About this Course
Meet the arctic engineering course requirement to practice in Alaska. Explore the challenges of cold regions engineering and solutions for technical problems related to cold weather, snow and ice. Consider foundation and building designs for arctic regions. Learn about snow control, ice growth on water surfaces, ice mechanics and the physical and thermal properties of frozen ground. Study the effects low temperatures have on construction materials and personnel. Learn about drinking water and wastewater systems at camps, homes and communities in the far North.
What the Course Covers
Descriptive and geotechnical aspects of:
- Arctic hydrology
- Heat transfer
- Water supply treatment, storage and distribution
- Air infiltration and water vapor concerns in buildings
- Depth of freeze and thaw in soils
- Wastewater collection, treatment and disposal
- Air pollution, solid waste management and climate change
- Working cross-culturally
- Safety and environmental concerns
Outcomes
Upon completion, you will earn 3.2 continuing education units (CEUs). The course is approved by the Alaska Board of Registration and satisfies the arctic engineering requirement for a professional license to practice architecture or engineering in the state of Alaska.
Designed For
Individuals who are seeking a professional license to practice engineering or architecture in the state of Alaska, and those who are curious about life in the North.
If you’re a landscape architect, you might consider enrolling in Northern Building Design, a course offered remotely by the University of Alaska Anchorage.
Completing the Course
To successfully complete this course, you must attend all live online class sessions and complete all homework assignments.
You must also pass an examination, given on the last day. Approximately two weeks are required for the instructors to grade the exams. The names of those individuals who have passed the exam will be sent to the State of Alaska Board of Registration for Architects, Engineers and Land Surveyors. Course participants will be informed of the exam results, and successful participants will receive a certificate of course completion from the University of Washington.
Course Materials
You’ll receive a notebook of course lecture notes in both hard copy and PDF format. If you register less than 21 days before the course begins, we can’t guarantee that you’ll receive the hard copy notebook by the first class due to shipping time. Participants should have a calculator with SQRT, LOG and LN math functions. Assignments and exam problems will require some knowledge of algebra and calculus.