The Biology of Arctic Fishes
- Dr. E. Eugene Williams,
Program Dir.
Department of Biological Sciences
Phone: 410-548-2062, e-mail:
eewilliams@salisbury.edu
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The 2010
International Field Studies Program in the Biological
Sciences is offering a course in the Biology of Arctic
Fishes. 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 these fishes 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 4, 2010. 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 a trip to Lake Mývatn (pictured).
Topics covered in the course
include the evolutionary ecology of Arctic
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 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.
EXCURSIONS: In addition to studying the biology
of Icelandic fish, a significant portion of the course
will focus on Icelandic culture. Three hours each week
will be devoted to studying the language of the Vikings,
Old Norse, now called Icelandic. Group trips to see the
work of local artists displayed in
Skagafjörður Library
and Archives, in the Safnahús in
Sauðárkrókur, and to
the
Glaumbær
Folk Museum (with an 18th century turf-house
farm) are planned. Trips to local geological sites, like
Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe, may
also be planned. We plan to spend one full day and night
in Reykjavik, either at the beginning or end of the
course to explore the world’s most northern capital
city. Students may also enjoy horseback riding and river
rafting very close to the University.
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
2010 BIOL 399 course are estimated to be close to $3500.
Final costs will be determined in spring 2010. 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. Passports, which are
required, must be valid for three months beyond the end
of the intended stay.
DEPOSIT AND PAYMENT
INFORMATION:
An initial deposit of
$250 is due at the time of application. This deposit is
part of the total advertised cost of the program. Once
the faculty director academically admits a student, the
initial non-refundable deposit is due to the Cashier’s
Office. The student will be automatically enrolled into
the study abroad course. The University Billing Office
will then bill each registered student for the total
cost of the study abroad program (less the deposit
amount) through the regular university billing
system. Standard university deadlines for withdrawals do
not apply to study abroad programs.
Once the
published Application Deadline occurs, the accepted
student is responsible for the entire amount of the
study abroad program charge.
APPLICATION
INFORMATION: Application forms are available at the Center for
International Education or from the faculty director.
Completed application forms are currently being accepted
by the faculty director or by the Center for
International Education. Students should also submit a
completed faculty recommendation form from a faculty
member who knows the student well.
Recommendation Form Available Here Admission is
competitive and enrollment is very limited. Students
will be admitted on a rolling basis until the program is
full. The application deadline is February 15, 2010.
Printable flyer
available here
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