Join us for three weeks of fun, travel, and learning in England. This study abroad opportunity is open to all students who have had at least one course in biology.
Enrollment is limited to 12 students.
You will have the option of earning 3-6 elective credits in biology (These credits count toward the Biology Major). We will study Charles Darwin and the origins of evolutionary theory in BIOL 481: History of Biology (3 credits). You can also contract for 1-3 credits of Independent Study (BIOL 491). Contact Joel Hagen for more details.
This year marks Charles Darwin's 200th birthday and the 150th anniversary of the
publication of his most famous book, On the Origin of Species. This will
be a very special time to visit England and Scotland because there will be many
commemorations of Darwin's life and work.
Our study will begin in Shrewsbury, Darwin's birthplace. Shrewsbury is one of England's finest medieval market towns. It has hundreds of historic buildings, narrow winding streets, and a market square. Next we will travel to Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. Darwin studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh, which had one of the world's best medical schools. He found medicine distasteful (surgery was performed without anesthetics or antiseptic drugs), and left the university without earning a degree. We will spend three days exploring the many cultural attractions of this cosmopolitan city.
We will spend about 4 days in Cambridge, the university town where Darwin studied. Cambridge University is one of the world's great universities, with many attractions. Darwin's rooms were in Christ's College. The Museum of Zoology and the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences include collections that Darwin made on his five year voyage on the HMS Beagle. The Botanic Garden was founded by Darwin's teacher, John Henslow. Several other museums at the university are also worth visiting.
We will spend about 10 days in London, a city with something to offer everyone! We will have many opportunities to learn about the history of biology by visiting the British Natural History Museum, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, the Royal College of Surgeons, Linnean Society of London and London Zoo. We will also take field trips to Charles Darwin's home, Down House and his grave at Westminster Abbey. Other London attractions include historical sites, shopping, museums, concerts, and theater. Check out a students' guide to various activities in London. For spectacular views of the city ride the London Eye, or (if you're not afraid of heights) climb the dome of St. Paul's Cathedral.
We will round out our trip with several days in Oxford, home of Oxford University. The Museum of Natural History was the site of a famous debate about the theory of evolution between Thomas Henry Huxley and Bishop Samuel Wilberforce. The museum also houses many interesting collections including specimens collected by Darwin. We will also have an opportunity to visit the Botanic Garden and other museums.
This study abroad program is designed to allow ample free time for sight-seeing and exploring the rich cultural attractions offered by these cities, including theater, concerts, shopping, museums, and historical sites.