ENVS 2001 - Alaska (Summer 2018)

Biodiversity of Alaskan Ecosystems

This field based course introduces Alaska’s diverse wildlife in a biological, ecological and evolutionary context. The course will provide students with an overview of the recent research and current issues related to the diverse flora and fauna of Alaska’s ecosystems, including effects of climate change, overconsumption and management of populations, and pollution effects of mining and fossil fuel extraction. Local culture and native tribes will be introduced, as well as geography and geology, ecosystem characterization and connections, and wildlife populations and conservation. Students will also meet with local scientists and participate in field work and seminars. Students will be able to observe first-hand the ecological concepts and biological characteristics of Alaska’s wildlife. Prerequisites: ENVS 2000

ENVS 2001: Biodiversity of Alaskan Ecosystems
Instructor: Dr. Paul Arena
arenap@nsu.nova.edu | (954) 262-8335 | Parker Building, Room 382

If you choose to enroll in the course, please follow these directions:

Register for the class with your academic advisor during open registration.
Submit payments using the Marketplace link to be provided following registration.
Complete all required pre-departure components of the course and as required by the Office of International Affairs.

Required Documents

Submit all required documents to:
The Office of International Affairs
Horvitz Administration Building
2nd Floor, Room 253
All documents must include your name, N# and "ENVS2001 - Alaska".

Travel Study Application
Release of Liability Form
Passport (valid for at least 6 months following the end of the trip)
Emergency Contact Information
Proof of Required Travel Insurance

Itinerary

July 21^st:
- Fly from FL to Fairbanks
July 22^nd:
- Permafrost Tunnel Tour in Fox
- UAF Large Animal Research Behind the Scene Tour
July 23^rd:
- Creamer’s Field Hike - Migratory Bird Assessment
- UAF Museum of the North
- Salmon Bake Feast
July 24^th:
- Shuttle to Denali bus leaves at 9:15am
- Arrive Denali @ Noon
- Lunch & Meet with Park Rangers
- Evening seminar with Park Scientist
July 25^th:
- Data collection with park scientist
- Hike above the tree line to area (Mt. Cathedral or Eagle) where Murie studied Denali Wolves and look for wolves, dall sheep and other wildlife.
July 26^th:
- Bear Ecology Hiking and seminar by Pat Owen, Denali bear ecologist
July 27^th :
- Head back to Denali Main Entrance
- Shuttle to Anchorage
- Pickup rental car
- Check in UAA
Jul 28^th :
- Climb Flattop Mt. bring water! No bathrooms or filling stations there
- Lunch Glacier Brewhouse - reservations
- Native Heritage Center Tour
Jul 29^th:
- Hike Potter Marsh
- Outdoor Market
July 30^th:
- Drive Seward and Stop at Bear Creek Weir
- Check in Lowell Point
- Laundry drop off
- Hike Exit Glacier
Jul 31^st:
- Kayak tour of Resurrection Bay 8am-12pm be at launch site by 8:30am leave house by 8:10am
- Alaska Sealife Center Husbandry Tour Aug 1^st:
- Whale Watching Cruise – 8-5 lunch provided – Dramamine
Aug 2^nd:
- Free Day on Your Own
- Possible excursions include fishing, sled dog tours, helicopter tours, hiking, boat tours, etc.
Aug 3^rd:
- Trail Creeks Hatchery Tour @ 2pm (40 min outside Seward)
- Head to Anchorage
- Hike Earthquake Park or Kincaid Park
- Dinner then airport
- Fly out on red eye

Additional Information

ENVS 2001 Syllabus
ENVS 2001 - Alaska FAQ Student Info Sheet 2018

Costs & Payment Information

Projected Cost — $3,100

Deposit of $1,550 due by February 23, 2018 (with application and release form).
Final payment of $1,550 due by April 27, 2018
All payments are nonrefundable. However, if the class is canceled, all payments made to the university will be refunded.
Make payments by credit card using the online Marketplace (link coming soon).
- (Students who are unable to pay by credit card should contact Jeannie Jaworski at jjaworski@nova.edu to make alternate arrangements.)

Included Services

airfare
accommodations
mandatory activities as listed on the syllabus and travel itinerary
most meals

Not Included

Any souvenirs, snacks, drinks, etc.
Any optional activities (fishing = $300 full day + $20tip min, helirides, Iditarod dog tour)
Meals
1. No meals included in transit to Alaska or on return to Florida (~$20)
  1. One Dinner is included in Fairbanks.
2. Meals need to be purchased in transit to Denali from Fairbanks (~$30)
  1. Meals are included while at Denali Camp.
3. Meals need to be purchased in transit from Denali to Seward (~$30).
4. Meals need to be purchased during our stay in Seward (~$150).
5. Meals need to be purchased while in Anchorage (~$120).

Travel study trips often require strenuous activity that may be difficult for some students. In many destinations, special accommodations are not available. If you may require special accommodations to participate in a travel study trip, please speak with the respective faculty member to determine whether or not you should enroll in this class.