Description

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad, formerly known as AustraLearn, and Murdoch University are pleased to offer a 3-week marine science program on one of the most pristine coral reefs in the world. The Ningaloo Reef is preserved by the Ningaloo Marine Park and offers students an amazing location and a unique experience. The course covers three main areas: the diversity and physical processes of WA marine habitats, with a focus on coral reef environments; the biodiversity of reef organisms; and biological processes, with a focus on coral reefs ecosystems.

A series of 15 lectures will provide a physical and bio-geographical background to WA coral reefs, WA reef biodiversity and details of key biological and ecological processes of coral reefs. Additional non-assessed lectures on data analysis and the Ningaloo Marine Park and other special lectures may be added or presented at Ningaloo Reef, depending on availability of guest lecturers; examples include indigenous speakers, government agency representatives and visiting researchers.

Highlights

Spend time on the Ningaloo Reef (Coral Bay) - Ningaloo Reef stretches more than 250 km along North-West Cape Peninsula and is protected within the boudaries of Ningaloo Marine Park. The reef is amazingly accessible, lying on 100m offshore from some parts of the peninsula, and is home to a staggering variety of marine life. Over 220 species of coral have been recorded in the waters. The area is home to giant whale sharks and is the only place in the world where these creatures reliably appear each year - they are typically found between March and June. Giant manta rays are also found in the area between June and November. Coral Bay is a small resort town on the south end of Ningaloo Reef.

Subject Areas

• Biology (general)
• Ecology
• Environmental Studies
• Geography
• Marine Science

Cost in US$:

Program Fees Include:

Program fees include, tuition, official transcript, host university administrative fees, all domestic travel within Australia, accommodations, health insurance, ISIC Basic Card, meals on field trip, all lectures, 12 day field trip to Coral Bay, and excursions, which include a 1 day whale watching excursion, snorkelling, a chance to swim with manta rays, and a two hour glass-bottomed boat cruise. Fees include all pre-trip services such as: orientation materials, visa assistance, housing placements, personal advising, liaise with your home university, credit transfer assistance, and financial aid services. International airfare and meals on Murdoch University campus are not included, along with personal expenses and excursions.

Experience Required

yes

The course is best suited to students who have taken at least two university-level courses of general biology.

This Program is open to

American and Canadian Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Participants Travel

in Groups

Scholarships are Available

Murdoch University will offer one 500 USD scholarship to a GlobaLinks Learning Abroad participant in 2012. The same offer may be available in future terms.

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Other
• Transcript
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

1- 2 weeks

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network

AustraLearn's Mission Statement

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad seeks to foster the development of future leaders who, through an intercultural learning opportunity, gain a greater respect for and understanding of the relationship which exists between North American and the rest of the world in the context of the larger global community. GlobaLinks Learning Abroad achieves this by exposing students, advisors, and faculty to internationally recognized universities and other educational organizations through the promotion of affordable academic and cultural opportunities world-wide.

Year Founded

1989