Biology in South India

Late August to December

Campus Program Advisers:
Anne Walter (Science Center 214, x3961)
Jean Porterfield (Science Center 142, x3850)
Mike Swift (Science Center 250, x3886)

Sponsoring Department: Biology

India is a vast country with tremendous opportunities to study ecology and to consider ways in which humans carry out the practices of agriculture and health care and interact with the environment. This fall semester program in India offers up to 10 biology and environmental studies students a chance to work on two independent projects or internships at several sites in southern India. Possible topics will be in the areas of rural health care, leprosy, agriculture, elephant/wildlife ecology, mountain ecology and medicinal plants.

The program starts with a four-week study and orientation session in Madras and a rural setting that exposes students to India and Indian life. The orientation uses class sessions and field trips to introduce history, philosophy, religion, music and customs, current politics as well as the practical matters of getting around and getting along in India.

The program fulfills two biology electives, MCS-G and WRI requirements.