The aim with the course is based on knowledge of snow, ice and cold to study the opportunities and constraints it has on society.

Specific goals:

After the course the student should be able to:

Describe:
• The basics in snow and ice mechanics
• How human beings are affected by cold temperatures
• Methods for classifying snow and ice
• Techniques where snow and ice are used for constructions

Account for:
• Avalanches, assumptions and risk assessment locally and regionally
• Contamination problems with urban snow
• How society adapts itself more to cold climate in the form of infrastructure and the costs involved

Explain:
• How snow and ice are formed and their change and metamorphism
• The difference between natural and artificial snow
• Snow accumulation and melting – water content in a snowpack

Apply:
• Work in a cold climate
• Work in groups

Snow, ice and cold climate have a major impact on society and on individual level. Winter-related phenomena affect the way we build and plan our society and our daily lives. Snow, ice and cold temperatures causes great social costs, but also great recreational opportunities and life quality for individuals and economic potential to for example the tourism industry.

Snow and ice are complex materials that can be used in beneficial ways in cold climates. The course “Snow and ice” handles basics of snow- and ice mechanics, formation of snow, classification methods for snow, avalanche awareness, techniques for using snow and ice and to work in cold climates. This knowledge is translated into a societal and individual perspective.

You will after the course have useful knowledge that can be applied in the tourism industry, construction and the society-related areas. Depending on your previous knowledge, you can immerse yourself in specific areas such as ice mechanics, frozen ground, tourism, leadership, etc.

This course is aimed at those who have general eligibility for higher education and is provided at a basic level. The course requires no special prerequisites but the major part of the literature is in English and some basic calculation operations are included. Teaching includes lectures, group work, study visits and a field exercise.

The course consists of lectures, laboratory work, project work and an obligatory field trip. The field trip is associated with a fee which includes travel costs, accommodation and all meals. In the course the main learning activities are organized in the project groups and supervised by the teachers. The lectures, laboratory work and field trips supports the learning activities in the project groups.