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The Postgraduate Certificate in Antarctic Studies (PCAS) is an internationally unique programme jointly developed by the University of Canterbury and Antarctica New Zealand. PCAS is a 14-week, in‐depth, multi‐disciplinary programme of study that critically examines contemporary scientific, environmental, social and political debates focused on Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. Every year, PCAS attracts graduate students from a diverse...

The Elaine P. Snowden Astronomy School is an annual  five-day camp for Year 12 and 13 students interested in studying Astronomy or Physics at university. This year, the programme ran from 13-17 April, with 20 students selected from all over New Zealand. With a mix of seminars and practical work, the students were immersed in various topics in astronomy...

Dr Karen Pollard is an Associate Professor of Astronomy at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand. She is also the Director of the University of Canterbury Mount John Observatory, and her research interest is stellar evolution and pulsating stars. Origins and early influences Karen started her astronomical journey at a young age. Born in Christchurch, New Zealand, Karen has lived...

60 Year-11 students from around New Zealand arrived at the University of Canterbury on Sunday 2 December, settling in at the Rochester and Rutherford Halls of Residence and getting to know each other that night, before kicking off the week on Monday with a tour of the campus, sessions in Antarctic Studies, Environmental Science and Psychology, fish and chips at...

Welcome to the UC Science Blog! This is a new platform for academics, staff and students from the University of Canterbury’s College of Science to communicate their science. We aim to curate news and insights from our labs, field stations and beyond, including the latest research, expert commentary on current issues, outreach updates and more. We are looking for contributors so if you...

Melting mountain glaciers all around our world are poster children for present-day climate change. But how do climate scientists monitor glaciers ? By doing fieldwork! They go up there after winter to measure how much snow was falling onto the glacier surface (aka accumulation, a positive number), and return after summer to measure how much ice was melting (aka ablation, a negative...

Are NZ fish oil supplements safe, true to label and can they provide a health benefit? I recently co-authored an article in the New Zealand Medical Journal looking at whether omega-3 fatty acids contained in 10 fish oil supplements sold in NZ are true to label, accurate with health claims and safe to consume. Overall, although likely to be safe...

For most of us, mushrooms are the most familiar type of fungi, but not all fungi produce mushrooms. Of the estimated 5 million species of fungi, about 14,000 produce mushrooms. New Zealand has a fascinating mix of native, endemic and introduced fungi. With a bit of practice, patience, and a sharp eye, these species are only a foray away.

Click here to visit eocaconservation.org and vote for Bringing Back the Birds Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve, an important bird area, sits on the Nigerian/Cameroon border among the rolling hills and grassland of the Mambilla Plateau. It is one of only a few remaining stands of montane forest, and harbours rich and unique biodiversity including species new to science and endangered...

Seaweed form one of the most diverse and productive ecosystems on this planet, yet, with most of its beauty hidden below the surface; its importance often slips our attention. Destruction of terrestrial forests often causes global sensation and outcries. We know about their importance as they provide a home and food sources for animals and their indispensable role for our...