UGC introduces two new online courses on Arctic and polar studies

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has introduced two Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) on the SWAYAM portal focused on Arctic and polar studies. The courses are titled "Understanding the Arctic: Climate and Environmental Protection" and "Polar Science, Arctic Governance, Policy, and Law." In an official statement, the UGC explained that many people are interested in the rapidly changing Arctic region and its global impact, including on India. The Arctic is shaped by a fragile climate system, a network of interdisciplinary sciences, and international law.

UGC MOOCs

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has introduced two new Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) focusing on Arctic and polar studies. The first course, "Understanding the Arctic: Climate and Environmental Protection," is coordinated by Anu Gopinath, a professor in the Department of Chemical Oceanography and Aquatic Environment Management at Kerala University of Fisheries & Ocean Studies. Students can access this course through the following link: Understanding the Arctic: Climate and Environmental Protection. The second course, "Polar Science, Arctic Governance, Policy, and Law," is coordinated by P. Sakthivel from Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University. This course can be accessed at Polar Science, Arctic Governance, Policy, and Law. These courses are designed to enhance scientific awareness and knowledge about polar research and climate science, aligning with the National Education Policy 2020.

This initiative supports the National Education Policy 2020, which aims to offer top-quality online courses to enhance scientific awareness in universities and colleges and to promote knowledge in polar research and climate science. The UGC Subject Matter Expert Committee has selected these courses to align with the six pillars of India's Arctic Policy.

UGC chief Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar highlighted that changing weather patterns have global effects, influencing everything from monsoon cycles to rising sea levels. Given the critical role of the Arctic in global discussions and its importance to India, these courses offer valuable knowledge for the youth. The courses are credit-eligible, and universities have the flexibility to incorporate them into their curricula as they see fit.