summer session II

Australia

Watersheds of the Wet Tropics

At A Glance

04 Weeks | 04 Credits
Summer 2021

Jul 11 - Aug 10

Open

Prerequisites

None

Sample Itinerary
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Watersheds of the Wet Tropics

Tropical North Queensland

SUMMER 2021 PROGRAM UPDATE: Due to the ongoing pandemic, the program itinerary and details that you find outlined on this page may shift to accommodate enhanced safety measures, park closures, and thoughtful community interaction. This may include but is not limited to the field sites visited, guest lectures, community visits, and other program activities. We will communicate pre-program changes with students and are available to answer any specific questions regarding this program. You can read more about how SFS is addressing COVID-19 on our programs here.

 
The Great Barrier Reef and the tropical rainforests of northern Australia form a complex, interconnected system. Study abroad in Australia with SFS and spend your summer learning about rainforest and watershed management in this verdant region while considering the policies and actions needed to maintain healthy waterways in the face of climate change.

  • Go snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef and learn about the links between rainforest restoration and water quality on the reef while observing sea turtles, giant clams, corals, and other marine organisms up close

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‌Academics

This academically rigorous program follows a six-day/week schedule. The interdisciplinary curriculum is designed to help students actively discover and understand the complexities of environmental, social, and economic issues in Australia.

Major academic themes include:

  • Watershed management
  • Rainforest, coastal, and marine ecology
  • Ecosystem connections between the rainforest and reef
  • Biodiversity assessments
  • Impacts of human development

Courses

On the Watersheds of the Wet Tropics program, you will take one 4-credit course. This course is participatory in nature and is designed to foster inquiry and active learning combining lectures, field exercises, assignments, and tests. This course is taught in English.

Click on the course to view a description and download the syllabus

SFS 3161 Wet Tropics Watershed Ecology and Conservation 4 credits

Core Skills

You will gain practical skills in the field such as: habitat and biodiversity assessment, rainforest restoration techniques, water quality assessments, citizen science protocols, human development impact assessment methods, and approaches to watershed management.

Field Sites

You will visit different ecosystems and communities which may include the Great Barrier Reef, primary and secondary tropical rainforest, coastal scrub and mangrove, Melaleuca (paperbark) swamps, coral reefs, Indigenous communities, and local conservation and restoration groups.

Resources

‌Life in the Field

At the end of a narrow, winding road, in the middle of a lush rainforest, lies this remote field station. Our 153-acre property is surrounded by protected World Heritage forests, and you can see incredible wildlife from the front steps of your cabin. Nearby Yungaburra and Cairns provide the occasional return to civilization.

  • Group living in 8-person cabins
  • Main building with classroom, lab, and study spaces
  • Student lounge with scenic porch views
  • Covered outdoor dining area, on-site cooking staff
  • On-campus trails network for rainforest hikes
  • Space to relax: volleyball, yoga, hammocks

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