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UGC Launches New Open Online Courses on Arctic and Polar Studies on SWAYAM portal

  • 21 Jun 2024

UGC Launches New Open Online Courses on Arctic and Polar Studies on SWAYAM portal

 

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has introduced two new Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) focusing on Arctic and polar studies, now available for registration on the SWAYAM platform for the July 2024 semester at swayam.gov.in. These courses are scheduled to commence from July 18, 2024, each spanning a duration of 15 weeks and carrying four credits, suitable for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

 

In an official statement, the UGC emphasized the growing global interest in understanding the rapidly changing Arctic region and its implications, particularly for countries like India. The Arctic's complex climate system, interdisciplinary sciences, and international legal frameworks make it a crucial area of study.

 

The two new Courses

 

  1. Understanding the Arctic: Climate and Environmental Protection

 

Course Coordinator: Anu Gopinath, Professor in the Department of Chemical Oceanography and Aquatic Environment Management, Kerala University of Fisheries & Ocean Studies

Course Link: onlinecourses.swayam2.ac.in/ugc24_ge10/preview

 

  1. Polar Science, Arctic Governance, Policy, and Law

 

Course Coordinator: P Sakthivel, Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University

Course Link: onlinecourses.swayam2.ac.in/ugc24_ge11/preview

 

The UGC highlighted that these initiatives are in line with the National Education Policy 2020, aiming to enhance scientific awareness in universities and colleges and advance knowledge in polar research and climate science. The courses selected by the UGC Subject Matter Expert Committee align with the six pillars of India's Arctic Policy.

 

Impact and Integration

 

UGC Chief Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar emphasized the global significance of changing weather patterns, affecting phenomena such as monsoon cycles and sea level rise. He noted the strategic value of these Arctic-focused courses for Indian youth, underscoring their credit eligibility and flexibility for integration into university curricula according to institutional preferences.

 

These MOOCs represent a significant step towards bolstering scientific education and preparing students to engage with critical global issues, ensuring that India remains informed and proactive in Arctic-related discussions.

 

For further details and registration, interested individuals can visit the SWAYAM portal before the courses commence in July 2024.