BEYOND THE HEDGES: Columbia offers `study abroad' at Biosphere 2

---

Columbia University is offering two new undergraduate programs in earth and environmental sciences at Biosphere 2 in Oracle, Ariz.

The two programs -- a summer field course beginning in May and an "Earth Semester" starting next fall -- were designed to immerse students in multidisciplinary studies and field techniques. The goal of the program is to foster understanding of the Earth as a complex system in which geological, chemical, biological and human factors interact to create and affect the environment.

The students will study with Columbia faculty and will be involved with current on-going research within Biosphere 2. The program includes field trips to sites of geological and ecological interest.

The six-week summer Field Course in Earth and Environmental Science will start mid-May and will give students practical, hands-on experience with field techniques used in earth and environmental research. Students completing the course will earn six Columbia University undergraduate credits.

Tuition for the summer course is $4,000 and room and board is $1,680; financial aid is available for eligible applicants. The application deadline is April 30, 1996.

In September, Columbia will offer the Earth Semester, a 16-credit program designed to understand the Earth from a variety of disciplines, including biology, political science and earth science. Students will choose from a variety of courses, which will all be drawn together by a seminar in global environmental systems. The seminar will explore critical environmental issues including ozone depletion, global warming and sustainable agriculture.

Tuition for the Earth Semester is $9,860 and room and board costs are $2,500. Financial aid is also available. The application deadline is June 31, 1996.

For applications or more information, contact:

The Department of Education and Academic Affairs, Columbia U.

Phone: (520) 896-6377

E-mail: edison@bio2.com

World Wide Web: http://www.netspace.org/biosphere2

This item appeared in the News section of the April 12, 1996 issue.

Copyright © 1996 The Rice Thresher. All Rights Reserved.
This document may be distributed electronically, provided that it is distributed in its entirety and includes this notice. However, it cannot be reprinted without the express written permission of:
The Rice Thresher, Rice University, 6100 Main, Houston, TX 77005-1892, USA.