facilities onboard the ship, as well as the opportunity to discuss the expedition ahead with the onboard lecturers. There will also be the chance to spot wildlife from the deck - these krill-rich
waters are a particular favourite with marine mammals and seabirds. Additionally, a professional
staff photographer will be on hand to assist you with specific camera questions and lead lectures
focusing on specific photo skills throughout your cruise.
Days 7 to 11 - Antarctica
Our voyage brings us to the offshore islands and spectacular icebound backdrop of the Antarctic
Peninsula. During our visit we enjoy scheduled Zodiac expeditions, each carefully planned by
the Captain and Expedition Leader to take full advantage of each day's possibilities. On most
days we make two landings, heading out in our swift and versatile Zodiacs, guided by our expert
drivers and accompanied by lecturers. Explore islands filled with thousands of penguins,
photograph the nesting grounds of seabirds and cruise iceberg-strewn passageways of
breathtaking beauty.
Conditions permitting, the ship plans to land on the Antarctic Peninsula and on a number of
islands in the South Shetlands. These may include Paulet which is home to a large colony of
Adélie penguins and the historic remains of Dr. Otto Nordenskjold's hut which was the overwinter haven for 22 men from the Swedish Antarctic Expedition; Half Moon; Cuverville;
Penguin; Goudier; and Deception, still considered an active volcano.
We also hope to sail through possibly the most famous and visually stunning areas in Antarctica,
the Lemaire Channel, affectionately known as 'Kodak Alley'. Other possibilities for exploration
include the huge mountains of ice near Paradise Bay; a scientific research station; the remains of
early-century whaling and sealing industries and whale bones on the beach.
Additionally, join Dr McClintock delivering integral research instrumentation, acquired through
A&K Philanthropy, to the US Palmer Station on Anvers Island. Guests will have a first hand
experience to meet with station staff and view the on-going research projects
Days 12 and 13 - Drake Passage
We leave the Antarctic Peninsula returning once again to Ushuaia via the Drake Passage. As we
sail northwards the lecturers recap their presentations on the wildlife, history and geology of the
White Continent. Spend time on board with newfound friends reflecting on the adventures you
have experienced throughout your journey of a lifetime.
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Day 14 - Ushuaia/Buenos Aires
We disembark from the Minerva and transfer to the airport for the shared charter flight to
Buenos Aires. Overnight in Buenos Aires.
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