Summer Field Course: Natural History of the Azores Islands (Portugal)

12 June – 1 July 2017 *application deadline 30 March*

Summary:

A 3 week, 3-credit course for students of all disciplines who are interested in environmental studies and island ecology. The course will include a substantial field component and introduce the geology, biology, and oceanography of this unique biogeographic zone consisting of volcanic islands and the surrounding marine environment. Designed for students of any major, with no prerequisites, small group projects will allow students with different levels of scientific preparation to work on simpler or more complex projects to challenge themselves. Taught in English at the main campus of University of the Azores in Ponta Delgada on the island of São Miguel, it is designed to complement the concurrent course Azorean History, Literature and Culture. Portuguese language training is also available at beginner and intermediate levels.

The Azores are lush, volcanic islands located on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge in open ocean waters between Portugal and the United States and provide an astonishing variety of interesting environments in a small region, including exposed and protected rocky and sandy beaches, shallow and deep waters, hydrothermal features, coastal plains and steep volcanic slopes with dense forests. The islands have been called the “Galapagos of the Atlantic”, harbor a number of endemic species, and are a good model system for teaching concepts of adaptation, biogeography, and biodiversity, as well as geology and plate tectonics. Lead instructor Dr. Erik Zettler has done research and taught field courses in oceanography, biology, and geology for over 20 years and this program will also incorporate local experts from the faculty at University of the Azores. In addition to lectures and discussions, the program will incorporate numerous field trips to a variety of local habitats from seashore to the mountains, including at least one boat trip, and follow up with laboratory sessions to catalog and describe what we see and collect in the field.

Natural History of the Azores Islands is a 6 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System; 3 US credits equivalent) course accredited by Univ. of the Azores as part of SiPN (the “Study in Portugal Network”). It can be taken alone or ideally integrated with one of two other concurrently offered courses:

“Azorean Literature, History and Culture” (also in English) “Portuguese Language” (beginner and intermediate levels available)

Costs (includes tuition, lodging, and fees):

$2500 for 1 course (3 credits)

$3250 for 2 courses (6 credits)

For additional information including full syllabus and registration instructions: http://www.studyinportugalnetwork.com/build-your-course/

Select “Build your summer”, then scroll down to the Azores courses

For questions or to learn more you may also contact instructor Dr. Erik Zettler (erik.zettler@nioz.nl)

*Limited scholarships are available; apply directly to instructor erik.zettler@nioz.nl*