Tasmania is an outstanding natural laboratory for studying the geology, natural history and biogeography inherited from the Gondwana supercontinent, the history of biology and geology, and issues of modern land use and conservation. This program deals with the intersections of these issues.
Both faculty directors have an abiding passion for field science as a pedagogical tool. Because Tasmania is relatively small, its land use and conservation issues (including forestry, mining, agriculture, tourism, aquaculture and others) are fully accessible. Although the issues and resources in Tasmania are distinctive, they have analogues in the Upper Midwest, which we consider during the on-campus part of this program.
This program is for students attracted to conservation, natural history, soils and agriculture, and field science. Students majoring in environmental studies, geology, biology and other disciplines may be especially interested.
Extended structured scientific observation in a field setting is a prerequisite for this program. Field experience may come from at least one 200-level field-oriented course in geology or biology, or comparable experience outside of formal courses (for example, as lifelong birders or applicable summer employment/internship). As part of the application, students will be asked to describe their field experience.
9 Credits
Students will meet twice weekly during fall term 2018 and winter term 2019, will be together in the field in Tasmania in December 2018, and also complete projects during winter term 2019.
Fall Term 2018, GEOL 270: Topics: Tasmania Geology and Natural History (3 credits)
Reading and discussion of sources about Tasmanian natural history, human history and geology- including the geologic and biologic inheritance from Gondwana, the influence of aboriginal culture on the landscape, and current conservation issues. Students will plan field research and excursions for winter break and develop formal proposals for projects.
Winter Term 2019, GEOL 271: Geology, Natural History and Conservation Research in Tasmania and the Midwest (6 credits)
Following the Winter Break trip to Tasmania, students will complete and present projects. In this course, we will also consider comparative examples of conservation policy drawn from the American Midwest.
Language of Instruction
English
Mary Savina, Charles L. Denison Professor of Geology
Geology Professor Mary Savina has been working and teaching for Carleton College for about 40 years, and virtually all of her classes have used the Carleton Arboretum. For her own research, she explores how Northfield floods have affected the Cannon River. Additionally, she studies how the planform of the Cannon River has changed since it was surveyed in the 1850s. She also seeks to understand the effects of humans on landscapes, for instance in NW Greece, where she works with an archaeological survey.
Nancy Braker, Puzak Family Director of the Cowling Arboretum
After completing her degree at Carleton (biology major) Arboretum Director Nancy Braker attended the University of Minnesota, earning a MS in Entomology. While most entomologists work on dealing with insect pests, her interests have been in the conservation of endangered insects. Nancy worked for The Nature Conservancy, an international conservation organization, for close to 20 years, primarily in land management and conservation planning, with a focus on invasive species issues and fire management. She was delighted to return to Carleton in 2007 to fill the newly created position of Arboretum Director.
Based in Hobart, with one or two three-day trips to other parts of the state.
Program will take place during the first part of December. Specific dates will be communicated to program participants.
All Carleton-sponsored winter break programs cover the costs of instruction, lodging, some meals, group excursions, public transportation, medical and evacuation insurance, travel assistance, and most cultural events.
Students are responsible for passports and visas (when required), books and supplies, transportation to and from the program sites, and personal expenses during the program. Students will receive a program-specific Additional Cost Estimate at the time of acceptance.
Financial assistance is available. See the Off-Campus Studies website for further information on billing, financial aid, and scholarships.