International field trips
Our intensive international field courses offer you the chance to see first-hand just some of the global challenges that we're working towards meeting within the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences.
From assisting with poverty reduction and exploring complex environmental and planning issues in South-East Asia, to examining New Zealand landscapes to learn how geohazards such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and tsunami affect human society, you'll develop your understanding and practical skills in your chosen field.
You'll also have the chance to meet and, in some cases, stay with staff and students from your host country, and experience a range of educational, social and cultural experiences you wouldn't generally be exposed to in Australia.
ERTH2110: Tectonics of Active Plate Boundaries
Description
You'll have the chance to examine two types of boundary – a convergent plate margin in New Zealand's North Island, and a transform plate boundary in the South Island – both of which produce dramatic but remarkably different surface geomorphologies that are influenced by deep-earth processes. Combine this with the effects of strong global climate fluctuations throughout Pleistocene time (numerous ice-ages) and you're in one of the best places to study landscape evolution.
You'll learn first-hand important concepts in tectonic geomorphology by examining active volcanic and mountain geomorphologies, an experience unavailable in Australia. You'll witness how tectonic processes influence not only geomorphology but also climate and how these landscapes continue to evolve. You'll learn about the active processes that dominate these environments and how landscapes respond to tectonic and climate forcing. You'll also have to opportunity to learn about important geohazards related to plate boundaries (volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, landslides, floods and tsunami) and how these affect human society.
Details
(Note: This course is not currently offered in 2022).
Course code: ERTH2110 Tectonics of Active Plate Boundaries (formerly GEOS2110)
Units: 2
Open to: domestic undergraduate students. This is an elective course. Email our team at sees.enquire@uq.edu.au to find out if you can take this course as part of your program.
Location: New Zealand - Auckland, Taupo volcanic zone, Wellington, Marlborough Sounds, Christchurch, Canterbury Plains, Aorangi, Southern Alps and Haast Pass, the Alpine Fault
Coordinator: Professor Jonathan Aitchison
Cost: there are additional fees payable to undertake this course. You will also need to arrange and pay for your own travel to Auckland and from Christchurch (we'll provide further details), and pay for your accommodation and food while you travel.
Course cap: 25 students. Places will be awarded based on your year level, academic performance, and relevance to your study program.
Travel requirements: ensure you have a current Australian or New Zealand passport valid for the dates of the trip. You will also need to:
- have at least a moderate degree of physical fitness
- have clothing and equipment suitable for outdoor activity in alpine environments (we'll provide further details).
Contact: sees.enquire@uq.edu.au
PLAN3200/PLAN7200: Exploring Development Complexities in Indonesia
Description
The fieldtrip course in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, aims to provide students with hand-on experiences on development challenges. You will be working in the field for 14 days, in collaboration with local students, and industry partners (local Non-Governmental Organisations, local communities, and government organisations). Topics will be related to housing and environmental problems, slum upgrade projects in urban areas and sustainability and disaster resilience in rural areas.
Details
Course code: PLAN3200 / PLAN7200 International Field Course: Exploring Development Complexities
Units: 2
Open to: domestic, international, undergraduate and postgraduate students. Note: this is a semester 2 course
Location: Indonesia
Duration: Dates to be confirmed (two weeks in July 2023, during inter-semester recess – likely to be 5-19 July), plus 3 days of pre-departure workshops during semester 1 (in person, compulsory attendance, dates to be confirmed).
Coordinators: Dr Sonia Roitman and Dr Ron Johnstone
Cost: there are additional fees payable to undertake this course. Funding may be available for eligible students under the New Colombo Plan.
Course cap: 32 students. If interest exceeds this number, places will be awarded based on your year level, academic performance, and relevance to your study program.
Travel requirements: ensure you have a current passport and a valid visa to Indonesia for the dates of the program (which can be obtained on arrival into the country).
Registration: Submit your EOI (expression of interest) form here by Monday, 27 March 2023, 5PM.
(Note - late EOI registrations will be placed on a waitlist, however there is no guarantee you will be offered a place).
Contact: sees.enquire@uq.edu.au
GEOS3004: International Field Studies - Natural & Built Environments (Hong Kong)
Description
Hong Kong has less land area than Brisbane City but is home to more than 7 million people. This interdisciplinary course, consists of a series of lectures and a 10-day fieldtrip, will give you the opportunity to explore the natural landscapes, contemporary society, environmental management issues and solutions, urban planning and (re)developments in a densely-populated yet highly organised global city.
Details
(Note: This course is not currently offered in 2022).
Course code: GEOS3004 International Field Studies: Natural and Built Environments (Hong Kong)
Units: 2
Open to: domestic and international undergraduate and postgraduate students. Note: this is a Semester 1 course
Location: Hong Kong
Duration: (during Semester 1 mid-semester break), plus a series of lectures during semester 1
Tour Leaders: Dr Sebastien Darchen and Dr Annie Lau
Cost: there are additional fees payable to undertake this course.
Course cap: 20 students. If interest exceeds this number, places will be awarded based on your year level, academic performance, and relevance to your study program.
Travel requirements: ensure you have a current passport and a valid visa to Hong Kong for the dates of the course.
Contact: sees.enquire@uq.edu.au
ERTH3002: India-Asia continental collision system fieldtrip across Tibet
Description
"The best geologist is [the one] who has seen the most rocks" (H.H. Read, 1940). This field trip will give you the opportunity to visit classic locations where type examples of geological processes and products otherwise unable for study locally are best seen. The course will involve an introductory workshop and reading but the major focus will be the field trip itself. The trip will be undertaken in a remote field location associated with a major plate boundary or other first order geological phenomenon. You will participate in field exercises and class discussions and produce a final report at the end of the trip.
Details
(Note: This course is not currently offered in 2022).
Course code: ERTH3002 Global Field Experience
Units: 2
Open to: undergraduate students. This is an elective course. Email our team at sees.enquire@uq.edu.au to find out if you can take this course as part of your program.
Location: China
Duration: 10 days - this course is scheduled during the Faculty of Science's Teaching Free Week.
Coordinator: Professor Jonathan Aitchison
Cost: there are additional fees payable to undertake this course, approximately $1750 (exact amount to be confirmed). You will also need to arrange and pay for your own travel to and from the destination as well as cover additional expenses while you travel.
Course cap: maximum 25 students. Places will be awarded based on your year level, academic performance, completion of prerequisite courses and relevance to your study program.
Travel requirements: ensure you have a current passport and a valid visa to Tibet for the dates of the field trip. You will also need to:
- have at least a moderate degree of physical fitness
- have clothing and equipment suitable for outdoor activity in alpine environments (we'll provide further details).
Contact: sees.enquire@uq.edu.au