Cold Regions Engineering

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

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.

See Requirements

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.

Course Materials

You’ll receive a notebook of course lecture notes in PDF format prior to the start of the course. Participants should have a calculator with SQRT, LOG and LN math functions. Assignments and exam problems will require some knowledge of algebra and calculus.