Boston University Affiliated Programs: School for Field Studies
The School for Field Studies
The School for Field Studies (SFS) has, for more than 30 years, established its reputation as the premier environmental study abroad program for college undergraduates.
SFS creates transformative study abroad experiences through field-based learning and research. Its semester and summer programs explore the human and ecological dimensions of the complex environmental problems faced by our local partners. The work of their faculty and students is integrally linked with the priorities of the natural resource dependent communities in which they are located.
SFS “classrooms” include coral reefs, rainforests, and African savannas; the focus of research ranges from wildlife conservation and rainforest restoration to environmental public health and coral reef ecology.
SFS semester programs offer 16 or 18 credit hours with core courses in ecology, resource management, and socioeconomic issues related to environment and development. The Directed Research course introduces students to the process of applied field research. Month-long summer programs offer 4 to 6 environmental studies credits with an interdisciplinary curriculum.
Program information and applications are available from The School for Field Studies Admissions Office, 100 Cummings Center, Suite 534-G, Beverly, MA 01915; 800-989-4418; or online at www.fieldstudies.org.
Tropical Island Biodiversity and Conservation Studies Panama
This 18-credit interdisciplinary environmental field program in Bocas Del Toro, Panama, explores the ecology and conservation at the marine and terrestrial interface. The curriculum and research centers on two case studies: The status of natural resources that are important to the ecological and socioeconomic well-being of Bocas del Toro, and Management strategies that assist in maintaining or improving sustainability of natural resources in Bocas del Toro and contribute to future economic development and diversification.
Courses Offered Fall and Spring Semesters
- CAS BI or EE 379E Tropical Coastal Ecology
- CAS EE 374E Principles of Resource Management
- CAS LS 207E Language, Culture, and Society of Panama
- CAS EE 302E Environmental Policy & Socioeconomic Values
- CAS EE 491E/492E Directed Study in Energy and Environmental Studies
Himalayan Forests, Watersheds, and Rural Livelihoods Bhutan
The Kingdom of Bhutan in the remote and rugged eastern Himalaya is faced with social and environmental changes related to its recent shift from a monarchy to constitutional democracy; modernization of political, social, and communication systems; and the tensions between conservation and development. The topical themes of this six-week interdisciplinary, field-based summer course include development strategies, water resource management, energy, and forestry. Lectures and field exercises provide the conceptual foundation on the cultural, social, political, and environmental characteristics of the country that informs field research projects.
Course Offered Summer Semester
- CAS EE 358E Himalayan Forests, Watersheds, and Rural Livelihoods
Wildlife Management Studies Kenya and Tanzania
This 18-credit interdisciplinary environmental field semester program is conducted in the Tarangire-Manyara ecosystem of northern Tanzania and the Amboseli-Tsavo ecosystem in Kenya. Through the lenses of wildlife ecology, resource management, and socioeconomics and policy we examine how changes in land-use and availability of environmental resources affect wildlife management and livelihood opportunities. Students learn about wildlife ecology and wildlife management through conceptual to practical approaches, and gain an understanding of the socioeconomic context for conservation and development in the region.
Courses Offered Fall and Spring Semesters
- CAS BI or EE 371E Techniques of Wildlife Management
- CAS BI or EE 372E Wildlife Ecology
- CAS EE 302E Environmental Policy & Socioeconomic Values
- CAS LE 205E Introduction to East African Tribal Communities
- CAS EE 491E/492E Directed Study in Energy and Environmental Studies
Courses Offered Summer Semester
- CAS EE 350E Wildlife Management and Conservation
- CAS EE 357E Techniques in Wildlife Field Studies
Field Practicum in Public Health Kenya
A four-week summer field research practicum in public health in Kenya introduces students to Kenya’s community health strategy and rural health care practices. Through a field project, exercises, field excursions, and classroom lectures and discussion, students emerge with a well-rounded understanding of the health issues in the region, and the linkages among health, environment, and culture. Students engage in practical research and assessment in the field. We take an evidence-based approach to public health, where students learn to identify problems, analyze the underlying causes, and pose evidence-based recommendations for potential interventions.
Course Offered Summer Semester
- SAR HS 407E Field Practicum in Public Health and Environment
Rain forest Studies Australia and New Zealand
The astonishing biodiversity of Australia’s and New Zealand’s rain forests, their declines, and dynamic conservation efforts make these areas extraordinary laboratories to study rain forest management and restoration. The goal of the semester (Australia) and summer programs (both countries) is to understand through coursework and research the dynamics of rain forest ecosystems, including the impacts of global climate change, and the socioeconomic values associated with rain forests and restoration. Students consider effective rain forest restoration strategies that benefit the ecosystems and local communities.
Courses Offered Fall and Spring Semesters
- CAS BI or EE 369E Rain Forest Ecology
- CAS EE 370E Principles of Forest Management
- CAS EE 302E Environmental Policy & Socioeconomic Values
- CAS EE 491E/492E Directed Study in Energy and Environmental Studies
Courses Offered Summer Semester
- CAS EE 354E Rain Forest Management Studies
- CAS EE 355E Techniques for Rain Forest Research
Marine Resource Studies Turks and Caicos Islands
The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) lie at the southeastern end of the Bahamian archipelago. Coral reefs, seagrass beds, and sand flats provide a diverse study area for this 16-credit program that focuses on marine ecology, fisheries management, and small island society. TCI has an extensive network of protected areas, but little is known about their function and effectiveness. Students in semester and summer programs evaluate the concept and practice of marine protected areas as a management strategy. Through research students produce data and information that will help the people of South Caicos manage the impacts of fisheries and tourism on their marine environment and resources.
Courses Offered Fall and Spring Semesters
- CAS BI or EE 373E Tropical Marine Ecology
- CAS EE 374E Principles of Resource Management
- CAS EE 302E Environmental Policy & Socioeconomic Values
- CAS EE 491E/492E Directed Study in Energy and Environmental Studies
Course Offered Summer Semester
- CAS EE 351E Marine Protected Areas: Management Techniques and Policies
Sustainable Development Studies Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a resource-rich, biodiverse country that is rapidly developing while at the same time is recognized for its efforts to conserve and protect natural resources. With an interdisciplinary focus on tourism, sustainable agriculture, and ecosystem management, in semester and summer programs students examine land and resource management schemes, identify the benefits of protected areas, and determine how these approaches affect economic development and the conservation of biodiversity. Research in ecology, natural resource management, and economic opportunities in these landscapes helps students understand the complexity of conservation and development.
Courses Offered Fall and Spring Semesters
- CAS EE 377E Tropical Ecology and Sustainable Development
- CAS EE 374E Principles of Resource Management
- CAS EE 303E Economic & Ethical Issues and Sustainable Development
- CAS EE 491E/492E Directed Study in Energy and Environmental Studies
- CAS LS 205E Language, Culture, and Society of Costa Rica
Courses Offered Summer Semester
- CAS EE 352E Sustaining Tropical Ecosystems: Biodiversity, Conservation, and Development
- CAS EE 493E Applied Research Techniques and Strategies Toward Sustainability in the Tropics
