The Courses

 

Each student will take Science of Energy, and either Plant Biology or Conservation Biology. We offer core level and majors level options for each course. 

All core level classes fulfill the Natural Science or Scientific Perspectives core requirement.

All courses will follow a similar structure. Pre-trip work will include one or two pre-trip reading assignments. In country work during the program will include background quizzes and in-class worksheets. Post-trip work will include completion of the final project developed during the program.

 

Science of Energy
PHYS128 + PHYS128 for non-science majors
PHYS214 for science majors

In this course you will learn about the history of energy use by humans, and will focus on forms of sustainable energy. The power grid in the UK relies on sustainable energy more than the power grid in the US, and you will visit large power facilities, including a tour of a nuclear power plant. You will gain practical experience by working hands on with a variety of energy generation systems like wind turbines and solar power.

The non-science major course fulfulls E/RS, Natural Science Elective, or Scientific Perspectives core requirements.

The science major level course option fulfills E/RS core requirement and is an Environmental Science elective.

 

 

Plant Biology
BIOL118 + BIOL119 for non-science majors
BIOL210 + BIOL211 for science majors

In this course you will learn about the variety of organisms that use energy from the sun to support growth. You will see algae on the beach, mosses and ferns in temperate rain forests, the oldest tree in Europe, and rare flowers that are only present in the UK. You will experience a variety of habitats including coastal dunes, high mountains, glacial valleys, and the largest botanical garden in the world.

The non-science major course fulfills the Natural Science elective core requirement.

The science majors level option fulfills the Natural Science elective core requirement, and the organismal / survey requirement for the Biology major.

 

 

Conservation Biology
BIOL138 + BIOL139 for non-science majors
BIOL259 for science majors

In this course you will learn about how conservation biologists measure biodiversity, about local and global threats to biodiversity, and about strategies for conserving biodiversity. You will explore the different ways that Europeans and Americans approach conservation by considering wildlife conservation and urban conservation, and the role that tourism plays.

The non-science major course fulfills the Natural Science elective, Scientific Perspectives, or Diversity core requirements.

This science major course fufills the diversity core requirement AND also fulfills an Environmental Science elective.