Goals of the Program
Students will demonstrate a critical understanding of the field of conservation biology; the biodiversity of the varied terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems in Queensland, Australia; published scientific research behind global climate change and the international policies enacted thus far to mitigate it; published scientific research on the anthropogenic issues that are causing the loss of biodiversity of the Great Barrier Reef, and the scientific work and conservation efforts to restore it; the history, and present-day realities, of the indigenous people of North Queensland; and, the geography, culture, government, educational and environmental policies, and people of Australia.
Students will participate in international field-based research projects, journal their experiences, collect data in a professional scientific notebook, analyze and interpret authentic data – all under the supervision of professional scientists and university faculty.
Students will evaluate and synthesize how conservation efforts and scientific research are key components to maintaining species diversity and sustainability not only in Australian ecosystems, but ecosystems worldwide.
Students will be able to critically assess a problem, argument, scientific finding, or policy that pertains to ecosystem conservation and sustainability and contribute intellectually to a discussion on the topic at hand.
Students will work with international conservationists and researchers from various niches and with different expertise to learn conservation biology and sustainability core concepts and values through experiential learning.
