Ireland Biology Field Experience

Visit the Ireland Biology Field Experience Photo Gallery

Dates

The on-campus portion of the class this spring 2012 semester will be arranged by the professor, likely beginning late January/early February.

The field portion of the trip to Ireland will be 13 May - 26 May 2012.

The Program

Join Dr. Kristy Halverson as she takes you on a biological field experience unlike no other.

Visit locations such as the Irish House in Dublin, the Wicklow Mountains, Glendalaugh, Blarney Castle & Stone, Blarney Woolen Mills, kayaking with Fungi, the Cliffs of Moher, The Barren, Doolin Cave, and topping it all off with a banquet at the Bunratty Medieval Castle.

Click here for additional program and course information.

Click here for daily itinerary information.

Academic Program

Earn 4 credits in BSC 404 (1 hour)/404LCA (3 hours) or 504 (1 hour)/504LCA (3 hours)

Not a biology major? No problem! Students need not be a biology major to enjoy this opportunity. Pack-up your sense of adventure and academic hat, and join the adventure in Ireland.

Become familiar with major Ireland geography, customs, culture and history. Identify and document native flora and fauna biodiversity. Aid in local biological conservation efforts. Participate in service-learning projects and provide well thought-out reflections on the experiences with respect to attitude, behavior, and course content. Experience Irish culture by immersing oneself in local activities. And most importantly, have come craic!

Eligibility

Minimum program eligibility requirements include the completion of at least 28 semester hours with an overall 2.0 GPA for undergraduates

  • graduate standing for graduate students
  • all students must be in clear academic standing
  • students must also satisfy any additional prerequisites described under the individual course listings
  • permission of instructor
  • the director of the program and the Director of International Education are responsible for final enrollment decisions

Housing

12 night accommodations in Dublin, Galway, Cork & Dingle; Baltimore Harbour; Bunratty; and Doolin.

Cost

The cost of the program is $4599 for undergraduate credit and $4799 for graduate credit. This price includes tuition*, airfare, housing, some meals, and all entry fees.

(*This cost is based on a student enrolled full-time - 12 to 19 semester hours- at The University of Southern Mississippi in the spring 2012 semester. Any applicants not meeting this requirement would incur an additional tuition cost. Contact the Office International Programs for assistance.)

Note: If adding this class to your spring 2012 schedule puts you over the 19 hour cap, you will be assessed additional fees.

Financial Aid

The Ireland Biology Field Experience program qualifies for financial aid in the form of guaranteed student loans, Pell Grants, or applicable graduate assistantships. Southern Miss students requiring financial aid should contact Frances Sudduth at the International Programs Office before requesting a 2011 - 2012 Study Abroad Financial Aid Application from the university's Financial Aid Office.

Please note: If you are eligible for both the honors travel award and the Golden Key discount, only one may apply to the cost of the program. We will apply the award/discount which gives you the highest award/discount.

Application Deadline

Completed online application, with $250 deposit, will be accepted until 23 January 2012, space permitting. Southern Miss will acknowledge receipt of applications and students will be informed of their registration status. The balance of fees will be due on 30 January 2012. Applications are processed in the order of receipt. Students may apply at any time prior to the deadline and are urged to apply early.

Cancellations and Refunds

Except in cases of academic ineligibility or course cancellation, deposits are non-refundable. Fees, exclusive of deposit, are refundable if written notification is received prior to 30 January 2012. Thereafter, no refunds will be available. The Office of International Programs should be notified of all cancellations. Refund requests must be made in writing.

Program Director Information

Dr. Kristy Halverson, Director
Department of Biological Sciences
Phone: 601.266.5841
E-mail: kristy.halverson@usm.edu