The 2011 International Field Studies Program in the Biological Sciences is offering a course in the biology of Icelandic animals. There are no prerequisites and all majors are welcomed. The course will focus on the fishes of Iceland, but will also spend some time examining the birds and invertebrates there. The course will be taught at Hólar University College in Iceland and will give students the opportunity to study the ecology, physiology, and evolution of Icelandic animals in their natural setting.

Hólar is in northern Iceland in the Hjaltadalur valley of the Skagafjörður district. The area is renowned for horse breeding and training, and heritage tourism. The University is near the city of Sauðárkrókur, the second-largest town on the north coast of Iceland. The setting at Hólar University College provides a unique opportunity for students to study the biology of Arctic fishes within a few miles of the Arctic Circle while enjoying a mild climate.

CLASS: Students will receive three credits for BIOL 399: International Field Studies. Instruction will be over a two week period beginning June 3, 2011. Dr. Bjarni K. Kristjánsson of the Department of Aquaculture and Fish Biology at Hólar University College and Dr. E.  Eugene Williams of the Department of Biological Sciences at Salisbury University will jointly teach the course. The course will include lectures, laboratories and field activities, including trips to Lakes Mývatn and Thingvallavatn. Topics covered in the course include the evolutionary ecology of Icelandic fishes, Iceland’s unique geology and its impact on the biology of Icelandic fishes, the evolution of Icelandic freshwater fishes, fish physiology at the organismal, cellular and molecular levels, mechanisms of acclimation and adaptation, and other topics.

HOST INSTITUTION: Hólar University College traces its roots to an agricultural school that was established at Hólar in 1882. Over the years, the agricultural school developed into a modern university and became specialized to suit the needs of the region. Today, Hólar University College is a scientific educational and research institution offering degrees in aquaculture and fish biology, equestrian studies (horsemanship as well as horse breeding), and rural tourism studies.

HOUSING: Students will live in the dormitories at Hólar University College and eat in the University cafeteria. You will live like an Icelandic student!

COST: Tuition and fees for the 2011 BIOL 399 course are estimated to be close to $3500. Final costs will be determined in spring 2011. The price will include all tuition, round-trip airfare, room and board in Iceland, all travel within Iceland, and international health insurance. Costs not included in the program fee are passport fees, costs for personal items purchased in Iceland, and some miscellaneous expenses. US citizens do not need visas to visit Iceland, but passports are required and must be valid for three months beyond the end of the intended stay.

SCHOLARSHIPS: Scholarship information for study abroad programs can be found at the SUCIE website. Students in the sciences and mathematics should know that the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship allows only students in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) to apply for summer study abroad programs.

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Students will be admitted to the program based on a number of factors including major (Biology majors have priority), GPA, and class (seniors have priority).

Students should also submit the following directly to the program director:

• A completed faculty recommendation form from a faculty member who knows the student well - Recommendation form available here