Marsupials of Australia

Australia

Summer Session 2

4 Weeks

4 Credits

Summer 2026

Jul 6 - Aug 4

Open

Program Costs

Tuition$5,850
Room & Board$2,580
Total$8,430

Application Deadlines

Summer 2026

May 1, 2026

Resources

Australia Field Guide + Financial Planner

SFS Policies and Procedures (2023)

SFS Academic Handbook

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Summer Session 2 Program

Marsupials of Australia

Tropical North Queensland,

Australia

Australia is home to some of the world’s most fascinating and ancient wildlife. In this immersive summer program, you’ll explore the landscapes that shaped the evolution of marsupials—from lush rainforests to open savannas—and discover how these animals adapted to extremes of drought, fire, and flood. Observe kangaroos, gliders, wallabies, possums, and bandicoots in their natural habitats, learn about their evolutionary history, and investigate the urgent conservation issues they face today.

Hike through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed rainforests of north Queensland—home to the elusive Lumholtz’s tree-kangaroo and many other endemic marsupials.
Explore open woodlands and tropical savannas where gliders and possums roam.
Go spotlighting at night to observe rock wallabies, possums, and bandicoots, and gain insight into their behavioural ecology.
Meet local wildlife and community conservation leaders working to protect Australia’s mammals.

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Academics

This academically rigorous program follows a six-day/week schedule. Each program combines theory learned during classroom sessions with field-based applications. The interdisciplinary curriculum is designed to help students actively discover and understand the complexities of environmental, social, and economic issues in Australia. Read more about the SFS program model.

Major academic themes include:

Evolution, biogeography and taxonomy of major wildlife groups of Australia
Physiology and behavioral ecology of marsupials
Adaptations of Australia’s wildlife to different environments
Impact of climate change and human development on Australia’s unique wildlife
Mitigation and conservation policies

Courses

On the Marsupials of Australia 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.

Click on the

to view a description and download the syllabus.

SFS 3272

Marsupials of Australia

4 credits

Core Skills

You will gain knowledge and practical skills in: wildlife observation techniques, non-invasive field research methods, habitat and biodiversity assessment, evaluating conservation strategies, and synthesizing ecological data into scientific reports and presentations. Note that this course does not contain direct animal handling or focus on animal husbandry, rehabilitation, or veterinary care.

Field Sites

You will visit a variety of ecosystems and communities including tropical rainforests of the Atherton Tablelands, wet and dry sclerophyll forests, savannahs, and sites connected with community conservation and ecological restoration projects.