Environmental Science in Australia
This program is offered in spring semester during alternate years, operating spring 2008, spring 2010, etc. It is open to science and non-science students interested in environmental studies.
A combination of lectures, extensive field experiences and brief research projects enable students to learn about and appreciate this fascinating continent. All courses are taken concurrently and are highly integrated to provide a strong interdisciplinary focus.
Students are free to travel independently after the program as well as during spring break.
Eligibility
The prerequisite course requirement for this program is Biology 126 (Organismic Biology) OR Environmental Studies 137 (Introduction to Environmental Studies) OR Enviromental Studies 125 (Conservation Biology). Group size is limited to 24 students and is open to qualified sophomores, juniors and seniors. In other words, interested students should be in their first, sophomore, or junior year when applying. The program is also open to qualified students from other institutions. Selection is made on the basis of each applicant's professional interest, scholastic standing, aptitude for rigorous travel conditions, class in college, faculty recommendations, and an interview. Applications are due March 1, 2009, for the 2010 program
Application Due: March 1, 2009
International and Off-Campus Studies Office
Interviews, Selection and Notification: March 2009
Orientation Retreat: April, 2009
Obligations
Except during spring break, participants are required to remain with the group at all times and take part in all curricular and co-curricular activities, and to travel with the group in accordance with the planned program. Participants must provide their own transportation to and from the U. S. departure point on the West Coast.
Fees
In 2008, the program was $10,010 over and above St. Olaf tuition. The program covers: round-trip international travel from the West Coast to Australia (arrive in Melbourne and depart from Brisbane); all surface travel in Australia; all accommodations including equipment for tent camping; breakfast and one main meal/day as well as lunches on all field excursions; transportation of 70 pounds of baggage, checked or unchecked. The program fee does not cover meals, accommodations, or transportation during spring break.
Itinerary (tentative)
| Melbourne | Aborigine Camp |
| Queenscliffe (marine station) | Lamington Plateau (rain forest) |
| Otway Mountains & Great Ocean Rd. | North Stradbroke Island |
| Wilson's Promontory National Park | Carnarvon Gorge National Park |
| Jindabyne (Snowy Mountains) | Biloela Cattle Station |
| Canberra (National Capital) | Heron Island (Great Barrier Reef) |
| Sydney | Brisbane |
| Brisbane |
Courses of Study
Four courses are offered (two biology, one sociology/anthropology, one
political science).
Biology 226: Terrestrial Ecology
Focus on Australian flora and fauna as influenced by landscape and climate (past and present). The impact of past and present human activity are examined from an ecological perspective. Lectures supplemented by extensive field trips and short term field research projects. Counts toward major (biology majors see note below for information on core requirements). Counts toward Bio. major, Environ. Studies major and concentration and Natural Science requirement. GE: ORC, Studies in Natural Science, Biology with lab (NST-B, NSL).
Biology 224: Marine Biology
Covers abiotic as well as biotic factors and their relationships. Includes an examination and effects of geological and climatic influences. The environmental impact of human activity are examined. Lectures supplemented by field trips from the cold waters of Southern Australia to the warm waters of the Great Barrier Reef. Counts toward major (biology majors see note below for information on core requirements). Counts as an elective toward the Environmental Studies concentration and major.
Special Note for Biology Majors:
Biology majors may choose to fulfill EITHER the multicellular organism core course OR the ecology core course of the major (not both). The other biology course counts as an elective in the major.
Sociology/Anthropology 222: Cultural Anthropology
An introduction to the native aboriginal culture of Australia, their adaptations and role in the environment. Examines the European impact on the aborigines and on the Australian environment since settlement. Lectures supplemented by field trips and participatory experiences. Counts toward major. GE: Multicultural Studies (MCS-G). Counts toward the Social Science cognate requirement in the Environmental Studies concentration and major.
Political Science 221: Environmental Policy
Examination of the present political structure and organization of Australian government and political parties. Special emphasis on policies concerning the environment and aboriginal people. Lectures supplemented by field trips including a stay in Canberra, the national capitol. Counts toward major. GE: Studies in Human Behavior and Society (HBS). Counts toward the Social Science cognate requirement in the Environmental Studies concentration and major.
Grades
Letter grades are recorded on the student's transcript but only the Terrestrial Ecology grade can count in the grade point average. Students have the option of taking this biology course for a grade or for S/U (if S/U, no course credit is given where the grade earned is below C).
Field Supervisors - 2008
Paul Jackson and Ann Marie Boyle share an enthusiasm for learning from new people and places. For Paul environmental curiosity stems from early childhood memories and training as a separation scientist/analytical chemist. Ann Marie has always loved commerce and how the environment and consumer behavior intersect. Paul is a St. Olaf alumnus and joined the chemistry department in 1997. He has taught introductory, analytical and environmental chemistry courses as well as the introduction to environmental studies. Most recently his interests have focused on the contamination of surface water systems by pharmaceutical and personal care products, campus sustainability, the chemistry of building materials, and an effort to incorporate green chemistry principles throughout the St. Olaf chemistry curriculum. Memorable observations can be traced back to the Alaskan wilderness, the Green Mountains of Vermont and work on family farms in southeastern Minnesota. Ann Marie owns and operates The Art Store in downtown Northfield and works to show others that creative outlets are a wonderful means to express a point of view, tell stories and convey emotion. She has over 15 years of experience in the development, advertising, and marketing fields and frequently wonders what motivates people to make better choices for the planet.
Contacts
For further information, please contact:
Program Director: Gene Bakko, Science Center 128, x3399;
Email: bakko@stolaf.edu
2008 Field Supervisor: Paul Jackson, Science Center 320, x3404
Email: jackson@stolaf.edu
2008 Assistant Field Supervisor: Ann Marie Boyle, 645-5591
2006 Field Supervisors: Anne Walter & Mike Swift
2004 Field Supervisors: Ted & Michelle Johnson
2002 Field Supervisors: Gene and Lois Bakko
International and Off-Campus Studies, Steensland Hall, X3069;
Email: iso@stolaf.edu