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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the time commitment for the program?

The program runs for 15 days in August (dates change each year). Travel time may add a day or more on either end of the trip. All assignments are to be handed in by the last day of the program. You are also expected to meet with the instructor at least twice before the field school begins to discuss logistics and options for your project. You will need to write a 5 page research proposal prior to the program start date, and are expected to read texts in preparation. Undergraduate students can expect to spend about 29 hours in preparation prior to the course. Graduate students have the additional requirement of a preliminary dataset analysis, so can therefore expect to spend about 49 hours in preparation. See the course syllabus for details: University of Saskatchewan undergraduate or graduate.

How much does the program cost?

The total program cost includes tuition, travel to Churchill, the excursion fee, and spending money for the trip. Tuition is for 3 credit units at the 400 level - please confirm costs with the University's tuition guide. Graduate students for whom the course is approved as part of their study need not pay tuition. Travel to Churchill can cost $150 to $1000 depending on purchase date, class, and method of travel - train coach is the least expensive, and air is generally the most expensive. An excursion fee of $2450 will cover meals, accommodations, transport during the course, and activities, but you may want to bring some extra spending money for souvenirs, treats in town, and food to bring on the train on the way home.

What pre-requisites do I need?

All students require permission of the field school instructor (Ryan Brook at University of Saskatchewan), and will also need to demonstrate that they have adequate field gear and a commitment to safety. Undergraduate students should have completed 60 credit units at their university by the beginning of the course. *Note that graduate students that have taken the undergrad course cannot get credit for the grad course.

How will I be graded?

Grading differs slightly for undergraduate and graduate students. The research project accounts for 50% of the final grade for all students, and encompasses everything from an initial research proposal to a final report and presentation of your findings. You will also need to record observations in a field journal, which is worth 20% of your grade for undergrads, and 15% for grads. Graduate students are required to give a course lecture to their peers, which accounts for 10% of their grade. Ongoing assessment of field skills, competency and participation accounts for 25% of the grade for all students, and the final 5% for all students is awarded through successful facilitation of a group discussion on a topic the instructors will assign and provide materials for. Success in this field school depends on your ability to apply and demonstrate what you learn. See the course syllabus for details: University of Saskatchewan undergraduate or graduate.

Are there any textbooks required?

There is one required text for all students, and two that are recommended:

Required - Bussidor, I., Bilgen-Rinart, U. 1997. Night Spirits: The story of the relocation of the Sayisi Dene. ISBN 9780887556432

Recommended - Brandson, L.E. Churchill and Hudson Bay: A guide to Natural and Cultural Heritage. ISBN 9780986937101

Recommended - Johnson, K. 1998. Wildflowers of Churchill and the Hudson Bay Region. ISBN 9780920704158

Graduate students have one additional text, plus a list of readings that can be found in the course syllabus:

Boitani, L., and Fuller, T.K. Research techniques in Animal Ecology. ISBN 9780231113410

Is the field school safe?

Safety is the #1 priority, and since the program's start in 2004, we have never had an incident. Risks, including wildlife, helicopter travel, and unpredictable weather, are managed by trained instructors, Parks Canada staff, and the participants themselves. Safety information is privided prior to and during the program, and is a huge focus of our day-to-day life in camp. Read more about safety and risk management here.

What do I need to bring? Will I have to buy items?

Students must have good quality clothing and gear. This means hiking shoes, a high quality waterproof shell, insulating layers, field pants (NOT JEANS), and a day pack with a waist strap. A full packing list can be found in the program guide. Good quality items are essential for comfort and safety in the field, so it may be necessary to update your wardrobe. We will be happy to take a look at your gear and help you decide what needs replacing. Ryan also has some extra gear (backpacks, rain gear, equipment) to lend to individuals in need, so don't let this stop you from taking the course!

How do I get to Churchill?

Churchill can be reached by train or commercial flights out of Thompson, MB. You are responsible for your own travel costs and planning! We are happy to put you in touch with other students so that you can carpool to Thompson to save costs. Check out Calm Air and VIA rail for pricing and dates. Note that the train frequently runs late and you should factor this in to your travel plans. There are plenty of other tips to help you plan your travel in the program guide.

What topics can I choose for my project?

We have the knowledge and materials to direct research in the areas of wildlife-habitat relationships, structure and dynamics of vegetation, wildlife management, protected areas management, ecotourism benefits and impacts, and traditional or local ecological knowledge. Check out some examples of past projects here. We are happy to hear your suggestions of any project ideas, and can advise the feasibility given our expertise and equipment.

Do I need a lot of hiking or camping experience?

You do not need to be an avid hiker or camper, but you will need to bring a good attitude! This means pushing yourself past your comfort zone, and lending a hand with camp duties and your fellow classmates' work. Daily walks will typically be 2-8 km with at least one hike of 30+ km. We strongly recommend that you spend some time prior to the departure date walking long distances with a backpack to make sure that your gear is adequate (break in those shoes if they are new!) and that you don't have any tendencies towards injuries doing this activity. We will supply tents and other camping gear.

What if I have dietary needs/health concerns?

This should not be a problem in the majority of cases, as long as you tell us as soon as possible. The Study Centre in Churchill has an amazing selection of food for all needs, and we bring our own groceries into the park, and even go to the grocery store together! There is often a smaller selection of groceries in Churchill than you will find at home, but we can still make delicious meals to keep everyone fueled up on the course! Mobility issues are a bit more difficult to accomodate, as we do a fair amount of walking, but it will not neccessarily exclude you from participating. Let us know your needs and we will do our best to ensure you can participate!

What if I can't finish my project in time?

Projects must be completed and presented to the community at the end of the program, and we have never had a student fail to do so. We will check in with you at many points during the field school to make sure you are on track, and you can always modify your project if you are not getting enough data or there are other concerns. It will be hard work, but you can do it! For more details on what is involved, take a look at the syllabus (undergraduate or graduate).

Will I be able to use the internet/my phone?

Our stay at the Churchill Northern Studies Center will have you fully connected, but once we go to Wapusk you will no longer have these services. We challenge you to leave your phones behind in Churchill entirely! You will be in one of the most amazing places on the planet - many students say that being disconnected was one of their favourite parts of the experience.

What is a typical day like during the field school?

Every day is pretty different but you can expect to wake up early to a good breakfast and then spend time collecting data (either through surveys in town, or fieldwork in the park). Some days we will have lectures or guest speakers (may be formal or informal) , and every day we will have many smaller discussions and learning moments. We will also have a short student-lead discussion every day. In the evenings, after a hearty supper you will have time to work on filling in your field journal and analyzing your data. Of course there is always time to watch the glorious sunsets, and we will also do many fun activities along the way. In Churchill, we spend a lot of time in town interacting with locals, and in Wapusk we spend a lot of time hiking and learning from the land. Expect to be busy each day - students help with cooking and cleaning throughout the entire trip. Take a look at the tentative schedule in the program guide.