Biodiversity of Kenya
BOT/GEO 496/596
May 16 - May 31 2011

General Information:
The summer 2011 intensive workshop will focus on the natural history, ecology, and human-environment relationships of several important geographical regions. Visits to plant- and wildlife-rich areas will include rural villages and bushland at the base of Mt. Kasigau in the Taita wildlife corridor between Tsavo East and West National Parks (home to the largest herds of elephants in Kenya) and Mt. Kasigau in the Eastern Arc; the Kenyan highland forests with the Green Belt Movement of Kenya, an overnight stay along the shore of Lake Naivasha in the Great Rift valley, and the the world-renowned savanna grasslands of the Masai Mara that joins the Serengeti. We will conduct studies of diversity that focus on comparative views of species, ecosystems and landscapes, examine unique ecological relationships between plants and animals, and address the complex conservation issues facing management authorities and local communities. You willl learn about different public and private conservation practices in important protected areas and the impact of these sites on local cultures. Field trips go from morning till night to view wildlife and plants, and to learn about the livelihoods of Kenyans. Lectures are provided by specialists and researchers based in Kenya, as well as a Miami University faculty member. In addition, Kenyan guides trained in areas such as ornithology, ecology, outdoor leadership, etc. will accompany students to share their extensive knowledge of Kenya's natural history and ecology, and provide their own introduction to some of the indigenous cultures.

Prerequisites:
Permission of the instructor (Dr. Kim Medley, Geography) is required to register; an introductory biology/geography/ecology course is recommended.

Course Evaluation::
The course will include at least four pre-trip meetings, a post-trip gathering, and collaboration on post-trip presentations. Student must submit a pre-trip project prospectus by the end of Spring 2011. Final projects and a Field Notebook are due by the end of the first week of Fall 2011. During the fall, students are asked to collaborate on a public presentation (poster, talk, web page). Active participation in group activities and discussion are also essential.

Credit:
The course is 6 credits that may be applied directly toward majors in botany or geography, as a synthesis course in the environmental science co-major, or toward general elective/required hours in the biological sciences. Three credits may be applied toward the zoology major, pending approval by the departmental advisor, and the course is now approved as a second-tier experience in the University Honors Program. The course is an approved Miami Plan Liberal Education senior capstone and as a 6-credit study abroad program meets the new Miami Plan 'global' requirement.

Enrollment:
The course will be limited at the upper limit by our accomodations and a minimum of 12 students must enroll or the course may be canceled.

Cost:
Course costs include registration for the 6-credit hour course, the payment of an additional workshop fee of $1,400, and round-trip air transportation from your home to Nairobi, Kenya (these tickets will be purchased when the trip is confirmed). Additional funds will be needed to process your passport and visa application ($25), obtain immunizations ($200+), obtain an HTH insurance card (~$30), purchase drinks (soda and water) during the trip, and contribute toward the tip for the driver guides.

Scholarship Assistance:
-Geography Field Fund- for majors in the Department of Geography (competitive)
- Department of Botany Eshbaugh-Wilson Fund- for all course participants
- Office of Continuing Education (competitive among workshop programs and participants)
- Office of International Programs (several competitive scholarships based on need and merit)

Payment:
You must turn in a deposit check for $200 and a completed reservation form to confirm your place in the course. Reservation forms are available from the Department of Geography.

Registration:
After the deposit is received and the minimum enrollment is met, we will purchase our air tickets to Kenya. Consider these approximate deadlines:

Deposit of $200 by mid February 2011
Purchase Airline tickets by early March 2011
Submit additional fee ($1200) by early April 2011
Register and pay for the course by mid April 2011

All payments must be received 30 days before departure

Passport, Visa, and Immunizations:
Students who enroll in the course must have a valid passport to enter Kenya. Specific immunizations also are required. Check with the Miami University Health Center to arrange for all necessary immunizations and to obtain an anti-malarial prophylactic.

HTH Insurance Card:
Miami University requires participants in all traveling workshops to purchase supplemental insurance for international travel. The forms and information are available through the Office of International Programs.

INSURANCE AND LIABILITY:
Miami University requires all students to complete and sign a certificate of medical insurance coverage, an authorization for medical procedures, a release of medical information form, and an acknowledgment and waiver concerning responsibility for student travel. All forms will be provided at the first pre-trip meeting.

Restrictions- Please understand that Dr. Medley does not allow students to consume alcohol at any time during this trip-- it will not be a part of the experience.

QUESTIONS:
If you have questions regarding the course, contact Dr. Kim Medley
(513-529-1558 or medleyke@muohio.edu).