Off-Campus Study & Exchanges

The Queensland program is based at the University of Queensland (UQ), Australia’s largest university, and is organized in coordination with The School of Biological Sciences. Integrating field and lecture components, the program focuses on the marine and terrestrial ecology of eastern Australia and includes extended excursions that highlight the variety of ecosystems found in this region.

All students participating in the program will be required to take four courses:

The Terrestrial Ecology of Australia (1 credit)
This course examines the heritage of the terrestrial flora and fauna of Australia, and assumes a basic familiarity with the biology and ecology of terrestrial systems. The origins and uniqueness of Australia's flora and fauna will be discussed in light of continental drift, as well as past and present Australian environments. The course combines lectures and field-based work with essays and research reports to develop knowledge of Australia's unique terrestrial environments and to provide the skills with which to investigate them. Field activities include excursions to Stradbroke Island (a large sand island bearing mainly wallum vegetation) and the rainforest at Lamington National Park. A visit to an arid inland site gives students further opportunity to examine and explore aspects of terrestrial ecology shaped by the harsh environment.
 
The Marine Ecology of Australia (1 credit)
Students in this course are expected to have some familiarity with biological and ecological principles, sampling techniques and experimental design and statistics. The course draws together background knowledge of Australian marine systems and maritime resources with a variety of concepts and exercises in marine biology. The program takes participants from the rich diversity of the estuarine and coastal systems around Moreton Bay to Heron Island on the Great Barrier Reef. It combines classroom lectures and field-based learning with essays and research reports to provide an understanding of tropical marine biology and ecology.
 
Australian Culture, Society, and Contemporary Issues (1 credit)
This overview of Australia draws upon the expertise of lecturers from a number of departments and programs (especially the Australian Studies Program and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Program) at the University of Queensland, as well as practitioners from a variety of fields. Among the topics that may be covered are: Aboriginal society and culture; European impact on the environment; sustainable agriculture and development; the Australian political system; the economy of Australia; health care and education; and nuclear weapons in the South Pacific. Discussions, journals, papers, and student presentations will provide a chance for reflection on the similarities and differences between the cultures of Australia and the United States.
 
Introduction to Urban Ecology (1 credit)
This course introduces students to the interdisciplinary field of urban ecology - the study of the structure and function of the urban environment as an ecological system - in Brisbane, Australia, a veritable world-class urban ecology laboratory. More than half of humans currently live in urban environments, and cities are the only place that many people experience nature. This course will explore the relationship of humans and their built environment, as well as the relationships of humans and other organisms in urban habitats. Contemporary issues in urban ecology ranging from the physical environment to the diversity of urban habitats, including their faunas and floras, to urban planning, sustainable development, urban food systems and energy cycling will be examined.

ACADEMIC FOCUS
The Queensland program will be particularly appropriate for students intending to major or minor in the natural sciences, especially biology and environmental studies.

This program is open to all sophomores, juniors, and seniors in good academic and social standing with a minimum GPA of 2.75 It is expected that students will have successfully completed an introductory lab-based course in Biology. Students must also have successfully completed EITHER one intermediate Biology course OR one introductory lab-based course in another natural science (or receive permission from the HWS faculty directors). A course in Environmental Studies is recommended but not required. Due to the challenging nature of study abroad, student academic and disciplinary records will be carefully screened. Students must also be cleared for participation by their physician for this physically-demanding program.

Students will be placed in homestays while in Brisbane and will stay in a variety of accommodation types while in the field, including hotels, research centers, and hostels.

IMPORTANT: The handbook(s) below is/are the most recent handbook(s) published for this program. A new version, with updated information, will be made available each semester. Program participants will receive their updated handbook approximately 2-3 months prior to their program’s start date.