Environmental Science in Australia
This program is offered in spring semester during alternate years, operating spring 2010, spring 2012, 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 226 (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 February 28, 2011, for the 2012 program
Application Due: February 28, 2011
International and Off-Campus Studies Office
Interviews, Selection and Notification: March 2011
Orientation Retreat: April 22 & 23, 2011
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 ($6455 above comprehensive fee). 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 or SED for classes of 2011 and later).
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 - 2010
Kim Kandl joined the faculty of the biology department in 2000. Kim is a broadly trained biologist with a Ph.D. in cell and molecular biology. She currently teaches courses in cell biology, genetics and molecular biology. Although Kim is a self-described “lab rat,” she has a strong interest in ecology and the environment. Kim has traveled and studied extensively in Thailand, Europe and North America, with a focus on travels in the American Southwest. She has led four off-campus ecology-focused interims: Desert Ecology in the Southwest (three times) and Equatorial Biology in the Amazon basin and Galapagos Islands.
Nathan Soland is a 2004 graduate of St. Olaf. As a student, Nathan participated in two off-campus interim programs and the Global Semester program. Nathan has also backpacked throughout Europe and China. After graduating from St. Olaf, Nathan joined the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations at St. Olaf, and in 2008, he was named Director of this office. Nathan also advises the Student Alumni Association and the Alumni Mentor Connection Organization. Both Kim and Nathan are strong supporters of off-campus study, and they are interested in learning from other cultures and traveling to new places.
Contacts
For further information, please contact:
Program Director:
Paul Jackson, Regents 422, x3404, Email: jackson@stolaf.edu
2010 Field Supervisor: Kim Kandl, Regents 382, x3978, email: kandl@stolaf.edu
2010 Asst. Field Supervisor: Nathan Soland, AB 211B, x3310, email: solandn@stolaf.edu
2008 Field Supervisors: Paul Jackson and Ann Marie Boyle
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