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News from Classes / Events / Trips

“ANTARCTICA IN A NUTSHELL”
Once again during last autumn term, a large group of enthusiastic seniors descended on BAS HQ on Thursday mornings for this course given for the 6th time by Bill Block and BAS colleagues. Average attendance was around 75 (out of 94 registered), even when snowy conditions prevailed! The 8-week course covered the major aspects of Antarctica from its discovery and exploration to modern science (geology, ice, biology and the atmosphere) and the successful Antarctic Treaty System together with the recent International Polar Year using lectures, video tapes, dvds and discussions. BAS speakers contributed up-to-the-minute talks on ice coring and the climate record (Dr Nerilie Abram), marine biodiversity and the Census of Antarctic Marine Life (Dr David Barnes), the current ozone story (Jonathan Shanklin – recent recipient of a USA EPA Montreal Protocol Award) and South Georgia fisheries and CCAMLR (Dr Mark Belchier). All the talks by guest speakers were much appreciated. Once again, it was both enjoyable and at times, challenging, to share our Antarctic knowledge with such an interested group. The U3Aers, drawn from a wide range of backgrounds, appreciated the welcome given them at BAS, enjoyed the ambience of the Institute and several took advantage of the Icebreaker after the sessions! Collective appreciation was expressed to Director BAS for allowing the use of the Institute’s facilities and to BAS for the provision of coffee and tea. The group made a donation to support the work of the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust in appreciation of the course. The picture shows several members of the group at the entrance to the Survey at the end of the course.

Group

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