Overview
*The deadline to apply to this course for summer 2010 has now passed.
Queensland, a place of adventure and amazement, rich in natural treasures and home of "The Great Barrier Reef" - what a great place to learn Marine Ecology.
The course will provide an introduction to tropical marine ecosystems and the interactions of humans with these systems. It includes opportunities for snorkeling, scuba diving, reef walking, wildlife observation, nature photography and hiking. Through hands on research and exploration, you will be introduced to a fascinating world that until now you may have only imagined.
Leading to a concentration on the ecology of tropical marine ecosystems, lectures will cover a broad range of topics in marine science:
- The Marine Environment
- Marine Biodiversity
- Tropical Marine Ecosystems: features and ecology of major tropical marine ecosystems
- Biogeography: factors influencing the animal and plant communities of islands
- Human exploitation and impacts
Students in the June 2009 course were featured on the popular Australian TV show "Totally Wild" earlier this year. Check it out on the GlobaLinks Newswire: http://globalinksnewswire.com/?p=1193.
Video Feature
BBC Lists The Great Barrier Reef as a "must see before you die" - take a dive now!
Location
Queensland, a place of adventure and amazement, rich in natural treasures and home of the Great Barrier Reef, is a great place to learn marine ecology. You will begin the course in Brisbane, then continue on to experience extensive field studies on three unique island ecosystems (Stradbroke Island, Heron Island and Orpheus Island) before finishing in Cairns.
Course Destinations
BRISBANE
With a population of approximately 2 million, this city is the capital of the state of Queensland is a top tourist destination in Australia.
STRADBROKE ISLAND
One of the worlds’ largest sand islands, it encompasses an incredible variety of landscapes, long sand beaches, mud flats, and rocky shores.
HERON ISLAND
A coral cay located on the Great Barrier Reef where we will stay .jpg)
at one of the principal coral reef centers in the world. Surrounded by a flourishing draining platform reef encompassing a lagoon, the cay provides easy access by foot or by boat to an extensive range of reef habitats.
ORPHEUS ISLAND
A small, secluded continental Island that is a National Park, surrounded by excellent fringing reefs, it is comparatively near the coast and subject to the influence of inner continental shelf waters. Consequently, it offers a very diverse ecosystem.
On each island students will conduct various field projects involving surveying the distribution and abundance of marine organisms as well as making behavioral observations.
CAIRNS
The course concludes in the tropical city of Cairns, an international tourist center famed for it’s various activities.
Video Feature
Allow National Geographic to introduce you to the Great Barrier Reef, a famous natural wonder of the world and your research location
Academic Focus
Course Structure
This course will introduce students to the study of tropical marine ecology through formal lectures and practical field experience. It will provide a solid foundation in general marine ecology for students interested in a career in marine research, conservation and management, marine education or related fields. It will also cover issues of particular significance to Australia such as marine park management and conservation, island biogeography, Australian fauna and flora, and Australian indigenous culture.
Research Projects
Students will conduct their own research projects in marine ecology during the course (in small groups of 3-4 people). A series of workshops will cover scientific methods, hypothesis testing, field sampling and data analysis to assist students to design and conduct their research projects. All research projects will involve collection of field data to explore a specific topic, which will be selected in consultation with academic staff. .jpg)
Topics Explored*:
- Introduction to life on the reef
- The biogeography of Australian flora & Fauna
- The biogeography of the marine ecosystems
- Review of ecological concepts
- Marine ecosystems
- Statistical methods used in ecology
- Review of taxonomy
- Impact of human activity on each system
- Warm water aquaculture
- Tropical wetlands and marine plains
- Significance of each system to conservation of national and international avifauna
- Comparisons of habitats
- Coastal environmental impacts
- Community structures and biological diversity
- Biological chemical and physical processes in marine environments
*Subject to change at the discretion of the course instructors.
Cultural Field Trips and Studies
Learning will be heightened through a wide variety of cultural program visits that will provide meaningful, immersion experiences:
- Visits to the Great Barrier Reef
- Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
- Dreamtime Aboriginal Cultural Centre
- Central Queensland University
- Australian Institute of Marine Studies
- Cape Tribulation Rain Forest
- Great Barrier Reef Wonderland Aquarium
Assessment
Individual Project Report 40%
Group Oral Presentations 30% (3 talks at 10% each)
Individual Scientific Journal 30%
Credits
Students will receive 4 U.S. credits on an official transcript for the course Tropical Field Studies 280 from Long Island University, C.W. Post campus, upon successful completion of the course. This course can be taken for undergraduate or graduate level credit.
Program Highlights
- Learn and practice marine science in one of the most stunning coastal living environments on the planet
- Tour spectacular islands, rain forests, and the Great Barrier Reef
- Led by preeminent marine biology faculty from both Australia and the U.S.
Who Should Apply
Open to both undergraduate and graduate students; undergrads should have completed at least two 100-level biology subjects or receive special permission from the instructor. Graduate students should have successfully completed an undergraduate science degree.
Accommodations
During the
Tropical Marine Ecology of Australia's East Coast short term program students will stay in a variety of
accommodations based on the location of the course.
During the portions of the program where students will be on the Research Islands the accommodations will consist of standard dorm style housing. Students will be housed with their fellow marine science peers. When not on the research islands students will be housed in in shared bedrooms in hotels and hostels with shared bathroom facilities.
You can feel certain that your housing will be safe, secure, and clean, and that you will be satisfied with your short course program choice. All housing fees are included in the Program Fees.
Travel: Group Flights
AustraLearn works together with STA Travel's group ticket
office to arrange group flights for all short course students. This insures that students can travel as a cohesive group to the program destination. Airfare is not included in program fees and payment of airfare is the responsibility of the student, however AustraLearn seeks the lowest possible student rate before reserving seats for participants to purchase, while still maintaining the flexibility that allows students to explore the country or surrounding countries at the conclusion of their short term program.
Flexible Return Date
Additionally, group flights have a flexible return date. Students may choose their own return date to allow for personal travel after the conclusion of the program. Many students choose to extend their time overseas and travel independently after the program's end. We can provide you with useful travel resources and advice, as well as refer you to travel opportunities that can be pre-booked.
Scholarships Available
Featured Scholarships For All AustraLearn Students
Participants of AustraLearn programs are eligible for scholarships through
The Foundation for Asia Pacific Education. More information about these awards can be found at
www.asia-pacificfoundation.org/.
Participants of AustraLearn programs are also eligible for the
DiversityAbroad.com's Study Abroad Scholarship. Find more information and apply for this award at
http://www.diversityabroad.com/scholarships.
Other General Study Abroad Scholarships
We encourage students to consider other information sources to locate scholarships such as your library, bookstore, internet, local service organizations such as Rotary or Knights of Columbus, and professional organizations in your area and home country which may offer scholarships.
Fees
Fee Includes
The program fee is based on a minimum group size of 20 participants. Program Fees are in U.S. dollars. Program fees include tuition, lectures, field trips, excursions, accommodations (shared accommodations will be standard), some meals included as provided on program itinerary, in country transportation, health insurance and ISIC Basic Card. Fees include all pre-trip services such as: orientation materials, visa assistance, personal advising, liaise with your home university, credit transfer assistance, and financial aid services.
*International Airfare and some meals are an additional cost, along with select excursions in Brisbane, Cairns, and Eungella, and any personal expenses.
Fee Semester
The above stated fees are the finalized Summer 2010 Program Fees. Please contact AustraLearn directly for a detailed budget sheet or any questions about the Short Term Program fees. Program fees for future terms are subject to change.