Australia
Curtin University
Mid-February to late June
Program Adviser: Mary Carlsen ( Holland 213C, x3136)
Curtin University is located in Perth, the capital of Western Australia. A city of over one million people, Perth is adjacent to the Indian Ocean and has a climate similar to that of San Diego . Curtin was the 20th university to be established in Australia and the main campus is located on 275 acres, close to the Perth city center. With a total student population of over 30,000, Curtin offers a wide variety of course and program choices.
Instruction is available in any field offered by the university to students with an appropriate background. Students on the Curtin University program are fully recognized students of the university and participate in all of its programs just as the Australian students do.
Accommodations are available on-campus.
Environmental Science in Australia
Link to Environmental Science in Australia Homepage
Depart about Feb. 5; return about May 25
Campus Program Adviser: Gene Bakko (Science Center 128, x3399)
2008 Field Supervisor: Paul Jackson (Science Center 320, X3404)
Assistant Field Supervisor: Ann Marie Boyle
Note: This program is offered in alternate years during spring semester. Program operates in Spring 2008 and Spring 2010.
The flora, fauna, ecological habits and human history of Australia offer opportunities for study that are unique in diversity. This program will start in Melbourne during Australia 's late summer and move northward into the warmer latitudes during the semester as their fall season progresses. All travel will be in the eastern half of the country where the greatest diversity of natural habitats and human activity occur. A combination of lectures, extensive field experiences and brief research projects will enable students to learn about and appreciate this fascinating continent.
Students considering this program should be aware that it has a demanding physical schedule and moves frequently to new locations.
General education requirements filled by this program are NST-B, NSL, studies in natural science, biology with lab; HBS, studies in human behavior and society; MCS-G, multicultural studies course, ORC, oral communication requirement. All courses count toward the major in their respective departments and toward the natural science and social science cognate requirements of the environmental studies concentration and major.
Eligibility
Group size is limited to a maximum of 24. Sophomores, juniors and seniors are eligible. Selection is made on the basis of each applicant's scholastic standing, aptitude for foreign study, class in college, faculty recommendations and an interview.
Prerequisites
Biology 126 or Environmental Studies 137 or Environmental Studies 125.
Obligations
Except during two short breaks in March and April, participants are required to remain with the group at all times, take part in all curricular and co-curricular activities and travel internationally with the group in accordance with group rate regulation.
Costs
In 2008, the program cost was $10,010 over and above the St. Olaf tuition. The program covers all academic expenses, round-trip transportation from the West Coast, accommodations, breakfast and one main meal throughout, participation in scheduled sightseeing programs and excursions, transportation of 70 pounds of baggage, checked or unchecked. The program cost does not cover meals, accommodations or transportation during the break period.
Courses of Study
Four courses are offered. Courses may vary somewhat from year to year. Following are the courses to be offered in spring 2008:
Biology 224: Marine Biology: Field trips will explore many habitats from mud flats to coral reefs. Studies will occur at several marine research facilities. Seven days will be spent out on the Great Barrier Reef . Most of the time on the reef will be spent studying at the Heron Island Research Station, and two days will be spent living on and studying from an ocean vessel.
Biology 226: Terrestrial Ecology Course will examine habitats from coastal sand dunes to subtropical rain forests as well as the dry outback and alpine mountains. Field trips will include two five-day camping trips in remote areas.
Sociology 222: Cultural Anthropology: Course will visit both rural and urban aboriginal communities as well as aboriginal archaeological sites. Caucasian influence and settlement will be examined.
Political Science 220: Environmental Policy: Course will study the Australian political system with emphasis on environmental policy. One focal point for this class will be a stay at Canberra , the national capitol, with a visit to Parliament. Topics will range from governing the nation's Land Care Program to mining operations to the Great Barrier Reef .
Grading
Letter grades are recorded on the student's transcript. Grades for the courses in sociology, political science and one of the biology courses will not be computed in the student's grade point average. The grade for one of the courses in biology will be computed in the student's G.P.A. unless the student has opted to take the course S/U. If the S/U option is chosen, no course credit is given where the grade earned is below C-.
