Overview

*Application Deadline has now been extended to March 30, 2010.

In a society where climate change, nature conservation, and sustainability are important global topics, where better to learn how to address these important issues than amongst Australia's World Heritage Tropical Rainforests and the Great Barrier Reef?

Offered through AustraLearn and James Cook University, Australia's leading tropical research University, this course is designed to provide you with an advanced understanding of the challenges in planning for 'green urbanism', focusing on the question: "How can we foster the development and care of sustainable communities?"

Through hands-on exploration and practical field experience you will explore a number of key topics and challenges for settlements, covering issues of particular significance to Australia and the world, including:

• The sustainable management of marine and terrestrial resources
• Water use and allocation
• Regional sustainability
• Local government and Indigenous groups
• Urban planning and renewable energy resources
• Disaster preparedness and community resilience
• Implications of climate change and greenhouse gas abatement

Location

This short course will be delivered in several areas of outstanding natural beauty in Tropical North Queensland and over the course of two weeks will visit:

Cairns and the Wet Tropics

You will take in the rainforest villages of Kuranda and Daintree as well as the tourism capital of the north, Cairns.  Here you will study contemporary issues such as the environmental impact of tourism, climate change issues, rainforest dynamics and protected area management.

Atherton Tablelands

This area includes some of Australia's richest agricultural lands and charming small townships.  Here you will look at sustainable housing design, urban renewal, innovative new land uses and reafforestation.

Academic Focus

James Cook University

James Cook University is an internationally known research university ranked in the top 5% worldwide for their research on the environment, ecology, sustainable tourism, disaster preparedness, and other related areas.  During this course, you will learn from internationally-recognized experts in the field.       

Course Objectives

The goal of this course is to provide you with an in-depth understanding of the challenges that face planning for sustainable regions and communities.  Learning outcomes of your short course will include:

• Appreciation of the challenges that face planning for sustainable regions and settlements, and solutions to those challenges
• Understanding of the principles and processes underpinning sustainable management of marine and terrestrial resources
• Understanding of the implications of climate change for regional development, and the role of carbon economy in greenhouse gas mitigation
• Development of observational and analytical skills applicable to planning for sustainable development   

Case studies deal with a range of examples from land and sea environments of North Queensland.  Upon successful completion of this course, you will have a sound understanding of many of the conditions which foster sustainable settlements and regions, and skills that would allow you to work in professions related to urban geography and planning, sustainable development, and environmental management.

Assessment

Your final grade will be composed of:

• Workshop presentations: 20%
• Fieldwork report: 30%
• Practical exercises: 20%
• Reflective diary/journal: 30%
• Students seeking Graduate Credit will have an additional assignment added to their overall assessment 

Credit

Upon successful completion of the course, students will 3-4 US credits on an official James Cook University transcript.  This course can be taken for undergraduate- or graduate-level credit.

Program Highlights

• Hands-on practical field experience and learning in amazing and diverse locations including:
  • Visit to the tropical rainforests: Cape Tribulation, Barron Falls, Juranda and the Daintree
  • Field trip to the Atherton Tablelands and Lake Eacham
• Workshops with prominent climate change experts
• Case-study project on North Queensland cyclone-affected communities
• Visit to the James Cook University Canopy Crane facility
• Study at James Cook University, a university ranked in the top 5% of worldwide universities for their research on the environment, ecology, disaster preparedness, and other related areas

Who Should Apply

While this short course is open to students from all majors, applicants must have completed at least one year of undergraduate study, meet the minimum GPA requirements, and have taken at least two biology or environmental science courses.

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 Dates

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.

Fees

Fee Includes

Program Fees are in U.S. dollars. Program fees include accommodation, tuition, host university administrative fees, official transcript, local transportation, some meals, health insurance, Basic ISIC card, excursions, domestic travel within Australia, and textbooks and other course materials. Fees also include all pre-trip services such as: orientation materials, visa-processing service (including the visa fee for US students), 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 personal expenses and additional or personal excursions.

Fee Semester

Dates

Entry Requirements

AustraLearn Coordinator

Name: Kimberly Tibbetts Title: Manager, Short Term Programs Department: Short Courses and Specialty Programs BIO: Kimberly is the Manager of Short Term Programs at AustraLearn. Kimberly works with all Short Term Program Participants. Kimberly graduated with a BA in History from the University of Colorado-Boulder. While studying at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand, Kimberly discovered a love for travel and international education. She has traveled extensively throughout New Zealand and hopes to see more of Australia and Europe. She is very excited about spreading her passion for education and travel.