HX, U of Tasmania create course to educate Antarctica travelersHX, U of Tasmania create course to educate Antarctica travelers

HX partnered with the University of Tasmania and its Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) for an immersive course to educate Antarctica travelers.

Combining real-world and online learning

Passengers and expedition teams will have the opportunity to explore Antarctic and polar science with world-leading researchers in a university-developed program that blends real-world experiences with an online course accessible anywhere.

Collecting samples on a Zodiac excursion at Cuverville Island and the science center aboard HX's Roald Amundsen PHOTOS: SHAYNE MCGUIRE/ANDREA KLAUSSNER

Participants will experience an enriched journey through Antarctica and, upon completing the course and their trip, both passengers and expedition staff will receive an official University of Tasmania certificate.

Course topics

The education program will launch as a pilot Nov. 27, with topics including the human history of Antarctica, the Antarctic Treaty System, the Southern Ocean, ice core studies, wildlife and ecological communities, climate change, citizen science and living, working and traveling responsibly in Antarctica.

It is sent to travelers 60 days before departure.

Online seminars, live Q&A sessions

This 'HX Pre-Departure Course’ was developed by leading academics and will be delivered through a specially developed syllabus of engaging content, including online seminars, interviews and live Q&A sessions, available before, during or after the HX journeys.

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The short but detailed course, with roughly four hours of content, will also be available to HX staff.

'This new program will ensure our guests gain a deeper understanding of the regions they explore, and an official university certificate to mark their learning journey,' said Verena Meraldi, HX chief scientist, who has led the University of Tasmania project.

Based in Hobart, the university is home to IMAS, recognized as a center of excellence for marine and Antarctic research, leading groundbreaking studies across scientific and social science. Its work is dedicated to enhancing environmental understanding and driving sustainable development worldwide.

Ongoing scientific collaboration

HX and the university have worked together for four years, laying the groundwork for this strategic collaboration. Their relationship aligns with the Tasmanian T2030 Visitor Economy Strategy, which seeks to encourage tourism that provides benefits to the regions where the university operates.

HX has hosted more than 30 scientists and Tasmania university students on polar expeditions over the last three years to work on scientific and social science projects. This is part of HX’s ongoing science support program that provides more than 1,800 free cabin and cruise nights to scientists and research students each year.