UGC offers two online courses in polar and arctic topics

On the SWAYAM site, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has introduced two Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) focused on arctic and polar sciences. These courses include Polar Science, Arctic Governance, Policy, and Law, as well as Understanding the Arctic: Climate and Environmental Protection.

For the July 2024 semester, these courses can be registered for on the SWAYAM Platform at swayam.gov.in, the official website. The first day of the MOOCs is July 18, 2024.

The Commission has started offering a course on Polar Science, Arctic Governance, Policy, and Law, in accordance with the official notice issued by UGC. There will be an election in 15 weeks. Starting on July 18, the course will run through October 31. On August 31, the enrollment procedure will come to an end. The course exam is scheduled for December 15.

Comparably, a 15-week optional course titled "Understanding the Arctic - Climate and the Need for Environmental Protection" will start on July 18 and run through October 31. The exam is scheduled on July December 14 and the enrollment period will end on August 31.

According to a UGC press release, the UGC Subject Matter Expert Committee has chosen courses that align with the six pillars of India's Arctic Policy.

The effects of shifting weather patterns are seen worldwide, impacting everything from rising sea levels to monsoon cycles. Arctic courses are a valuable addition for our kids, given the Arctic's pivotal position in national and global discourse. Universities are free to include these credit-eligible courses into their curricula in accordance with their preferred methods, according to UGC Chief M Jagadesh Kumar.