January Duration: 28th Dec 2011 - 25th Jan 2012 (Arriving on the 28th of Dec, program commences on the 29th of Dec 2011)
Jul-Aug Duration: 14th July 2012 - 11th Aug 2012 (Arriving on the 14th of July, program commences on the 15th of July 2012)
Description
Touring the vast array of habitats in southern Queensland, the four week programs are timed to coincide with the annual migration of humpback whales from Antarctica to Australia or the breeding cycle of sea turtles on the Great Barrier Reef. Participants in the four week programs will also have the opportunity to explore the ancient rainforests of Gondwana and take part in a hands on study of littoral zone ecology based at a university research station. These activities are combined with a chance to snorkel at the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef.
Learning Outcomes
The four week program aims to:
Provide an overview of physical and social geography, climate and other key environmental factors facing plant, animal and human life in Australia’s tropical and sub-tropical coastal and forest areas.
Educate students on a number of key ecological issues facing land animal populations and marine life on this part of the Australian coast.
Educate students on the past and present ecological impact of the demands of the modern economy, especially tourist activities.
The learning outcomes for students will be:
A basic understanding of the balance of ecological resilience and vulnerability of this area in Australia.
An appreciation of the history of key ecological issues and current thinking about how to manage ecologically vulnerable areas in the face of the pressures of human demography and commerce.
Study Credits
This program offers one subject requiring at least 40 hours of formal lectures which will be held in both the classroom and in the field. One subject at Bond University is 25 per cent of a full-time load, and is equivalent to three to four credit points in the USA or 7.5 in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS)*.
*Grade conversions based on a standard institution and these are approximate guidelines. Students will receive a Bond University transcript for all subjects completed during this program. However, it is essential that students obtain prior approval from their home university if they wish to have the credits count towards their degree at their home institution. Subjects may fill the required components for any general electives or for a major in the fields of history, cultural studies, Australian Studies, environmental studies, geography as well as eco-tourism and not-for-profit marketing.
