BIOL 6004 - Sustainability and Conservation: Citizen Science and Service Learning in Australia

Course Description

Field course which focuses on the biodiversity and ecology of the varied terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems in Queensland, Australia. This program travels to stunning national parks, forests, wildlife reserves, coastlines, and islands of North Queensland under the guidance of knowledgeable field professionals, scientists, and university faculty. As participants progress through the program, they will learn how an understanding of how human population, combined with resource-intensive, wasteful consumption and production realities, are putting unsustainable pressure on the natural environment and the services it provides. Key components of this embedded field course include participation in the following authentic, international activities: field research, citizen science projects, service learning activities, scientific data collection, structured field journaling, group reflections and discussion forums, and cultural exchanges and understandings.