Duke University Global Education Office for Undergraduates

Academics

Program Prerequisite

There is no prerequisite for this summer program

Courses and Credits

BIOLOGY 288A (131)/ EOS 288A (168)/ ENVIRON 288A (168) Biogeography in an Australian Context NS, STS
Taught by Dr. Rytas Vilgalys. One course credit.

This course starts in Darwin, where the group will camp in the wilds of the Northern Territory, followed by a visit to the Barrier Reef and the Queensland rainforest before travelling to Sydney. Students will study the distribution of plants and animals in space and time as determined by the interaction of geophysics, geology, climate and evolutionary history. Special emphasis will be placed on the unique terrestrial and marine flora and fauna of the Australian continent and the impact of humans on the distribution of these plants and animals. No prior course work in these areas is assumed or required.

Participants must register for BIOLOGY 288A (131) or above crosslisting. No pass/fail option or auditing is permitted. Due to the intense nature of the program, late arrival and/or early departure will not be permitted.


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Postcard from Abroad

Dear Global Education Office:

Feeling the country at Ubirr.

Before going on Duke in Australia, I had never left the country. I was amazed at how much I learned in my class, from the country itself, and about myself.

This picture was taken at Ubirr in Kakadu National Park. Here we were able to see some of the ancient rock art this area is famous for and appreciate the rich history of the country around us. As we were climbing to the top of this lookout, our guide told us that we should try to "feel the country" as we looked out on the flood plains. I was able to reflect on my experience in Australia up until that point and continued throughout the trip to connect with the gorgeous places we visited. This ability to relax and ignore all distractions when in a place of such natural beauty is a skill I've continued to try to practice now that I'm back in the States.

-Wendy McGinnis

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View of the Blue Mountains, Sydney, Australia

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