Last December, UD became one of those partners and now students and faculty at UD can apply to spend a semester studying there. Under the partnership agreement, UD can select five undergraduates each semester to take courses. Earth and Universe semesters are offered during the fall and spring. Earth semester consists of 16 hours of interdisciplinary subjects addressing the consequences of human impact on the global environment and strategies for limiting that impact. Universe semester is an intensive program in astronomy and astrophysics for astronomy students and liberal arts majors who are interested in studying astronomy.
Students also can do research in conjunction with their courses.
During the summer, field schools and the Summer Biodiversity Institute give environment and astronomy students a chance to examine what they are studying with trips to places like the Grand Canyon, Sea of Cortez, Petrified Forest and Colorado River. Project coordinator, Allan Fanjoy, international programs and special sessions, said students selected for Biosphere through the UD partnership would receive a 28 percent discount on Columbia tuition for the fall and spring semesters and 10 percent for summer sessions. For strongest consideration, students should apply by April 23, for the fall semester and by September for next spring.