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Summer study abroad
BSCI339N Natural History, Ecology, and Geology of Australia (3 credits)

CMNS and College Park Scholars–Life Sciences invites you to join us for a 19-day educational adventure this summer (July 28–August 15) to explore the culture, geology, and natural history of Australia. The focus of this travel–study experience is the ecology, geology, and environment of the Australian deserts, tropical rainforests, and coral reefs. At each stop, we will discuss the lives of the Aboriginal peoples who settled these lands and their interactions with the environment as well as how they were subsequently affected by European colonial settlement. Faculty from the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences will provide expertise on the geology and biology of Australia along with the historical interplay between aboriginal and European cultures.

After spending 2 days in Sydney, we travel to the desert outback for 5 days followed by 5 days in tropical North Queensland. We end our adventure with two days on the Great Barrier Reef!

Dates: July 28–August 15, 2015

Program Fee: $2700.00 (includes mandatory insurance and Education Abroad Fees, UMD Summer School Tuition for 3 credits, all ground transportation in-country, all tours and admissions, boats to the inner and outer reef, snorkeling equipment, all lodging, tents, and most meals for 19 days)

Airfare: »$2600.00 (Round-trip Washington to Sydney)


Application Deadline: March 1, 2020

For Additional Information: Contact Dr. Beth Parent, Director, College Park Scholars–Life Sciences parent@umd.edu