The Life of an Iceberg
FYSEMR 58F
Subject & Catalog Number
Course Information
Description
Towering icebergs, adrift in the polar oceans, have long captured our imagination: from the ominous iceberg that sank the Titanic to idioms of a large, hidden part, “the tip of the iceberg”. But are icebergs so mysterious? In this seminar we look at icebergs through the lenses of oceanographers, glaciologists, paleoclimatologists, artists and Arctic people. We will analyze satellite images and tagged polar bear data to understand how icebergs fertilize the ocean and provide unique ecological habitats. We will sift through sediment cores to explore how debris carried by icebergs can teach us about past climates. We will visit a museum focused on the Arctic and its people to learn how icebergs are an integral part of the life and culture of Arctic communities. A post seminar field trip to Iceland will bring students see glaciers and icebergs up close and collect measurements of icebergs melting. Throughout the course, we use icebergs to explore connections in time, space, across ice sheets and oceans, from glaciers to Arctic ecosystems and view them through the different lenses of scientists, artists and Arctic people.
POST-SEMINAR MODULE - After spring term 2027, students will have the opportunity to go on a trip to Iceland to view and study icebergs and glaciers between May 16-21. There will be no cost to students.
Class Notes
First-Year Seminars are available only to first-year students. You may apply to both Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 First-Year Seminars via the FYS lottery between July 6 and August 6, 2026 at 11:59PM-midnight.
You may apply to as many seminars each term as you would like, but we recommend you apply to at least six in fall and three in spring.
As part of your application, you must provide a brief statement on why you are interested in each seminar. You will be notified of lottery results for both fall and spring seminars at 5 pm on August 11. If you are unsuccessful in the lottery, you may still join any seminar with open seats. A list of open seminars and instructions on next steps will be available on the First-Year Seminar Program website August 11 at 12 Noon.
Not Available for Cross Registration
