Course Information
Course Name and CRN: BSCI 40195 - Down Under: Ecology and Evolution in Australia
Number of Credit Hours: 3
KSU Sponsoring College: College of Arts and Sciences
Course Description:
About 250 million years ago, the supercontinent Pangea began to break up into two supercontinents: Laurasia (which became North America, Europe, and Asia) and Gondwana (which later separated into the southern landmasses of South America, Africa, Madagascar, India, Antarctica, New Zealand – and Australia). The forces of plate tectonics fragmented Gondwana, and eventually Australia became an island continent - completely isolated from all other landmasses by about 45 million years ago. This isolation has made Australia biologically and culturally unique.
From the cities of Sydney and Cairns to the mountains, rainforests, and Great Barrier Reef, you’ll experience more biodiversity than you ever thought possible!
Program Language of Instruction: English
Faculty Contact Information
Professor's Name: Brian W. Grafton
Title: Professor
Email: bgrafton@kent.edu
Phone: 330-672-2934
Biography: I am a professor in Biological Sciences. Since joining the department in 2003, I have taught or co-taught over 20 courses. Lately, my main courses are Biogeography, Ornithology, Herpetology, Mammalogy, Vertebrate Anatomy, Human Anatomy, and Evolution. I also have a decent amount of international travel and field work experience, having traveled to Latin America (Brazil, Costa Rica, Peru, Surinam, Trinidad, Venezuela), England, South Africa, and Australia. Come join me on this study abroad trip down under for the adventure of a lifetime!
Eligibility
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- Open to all undergraduate levels (freshman to senior)
- Interview with faculty leader
Program Requirements
The course is a biology-based course open to all KSU undergraduate students. Prospective students no matter the major should be prepared to learn a lot of biology. Bear in mind that we will also be spending much of our time outside hiking, swimming, etc.